The Memphis Grizzlies will continue playing without Tyreke Evans, as he nurses a rib injury. What does that means in this matchup against the Celtics?
Tyreke Evans has been deemed “out” for this matchup, after injuring his ribs in Friday’s game against Cleveland. His absence could spell trouble for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Celtics.
Yes, depending on your stance of the season. You want them to lose as many games as possible, but nobody should want to see them get slaughtered.
Having a great scorer like Tyreke Evans certainly helps you out in most games. However, against elite teams like the Celtics, you need a creative scorer to hang around with them.
Without Evans, the Grizzlies will have to rely heavily on Marc Gasol. In addition, it opens up more opportunities for Andrew Harrison — who has been playing phenomenal basketball lately.
Not to mention, without Tyreke Evans, we’re missing out on an under-appreciated matchup. Yes, I’m talking about him against Kyrie Irving. As we all know, Irving is one of the best isolations scorers in basketball and could quite possibly be the best ball-handler of all time. Evans, on the other hand, is perhaps one of the most underrated isolation scorers in the game.
Seeing these two exchange dazzling moves would’ve made this game entertaining. Instead, it might get scary for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Though they don’t have Tyreke Evans, who are some players to watch for? What are the main keys of the game?
What to watch for
- Boston’s young guns.
Boston might be an elite team, but they do have their flaws. Aside from Kyrie Irving, they lack potent shot-creators. However, if you get their young players rolling, the night will be a long one.
Jayson Tatum started the season as one of the most dynamic scorers of the rookie class. He even held sole position of the highest 3-point percentage in basketball. Though he cooled off, he’s still someone you don’t want getting hot.
Jaylen Brown is more known for his two-way potential, but he has had a few high-scoring games. His athleticism and improving 3-point game make him a sneaky scoring option.
Lastly, Terry Rozier is an X-factor for this Celtics team. If he’s on, Boston becomes deeper and scarier. In the past ten games, he’s averaging 15.8 points on 46.6 percent shooting from deep and 4.5 assists. If he continues his hot streak, good-bye to any chance Memphis has in winning this game.
- Andrew Harrison
What a revelation! Aside from Chandler Parsons, no Grizzly player has received more criticism since the start of last season than Andrew Harrison. It might be time to delete some of those tweets — yes, I’m @’ing myself, too.
So far this month, he’s averaging 15.3 points on 44.4 percent shooting from deep. Harrison has simply been confidence attacking the basket and letting it fly from downtown.
How he finishes out this season could determine his role for next season. If he continues this torrid pace, you might lock up the backup point guard spot next year — unless the Grizzlies draft Trae Young or Collin Sexton, but that’s a different story.
If Harrison could put on another solid outing against an All-Star point guard, he could continue to prove his worth in this league.
Game Info
Who: Memphis Grizzlies @ Boston Celtics
When: 6:30 PM – ct
Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis