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3 Keys to Memphis Grizzlies Regaining Intensity Versus Phoenix

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 28: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 28: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 28: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 28: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on February 28, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Gasol Okay to Play?

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol is a fierce competitor. He always has been. He has given this franchise his all and is known to play through lingering injuries if at all possible. His point guard counterpart, Mike Conley, is the same in this regard.

Gasol was injured in the second half of Wednesday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings. At first, it appeared as it may have been a broken collarbone for “Big Spain.” Thankfully, that was not the case. He is expected to be a full “go” on Saturday versus Phoenix.

This is something to watch from both teams’ perspectives. Is Marc Gasol truly 100%? Or is he actually at 50% but forcing himself through the game due to the team’s severe lack of frontcourt depth?

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies: Status Update on Marc Gasol's Injury in Sacramento. light

Let’s face it. Without Gasol for an extended period of time, the Memphis Grizzlies would likely be back where they were in the 2017-18 season — next-to-last place in the Western Conference. He has nearly the same amount of impact as Conley, which is a large reason why Memphis only won 22 games last season.

When Phoenix begins to defend Marc, the Grizzlies should absolutely expect them to be extra aggressive with No. 33. They probably saw how Memphis collapsed once Gasol left the game on Wednesday, so it would be smart to bring Ivan Rabb onto the floor for some minutes.

By playing Rabb, it will relieve Marc Gasol of some potential fouls while still playing “big,” but also lessen the chance of No. 33 worsening the injury that was suffered just days ago.

Even with “Big Spain” demonstrating confidence in playing on Saturday, the Grizzlies need to tread lightly, especially versus a lesser opponent.

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