The San Antonio Spurs have been itching for a rematch after a 129-115 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Devin Vassell made that very clear in his post-game remarks.
“I can’t wait – let’s play them repeatedly and once more,” Vassell stated. “These video games if you’re chirping and going forwards and backwards, you develop up enjoying like that, and that’s thrilling. … As quickly as that soar ball goes up, I do know it’s gonna be a great one.”
San Antonio may have its probability at revenge on Friday night time. The Spurs will possible have a chip on their shoulders after an intense recreation on Wednesday. Victor Wembanyama may have one thing to show after the sports activities world went nuts over Ja Morant’s dunk on him, even when it didn’t technically rely.
It’s becoming this recreation between two thrilling younger groups will likely be nationally broadcast. The basketball world will likely be watching to see if any extra sparks fly in an explosive matchup.
San Antonio Spurs (19-20) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (26-15)
January 17, 2025 | 8:30 PM CT
Watch: ESPN | Pay attention: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Jeremy Sochan – Out (again) Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)
Grizzlies Accidents: Ja Morant – Questionable (knee), GG Jackson – Out (G League), Marcus Good – Out (finger), Cam Spencer – Out (thumb), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (ankle), Zyon Pullin – Out (G League)
What to observe for:
Defending the perimeter
The Grizzlies gashed the Spurs repeatedly on dribble drives of their final matchup. That led to simple factors within the paint or attractiveness for shooters on kickouts. Memphis outscored San Antonio within the paint 62-42 and shot 42.1% from three. San Antonio has to do a greater job containing the perimeter, or their protection will disintegrate. Particularly towards Memphis, who’ve the stretch bigs to make Wembanyama pay for safeguarding the rim. Holding the Grizzlies out of the paint will likely be key to a Spurs victory.
Getting probably the most out of Stephon Fortress
Stephon Fortress is again in a giant manner. He adopted up a 24-point efficiency towards the Los Angeles Lakers with a career-high 26 factors towards Memphis. He’s gotten again on monitor by aggressively attacking the basket and being smarter about discovering his angles within the paint. He’s taken care of the basketball and used his sturdy physique to open up alternatives for himself. San Antonio desperately wants extra offensive consistency outdoors of Wembanyama. One other large night time from Fortress would do them wonders.
Profitable the bench minutes
The Grizzlies bench crushed the Spurs. It wasn’t simply San Antonio’s second unit that bought beat up, it was the starters, too. Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard made life depressing for the Spurs with 20 factors and 15 factors, respectively. San Antonio has to win the minutes when the Grizzlies starters aren’t on the ground. Memphis’ depth is among the finest within the NBA, so the Spurs have a giant problem forward of them once more on Friday.
