Team Profile
Memphis Grizzlies
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112.9 9thOffensive Rating
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105.2 26thDefensive Rating
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7.7 5thNet Rating
2024 Team Stats
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Points per game120.9 13th
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Points per game Against111.5 22nd
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Rebounds per game47.9 12th
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Assists per game30.4 5th
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) isn't expected to play on Saturday against the visiting Knicks. Ja Morant (shoulder) is done for the year, and Marcus Smart (finger) will miss at least six weeks. To make matters worse, Desmond Bane (ankle) won't suit up after tweaking his ankle on Friday night versus the Clippers, so the team will need to go deep into the rotation. As a result, Luke Kennard, David Roddy, Xavier Tillman Sr., Jacob Gilyard, Vince Williams Jr., and Ziaire Williams are all worth considering in any fantasy format on Saturday night, considering each player should see plenty of minutes and scoring chances.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (ankle) exited Friday's loss to the Clippers. The 25-year-old, who finished with 15 points, sprained his left ankle after stepping on Kawhi Leonard's foot near the end of the third quarter, ending his night after 23 minutes of work. Head coach Taylor Jenkins couldn't provide an update on Bane's health. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him in the lineup on Saturday versus the New York Knicks. It's another tough blow for Memphis, with the Grizzlies recently losing Ja Morant (shoulder) for the remainder of the year and Marcus Smart (finger) for the next six weeks. Nonetheless, Jaren Jackson Jr. should see an uptick on the scoring end without Bane, Morant, and Smart on the floor. Additionally, Ziaire Williams, Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, and Xavier Tillman Sr. should draw streaming interest in deep fantasy leagues, even though none are routine producers offensively.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jackson will make his return after missing Tuesday's game due to a right knee contusion. The expectation is that Ziaire Williams and Xavier Tillman Sr. will see reduced roles in the rotation. However, Tillman should still have a fairly significant role with Bismack Biyombo being waived. Fantasy managers should expect Jackson to resume his normal role on Friday.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks. It's another significant blow to Memphis' backcourt, which also learned on Monday that they will be without superstar Ja Morant (shoulder) for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. Smart was on a heater before suffering the setback on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring at least 23 points with four three-pointers in each of his last three games. With the 29-year-old lockdown defender now sidelined likely until after the All-Star break, the Grizzlies should turn to Desmond Bane for primary ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities. Luke Kennard is also in line for more minutes at the point while Derrick Rose (hamstring) remains on the shelf.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) exited Tuesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. He didn't return. Ja Morant (shoulder) is done for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) wasn't available, so Smart was expected to be a top producer for the Grizzlies on Tuesday night. He met expectations, amassing 23 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 4-for-8 from deep. Unfortunately, Smart's evening ended after 21 minutes of work because of a right finger injury. Nonetheless, Memphis will have two days off before meeting the Clippers on Friday night, and depending on the severity of the injury, the 29-year-old could be out there. However, if he isn't, Desmond Bane, scoring a team-high 32 points versus the Mavs, would be a popular DFS option. Additionally, guys like Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams, to name a few, could get more involved offensively.