After an in depth loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs had a couple of days to relaxation and prepare for a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday evening. They’ll want these few days of prep for a scrappy Memphis workforce. The Grizzlies have managed to tug collectively an eleventh ranked protection (114.2 defensive ranking) regardless of accidents to just about all of their affect gamers.
Of their final matchup with the Grizzlies, the Spurs misplaced 106-98, as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane each went off for 20+ factors. Memphis will probably be with out Morant, and certain Bane who’s listed as uncertain. The all the time regular Jaren Jackson Jr., and rookie breakout G.G. Jackson will probably be offensive threats of their place. The Grizzlies prefer to play a slower, grind-it-out type, whereas San Antonio performs quick. This recreation represents an attention-grabbing conflict of kinds.
San Antonio Spurs (15-54) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (23-47)
March 22, 2024 | 7 PM CT
Watch: Bally | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Charles Bassey – Out (left knee,) Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League,) David Duke Jr. – Out (G League,) Jamaree Bouyea – Out (G League,) RaiQuan Grey – Out (G League,) Zach Collins – Questionable (concussion protocol)
Grizzlies Accidents: Desmond Bane – Uncertain (again,) Brandon Clarke – Out (left achilles,) Luke Kennard – Out (private causes,) John Konchar – Questionable (proper heel,) Ja Morant – Out (proper shoulder,) Scotty Pippen Jr. – Questionable (left shin,) Derrick Rose – Out (proper groin,) Marcus Sensible – Out (proper finger,) Lamar Stevens – Out (left adductor,) Yuta Watanabe – Out (private causes,) Vince Williams Jr. – Uncertain (left patellar,) Ziaire Williams – Out (proper low again)
What to observe for
Victor Wembanyama vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Victor Wembanyama has performed effectively towards the Grizzlies this season, however Jackson Jr. supplies an attention-grabbing defensive problem. With Jackson Jr.’s dimension and velocity, he’s one of many few bigs within the NBA who can persist with Wembanyama in and out. On the opposite finish, he’ll look to push Wembanyama round on the low block.
Wemby had 19 and 20 factors in his final two video games towards Memphis. JJJ struggled of their most up-to-date matchup placing up 10 factors and seven rebounds. He had 27 factors in his first matchup with Wembanyama.
Dangerous offenses conflict
The Grizzlies and Spurs have one main factor in widespread: they struggled to attain the basketball. San Antonio is twenty seventh within the NBA in offensive ranking, Memphis is thirtieth. The Grizzlies are final within the NBA in three-point capturing, the Spurs are twenty seventh. In a conflict of unhealthy offenses, protection is usually key. The Grizzlies are eleventh in defensive ranking and can attempt to gradual the tempo down defensively.
San Antonio is at it’s finest when it’s working off the Devin Vassell, Wembanyama two-man recreation or getting out in transition. It’s probably the Grizzlies will attempt to minimize off each of these offensive techniques. It’ll be on Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, to give you a counter-punch on Friday.
Jeremy Sochan’s capturing
Jeremy Sochan hit a couple of broad open threes towards Dallas earlier this week. His bounce shot is an important a part of his improvement, and seemingly one he’s engaged on often.
Jeremy’s been operating via particular person capturing drills ever for the reason that finish of apply. He and Wemby the final guys on the ground. pic.twitter.com/MP5mZqBlIs
— Matthew Tynan (@Matthew_Tynan) March 21, 2024
Sochan has been working with Spurs capturing coach, Jimmy Baron, on his jumper all season. We’ve seen the outcomes, as he’s a risk to attain on the market and has improved to capturing 32.7% from deep. With groups electing to depart him broad open, Sochan might want to preserve letting it fly. His development in that space will probably be one thing to observe for ultimately of this season and the start of the subsequent.
