It’s Memphis Grizzlies’ luck for John Wall to return against them

All-Star point guard John Wall is returning from injury tomorrow, and of course it’s against the Memphis Grizzlies. Is this a troubling sign for the Grizz?

You never want to wish injury on anyone, and I’m definitely not doing so when I say this: it’s the Memphis Grizzlies luck that John Wall is returning tonight against them.

Could this team catch some sort of break?

Granted, they couldn’t capitalize at home against a Heat team without Hassan Whiteside. Missed free throws messed up any chances they had to beat an Oklahoma City team without Paul George.

However, after an embarrassing outing against the Heat, you’d think they could channel their frustrations from that game into this outing against the Wizards. They can still do so, but John Wall will make everything more difficult.

He’s missed the past eight games as the Wizards went 4-4 in that stretch. Tonight, the Grizzlies have to be on their A-game to take home a victory.

Andrew Harrison will probably see the most time against John Wall, and his defense against Russell Westbrook the other night is a promising sign. Saturday night, he forced Westbrook into shooting 7-29 from the field. He uses his size to bother point guards, but he’s also a cautious defender, rarely gambling on steals. Tonight, he’ll have to do the same to stop Wall.

Other keys to the game

• STOP BRADLEY BEAL

Wall’s backcourt compadre, Bradley Beal, has played at an All-Star level this season. He’s averaging a career-high 23.8 points and played a huge role during Wall’s absence. In the eight games without Wall, he averaged 23.3 points — including a 51-point outing in Portland. Wall is often the primary focus defensively, but they need to prioritize Beal just as much as he can easily go for 30-40 points.

• Chase Otto Porter off the 3-point line

Last season, Otto Porter upped his 3-point percentage from 36.7 percent to 43.4 percent. After a huge payday this offseason, he’s found a way to improve his 3-point shot and his overall game. He’s averaging a career-high 15.3 points on 45.9 percent shooting from deep, seven rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals. Last season, he averaged 19 points against the Grizzlies — his highest scoring average against any team. He also shot 6-13 from deep against them. If they don’t chase him off the 3-point line, he’ll make them pay all night long.

Aggressive Marc

More from Beale Street Bears

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

There aren’t many center duos worse than Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi. It’s inexcusable for Marc Gasol to have an off game against them. They have to get him going early. If Gasol can’t capitalize on this matchup, it’ll likely result in a loss.

Game Info

Who: Memphis Grizzlies @ Washington Wizards

Where: Capital One Arena – Washington, D.C.

When: 6:00 PM – ct

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast — or any online stream

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis