The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to erase the sour taste they have after losing at the Indiana Pacers last night with tonight's matchup against the Orlando Magic. The team has also lost back-to-back games dating back to their loss at the Los Angeles Clippers prior to the NBA All-Star break.
The Grizzlies haven't lost three consecutive games this season and have a 14-4 record after a loss, so the odds are in their favor. Memphis led wire-to-wire and defeated Orlando in the team’s home opener on October 26th, and they are seeking their third series sweep of the Magic in the last four seasons.
However, after playing their first game at full health for the first time in over three years, the Grizzlies will be without one of their most important role players and arguably their best perimeter defender.
Vince Williams Jr. has been ruled out against the Magic
Vince Williams Jr. has only played seven games this season for the Grizzlies after appearing in 52 games last season. He has dealt with a stress reaction in his left tibia that caused him to miss the Grizzlies' first 12 games of the season.
Following his return, he suffered a grade 3 ankle sprain after only three games and that caused him to miss the team's next 35 games before returning the day before the NBA trade deadline against the Toronto Raptors. Now, Vince Williams Jr. is dealing with knee soreness that is causing him to miss his second set of a back-to-back games since his return to the lineup.
He missed the Grizzlies' loss to the Clippers after playing in the team's victory over the Phoenix Suns the night before on February 11th. After playing the second most minutes he has played in a game this season against the Pacers last night (20 minutes), the third-year wing was ruled out shortly before their game against the Orlando Magic.
This injury is likely more precautionary than something that could linger long term as he has missed the majority of the season and has only missed the second night of a back-to-back since his most recent return to the court. His intensity and defensive versatility will be missed as the Grizzlies face the likes of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero of the Magic.
Expect a mixture of Scotty Pippen Jr. and the Grizzlies' newest signee, Lamar Stevens, to step into the bench role that will be vacated by Vince Williams Jr. as they look to complete the season sweep of the Orlando Magic.