Two depleted rosters will battle it out as the Memphis Grizzlies head to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder.
Well, it certainly has not been the best week of the season for the Memphis Grizzlies.
After being held out for a series of games, Tyreke Evans is still somehow in Memphis. Even though everyone loves Tyreke, it was a move (or lack of one) that made no sense whatsoever.
However, the world must go on no matter how many dumb decisions the front office makes.
Tonight, the Memphis Grizzlies will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road. The Thunder have lost 5 of 7 since the Andre Roberson injury. Here are some things to watch.
Battle of Depleted Rosters
Though some are surely legitimate, the Grizzlies have had many “phantom injuries” this season. Chandler Parsons, of course, has found a way to miss a month and a half with “knee soreness”. Every night, there is someone else who is out due to “soreness” or “illness”. I’m all for tanking, but the they could at least pretend a little bit better.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies will not be able to use their “injuries” to their advantage. Both Russell Westbrook sprained an ankle earlier in the week and are unlikely to play.
Expect Paul George to go off in their absence. After all, Tony Allen is not walking through that door to stop him. Or is he?
Bulls officially waive Tony Allen, which has been previously reported.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 9, 2018
No, Tony Allen is not coming back to Memphis.
The Tyreke Redemption
The sooner that we accept that Tyreke is going to be in Memphis the rest of the year, the easier it will be. I’ve already done my rant on that, and yet Chris Wallace is still somehow the general manager.
In the meantime, Tyreke Evans is still a very good player who will help the Grizzlies win some games. That is not a good thing for the team’s future, but it is a thing nevertheless.
Without Andre Roberson, Paul George, an excellent defender in his own right, will likely guard Evans. It will be important for Evans to make George expend energy on defense so that the Grizzlies can get an unwelcome win.
Prediction
Tyreke Evans scoring 30 while the Grizzlies defeat the Thunder is the scenario that will make the most Grizz fans despair. So, accruing to Murphy’s Law, that is the one that will likely happen.
After all, the Memphis Grizzlies aren’t allowed to have nice things like top 5 picks.
Grizzlies 104, Thunder 98
Game Details
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
WHERE: Chesapeake Energy Arena–Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
WHEN: 6:00 Ct
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN