Memphis Grizzlies close out homestand against Phoenix
The Memphis Grizzlies close out a four-game homestand against the Phoenix Suns. Can they avenge their defeats from last two matchups?
The Memphis Grizzlies haven’t had good luck against the Phoenix Suns.
First, there was this:
THEN, there was this:
There are many ways to lose a game, and losing on game-winners like these are demoralizing. They allowed a player they sent away for nothing to drill a game-winner to defeat them. Then, a poster alley-oop dunk is always disrespectful.
However, tonight is a new game.
The Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to get revenge on a team who put them away in single possessions.
What are the main things to watch in this game? Who are the key players for this contest?
Things to watch for
- Point Booker
According to FanSided’s Valley of the Suns, Devin Booker scored 31 points and dropped 10 assists — something Eric Bledsoe only did once in his 221 games as a point guard for the Suns.
Booker did it in his second game as a point guard.
How the Grizzlies plan to attack Booker will be interesting. At 6’6″, he has a size mismatch at the point guard position, but it shouldn’t be an issue if Tyreke Evans returns to action. Meanwhile though, he’s averaging 24.5 points this season, and it looks like he’s becoming more comfortable as a playmaker.
If he goes off in his one, it’ll be tough for the Grizzlies to recover.
- Ivan Rabb
With JaMychal Green out and Jarell Martin’s status unknown, we might see more minutes out of rookie Ivan Rabb. Last game, he had his first NBA start and had an impressive performance. He scored a career-high 12 points on 5-8 shooting and hauled in three rebounds and two assists.
He’s flashed a high IQ so far, displaying a good passing instincts. He’ll get the chance to battle other young big men Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.
- Troy Daniels Revenge Part 2
We’ve already seen him get his revenge the first time. With him returning back to Memphis for the first time, don’t mark out another revenge game out of Troy Daniels.
This month, he’s averaging 10.7 points, launching 6.9 triples a game at a 42.1 percent clip. If he’s given the green light, you best believe he’s looking to prove the Grizzlies wrong again.
- The Tank Watch
With Mike Conley out for the season, the “tank” is a huge storyline. This game has severe implications on it as it could be the difference in staying in the top-six or not.
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
Right now, Phoenix is ahead of the Grizzlies in the lottery standing by one game. Both of these teams though are 3.5 games behind Atlanta for the highest odds of obtaining the number one pick.
If you’re pro-tank, you’ll might be going into his game with Trae Young and Marvin Bagley on your mind.
Game Info
Who: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns
When: 7:00 pm – CT
Where: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis