NETS GAMENIGHT: #Grizzlies @ #Nets

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (34-25)  @ BROOKLYN NETS (29-29)

Barclays Center 7:30

TV: YES  RADIO: WFAN 660/101.9FM

[quote_simple]

NETS STARTERS
The starting lineup will be  Deron Williams playing alongside  Shaun Livingston in the backcourt with  Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce up front and the man in the middle Mason Plumlee.

Brooklyn played one of their best defensive games of the season on Monday when they trounced the Bulls 96-80 and forced 28 turnovers in the process.  They are looking to climb over .500 for the first time this season with a win tonight.

The Nets beat the the Grizzlies on Nov. 30th 97-88 but they were without big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol so the task will be much greater tonight for Brooklyn.

Kevin Garnett will miss a third straight game due to back spasms.

MEMPHIS STARTERS

The Grizzlies starting lineup will be Mike Conley and Courtney Lee in the backcourt with Tayshaun Prince, Zach Randolph and  Marc Gasol playing in the frontcourt.

Memphis has won seven of their last nine games after pulling out a 110-104 victory at Washington on Monday night.

The Grizzlies are a pretty solid road team having won 16 and lost 11 games to date and are looking for some revenge with the Nets for their early season loss.

[quote_simple]

[box]

Game Notes:

The Nets are looking for their sixth straight home victory and their fourth straight victory overall.

A victory would allow Brooklyn to sweep the season series with the Grizzlies for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

The Nets are 12-11 this season vs. Western Conference teams, including an 8-3 mark since Jan. 1.

[/box]

[quote_simple]WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Keep the defensive momentum

The Nets played their best defensive game of the season on Monday when they destroyed the Bulls with their suffocating defense and relentless pressure.

The type of defensive intensity that was shown Monday night is something that Brooklyn has been searching for all season so hopefully they saw the light and realize that if they come with that intensity from the jump they will win a whole lot more games than they lose.

Defensive pride is a key to winning in this league as we all saw Monday night regardless of the opponent.

[/quote_simple]

[box]INJURY REPORT

NETS

Brook Lopez  – OUT (ankle)

Kevin Garnett – OUT (back spasms)

GRIZZLIES

James Franklin – OUT (D-League)

Quincy Pondexter – OUT (fracture right foot)

[/box]