The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns are currently involved in a race to the bottom. Unfortunately, there are no ties in the NBA; someone will have to win.
I really do wish that there was something positive or uplifting I could say about this game or season in general for the Memphis Grizzlies. In reality, there’s nothing (unless you consider weeping and gnashing of teeth something enjoyable).
Roughly 30 games into the season, the Grizzlies (9-22) and Suns (11-22) have been mirror images of one terrible basketball team. Both teams are near the bottom of the Western Conference. They’re both apart of the bottom six in defensive efficiency. The offensive side of the ball is no different as they’re both in the bottom half of the league in that category as well.
Suffice to say that the basketball gods will not be pleased with this game.
What to Expect
Devin Booker is an electric weapon that is difficult to stop. He’s averaging a career-bet 24.3 PPG and is the anchor of the Suns. To put it nicely, the Grizzlies do not have any true defensive stoppers on the roster. It will take a team effort to slow him down. He has been hurt recently, but if he returns in this game, it might not be pretty for the Grizzlies.
Expect Tyreke Evans and Marc Gasol to have a great game. The Suns’ perimeter defense (or lack thereof) won’t be able to slow down a physical specimen like Evans. This should be a game where Tyreke lives at the rim. Though he has struggled mightily lately, an older Tyson Chandler and Alex Len should also not be able to stop Marc Gasol. Both players will have to be at their best for the Grizzlies to win.
Now here is the most painful thing for me to write: Be ready for the Troy Daniels revenge game. Against the Toronto Raptors, Daniels had 32 points on 11-16 shooting. As Grizzlies fans are aware, he can explode at any given time. Regardless of how many minutes he plays, it’ll be crucial for the Grizzlies’ wings to keep him from going off like he has in the past.
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- 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
Prediction
In the battle of the tanks, someone unfortunately has to win. After a long, close game of likely poor basketball, the Memphis Grizzlies will manage to eke out a win on the Suns’ home floor.
Grizzlies 104, Suns 101
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns
WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena–Phoenix, AZ
WHEN: 8:00 PM ct
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN