標籤: Grizzlies

It’s been a tough year for Memphis Grizzlies fans. After a year of struggling to return to the playoffs thanks to a 48-win season, Memphis struggled greatly in head coach Tuomas Lisallo’s first full season with the team, winning only 25 games.

Now, the Grizzlies’ friends and family are dealing with a much more difficult hardship than anyone ever wants to experience.

On Tuesday, Priority Sports Agency revealed that one of their clients, Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, has died at the age of 29. According to the agency, Clark officially died on May 11, 2026.

The cause of Clark’s death has not yet been revealed to the public.

pic.twitter.com/9ecZSZKLcJ

– Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) 12 May 2026

The Oklahoma City Thunder made Clark the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, but his rights were already traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick. Clark spent his entire seven-year career in Memphis, during which he made 50 appearances out of 309.

Clarke had been sidelined since 20 December with a calf injury; He finished his season playing only two games. This was a common theme in recent years, with Clarke’s 2023–24 season ended after just six games due to injury.

The Vancouver, British Columbia native averaged 10.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg while playing 20.8 minutes per game during his NBA career as a member of the Grizzlies.

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LeBron James has been in the headlines recently as his NBA future continues to be debated. Several teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have been mentioned as possible destinations if he leaves the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Memphis Grizzlies could possibly be removed from the list.

James made his YouTube golf debut with Bob Does Sports on Thursday afternoon and was asked about playing for the Grizzlies. The four-time NBA champion not only rejected the idea, but he asked the Grizzlies to move to Nashville.

“You think I want to do this [expletive] at a random in memphis [expletive] Thursday?” James said. “I’m not the first person in the NBA to talk about this. We’re all like, ‘You guys have to move on.’ Just go to Nashville…their only chance would be 2003 if they won the lottery and I’d probably pull an Eli Manning and not come.”

James is not the first NBA player to mention the Grizzlies moving to Nashville. In March, Golden State forward Draymond Green called for the Grizzlies to relocate to Nashville, sparking conversation among fans about this possibility. In fact, the city has not been mentioned as a possible expansion destination.

The NBA has circled Las Vegas and Seattle as two expansion sites. Seattle lost the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008, while Las Vegas never got a professional NBA organization. The city has hosted the NBA Summer League and the NBA Cup in the past, so this isn’t a surprising development.

Nashville would likely require an existing organization to relocate to the city. If it were up to James and Green, the Grizzlies would relocate from Memphis to Nashville.

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ATLANTA – At this point in the season, every win matters for the Atlanta Hawks. It doesn’t matter who has been in front of them in the month of March, but for the most part, they have been able to take care of business and try to give themselves a chance to make the playoffs.

This time, the schedule featured the Memphis Grizzlies, whom they defeated 146–107. The Grizzlies have suffered a lot of injuries and roster turnover during the season, and despite coming into the game with a 24–46 record, they are still competing.

For Hawks, the task was simple, and to take care of business as usual.

“As a group, we’ve been professional,” Nichelle Alexander-Walker said. “That’s what it’s all about, doing your job. It doesn’t matter who they put against you. We were very conscious of who we were playing against tonight.”

“At the end of the day, these are the 450 best players in the world and the Grizzlies are dealing with a lot of injuries,” Onyeka Okongwu said. “There’s a lot of guys in and out of the lineup, so those guys are getting opportunities. They’re all working hard, and you’ve got to respect that. We’ve still got to do what we do and take care of business at the end of the day.”

The Hawks struck first to start the game and they continued to punch until the clock struck zero. Whether it was Alexander-Walker’s 26 points, Zachary Rishachar’s team-high eight rebounds, or CJ McCollum’s nine assists, they did everything they could to get the win and the Hawks treated this game like any other.

“One thing I learned is that if you lose to a team like that, it’s bad. If you beat a team like that, it’s like, ‘You should do this,'” Alexander-Walker said. “You don’t really win in that situation. You have to kind of break out of the noise, and you have to be professional.

“It’s my job to play the game, it’s my job to work hard, and it’s my job to try to win and do what I need to do for the team. Everybody came out to do that tonight, and I think that’s been a consistent thing that’s shown over time.”

There has been a lot of talk lately about the maturity of this team, and it has shown over the past month or so. They’re sticking to the game plan and coming in with the same mentality every night.

“I think it’s a collective thing where guys are putting the team first,” Quin Snyder said. “That’s where we have to be focused, and when that happens, we’re crashing the offensive glass, we’re sharing the ball, getting into the lane, breaking into the paint. Focusing on defense, I think, is the most important thing. When you see everybody bought into that, it says a lot about the guys in our locker room.”

Things will not be easy for the Hawks in the next few games, as they will face the top two teams of the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. They know the importance of those games, but as long as they keep doing what they’ve been doing throughout the month, they’ll give themselves a chance to win.

The Atlanta Hawks are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Jalen Johnson is among the players listed on the game’s injury report, so is he playing tonight?

Johnson is struggling with a shoulder problem. The Hawks are hoping to have him on the field against the Grizzlies. Johnson has been one of the Hawks’ most important players this season.

Here’s everything we know about Johnson’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Grizzlies.

Jalen Johnson’s injury status vs. Grizzlies

According to the NBA injury report, Johnson is questionable to play on Monday night.

Atlanta is looking to clinch a playoff berth rather than a play-in position. The Hawks have played well in recent weeks and sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 39-32 record.

As for the Grizzlies, Memphis is 21-50 and in 14th place in the Western Conference.

The Hawks are in good position to win on Monday, but they would still love to see Johnson on the field. When it comes to the question of whether Jalen Johnson is playing tonight against the Grizzlies, the answer is probably.

hawks injury report

The Hawks have four players listed on the injury report.

• Jalen Johnson (left shoulder inflammation): Questionable
• Raze Dennis (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Keyshawn Gilbert (G League Two-Way): Questionable
• Asa Newell (G League on assignment): Questionable

grizzlies injury report

The Grizzlies have 10 players listed on the injury report.

• Taj Gibson (right foot soreness): questionable
• Cam Spencer (lower back pain): Questionable
• Santi Aldama (recovering from right knee surgery): Out
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (recovering from surgery on right 5th finger): OUT
• Brandon Clarke (right calf strain): Out
• Cedric Coward (personal reasons): out
• Zach Eddy (recovery from left ankle surgery): out
• Jahmai Mashak (left ankle sprain): Out
• Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain): out
• Scottie Pippen Jr. (recovering from right toe surgery): Out

The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2026 NBA Draft with two first-round picks and the first selection of the second round. It all depends on the Indiana Pacers maintaining their tank lead over the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. However, as the standings settle over the last few weeks of the regular season, every front office executive expecting a lottery selection will participate in at least one NCAA Sweet Sixteen square-off.

Franchise-changing talent fills the bracket, and for an organization with great drafting depth, even first-round prospects deserve a hard look. EVP Zach Kleiman’s scouting department should prioritize these three matchups to understand how the Grizzlies should utilize their top-5, top-20 and top-33 selections this summer.

Duke, St. John seems one-sided

This matchup provides one of the widest scouting ranges in the area. All eyes will be on Duke freshman Cam Boozer, a unanimous top-five pick whose evaluation is more about confirmation than discovery. Boozer’s mix of size, experience and offensive polish makes him the safest bet among this group, and a deep tournament run will only strengthen that position.

However, what the Grizzlies need to take away from this matchup goes far beyond Duke’s star. Evans, Ngongba and Sarr all enter the Sweet Sixteen with something to prove. Each is in danger of falling out of the lottery without a strong showing in March, which creates urgency and opportunity for a team pick at the end of the first round.

On the St. John’s side, Zubie Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell represent the kind of motivated prospects that scouts love to track in high-risk environments. Playing as underdogs against a Duke roster loaded with lottery talent, both players have the platform to make a financial leap if they can take advantage of the moment. The Grizzlies would be well served to evaluate how each performs under pressure and against specific competition.

About Arkansas vs Arizona All Stars

This matchup is less about star power and more about volume scouting. The Razorbacks and Wildcats offer a mix of high-end guard play and international size, filling two clear needs for the Grizzlies’ future roster. Basically, the convergence of Darius Acuff Jr. and Melek Thomas against Koa Peat, Braden Burries and Motijes Krivas offers an extended look at players who could fit into Tuomas Isalo’s rotation at multiple positions.

Acuff Jr. and Thomas are certainly explosive scorers. His matchup against Arizona’s perimeter defense will serve as an important assessment of how his play translates against a high-level structure. Pete, in particular, is the type of versatile frontcourt player the Grizzlies could attract if they opt to insure Zack Eddy. On the other hand, can Arkansas stop anyone without a foul?

This is the type of game where front offices can identify fit-based targets rather than pure upside. Memphis should pay particular attention to players who can contribute within a defined role. Trayvon Brazil and Jaden Bradley, both second-round projections, could move into the late first-round conversation with strong performances in a game of this magnitude.

Houston, Illinois is in depth

If the goal is to evaluate competitive translatability, this is the key match. Houston’s Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac taking on Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Tomislav Ivicic presents a series of straightforward, NBA-caliber positional battles. These are the types of face-to-face assessments that often hold more importance than raw statistical outputs.

But this game may ultimately be decided by the level of the second round. Joseph Tugler vs. Kylen Boswell and Milos Uzan vs. Andrej Stojakovic represent four players who could swing a deep, high-stakes NCAA Tournament game and, in doing so, dramatically change their draft trajectory.

Zvonimir Ivicic is the real wild card of the game. When locked down, Illinois’ great power becomes a force that security struggles to contain. When isolated, he may remain missing for long periods of time without registering any meaningful impact. This inconsistency is a red flag for any team investing in a guaranteed contract, and it’s likely worth valuing him as a late second-round selection or undrafted free agent option. Well, until the Sweet Sixteen slugfest against Cenac changes that narrative.

The tank-season situation of the NBA Draft will take care of itself in the final weeks of the regular season. What requires active management right now is an intelligence gathering operation ahead of one of the team’s most consequential draft nights in recent memory. The Grizzlies aren’t just looking for talent; They are assessing the risk across multiple choices.

Two first-rounders and the 31st pick give Memphis flexibility. The Sweet Sixteen gives the front office a clear view of who deserves them.

The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark to stop an eight-game slump. He found it in the long-term defensive versatility of Taylor Hendricks. In a crucial home win over Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, the 22-year-old shotstower showed why the Grizzlies are betting on his former first-round pedigree.

Hendricks changed the stat line that defines “disruptive,” racking up 13 points, six steals and three blocks in a matchup against the three-time NBA MVP. This performance was evidence of the Grizzlies and Isalo’s growing comfort level with the coaching staff. Judging by the early contests, the last few weeks have been sensational. Since February 23, he is averaging 13 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Credit goes to something that can’t be measured as easily as shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc.

“That’s our communication from the bench,” Hendricks said. “It’s telling each other that the only way to get better is to finish games.”

That trust and respect for all voices represents a change for the 6-foot-9 forward, whose path has been slowed by injuries since entering the league. Amidst a chaotic season with two different teams, Hendricks is finally being given the freedom to play through the mistakes. This is benefiting the Grizzlies in a big way, who now know they have a fundamental frontcourt piece.

“Taylor has been great. That’s one of the things that hasn’t really surprised us, but just his ability with his wings. He’s really disruptive,” Isalo stressed, “(Hendrix) is able to put pressure on smaller guards and bigger guys while handling himself physically, and being able to regain his position.”

Whether defending on the perimeter or battling inside, Hendricks’ ability to toggle between positions has given the Grizzlies a flexible piece during a period defined by roster instability. But this opportunity did not materialize just like that and the path to reach this point was not easy.

Grizzlies come to the scene in spring

Isalo believes a change of scenery was just what was needed to provide the mental reset needed to move on from those setbacks.

“I think it’s really just a fresh start, and if you look at Taylor’s short professional career so far, it seems like he’s had some injuries. He obviously had a big injury last season, and it’s not always easy to come back from that,” Isalo said. “And from what I see and know in discussions with him, you see he’s really enjoying playing. He feels very grateful for the opportunity. He enjoys it. He says you know every day I learn something new and play through the mistakes, which is really not the case.”

Hendricks’ willingness to “play despite mistakes” has allowed the young forward to have an impact on wins even when his jumper isn’t falling. Jokic struggled against the Nuggets from deep, shooting only 1 of 10 from three-point range. In many systems, such a cold night can result in benching; Under Isalo, it was a footnote to a dominant defensive night.

“It’s something that I think is a really good fit for him, and he’s found a really good spot on our roster where he complements a lot of other guys,” Isalo explained. “He’s able to play the big spot, rebound there, but also at the four. And he’s hitting shots. Even (against Jokic), he was 10 of 10 from three, he still impacts the game in a very positive way. So, it’s not like he needs to just make shots to impact the game, and those players are very valuable.”

Looking for a late-season highlight, Isalo’s preference is to lean toward opportunity. Few players embrace it more than Taylor Hendricks. A more aggressive and smooth version of the first-rounder is probably the best Zach Eddy insurance for the Grizzlies. If these disruptions hold true to his on-court character, his upside could fill much of the void left by Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Denver Nuggets lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 125-118 in a shocking upset on Wednesday. According to insider Adam Mars, after the Nuggets’ terrible loss to the Grizzlies, there was a feeling that the Nuggets were not an NBA title contender.

“This is the game that impressed me. I don’t think this Nuggets team is going to be what I thought they would be. Bad discipline, leadership, toughness. Has every potential to be special, but when your season is on the line if you can’t win against a team that’s trying to lose, there’s something wrong,” Mares wrote on X.

Mars indicated that the team did not have it, because they could not handle a bad team that was not trying to win. Things started out well enough, as the Nuggets were tied 60-60 with the Grizzlies at halftime. But a bad third quarter put them in a hole and they could not recover from it. The Grizzlies took advantage of Denver’s mistakes and secured the upset.

Nikola Jokic finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds on 11 of 19 shooting. Similarly, Christian Braun added 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting. Turnovers were to blame for this, as the Nuggets turned the rock over 19 times. A few weeks ago, the Nuggets were in third place in the Western Conference. Currently, they are in sixth place with a 42–28 record.

The Nuggets have a chance to win some of the games they have lost over the past few weeks. But a three-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and a two-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers displayed some hidden issues within the team. The Nuggets will have a chance to redeem themselves on Friday when they host the Toronto Raptors.

The Denver Nuggets probably entered FedExForum on Wednesday thinking they were going to get an easy win against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the opposite happened, as the Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 125-118.

The Nuggets suffered their fourth loss in seven games, losing 42–28. Although they still have plenty of chances to find their footing, losing to the Grizzlies, who had only 24 wins before their head-to-head, was unforgivable.

In a video posted by Altitude TV after the game, Denver coach David Edelman expressed regret over his inadequate effort and allowing Memphis to blame no one but himself. control Of the game.

“Really a bad loss for us. I give them (the Grizzlies) credit, they played very fast, they played the way they play. There’s no excuse for it. I knew we’d be tired and sloppy to some degree, but it’s a long game, a lot of time to get ourselves into the game, and I thought we just waited too long,” Edelman said.

After falling behind 39-31 in the third period, the Nuggets tried to rally in the fourth quarter. But the Grizzlies managed to stop them. Edelman explained that playing backwards “is not a good place to be in the NBA.”

“The way we played early gave them a lot of confidence, even though it was tied at the half, I don’t think we played well,” Edelman said.

“A bad loss for us”

Hear more from head coach David Edelman at https://t.co/FkAXlCYDGb 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/MdTrJpHK0P

– AltitudeTV (@AlteachTV) 19 March 2026

The Grizzlies played 80% of the game and scored 27 points off the Nuggets’ 19 turnovers.

Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists and 10 errors. Jamal Murray added 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

They’ll look to bounce back on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

As the Memphis Grizzlies navigate more absences than highlights, the same question is being asked in countless ways. What will the future look like if Ja Morant is no longer the answer? Well, Ty Jerome is showing Tuomas Isalo and the front office what a cost-effective solution looks like. While much of the league’s attention has focused on Morant’s availability and trade rumors, Jerome has quietly posted All-Star-caliber numbers.

Jerome is currently the only player averaging over 20 points per game (20.9) at Memphis, surpassing both Jaren Jackson Jr. (19.5) and Morant (19.2) in scoring output this season. It’s a small sample size, admittedly, but the statistical profile shows that Jerome is much more than just a “hot hand” on a weak team. Look at Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double in three quarters against the Denver Nuggets.

The lack of a front court has made it difficult to evaluate this season. However, Isalo knows the Grizzlies have at least one locker room leader for next season.

“Ty has been very strong for us the whole time,” Isalo said. “He’s become one of the premier creators in the entire league, able to create shots for himself and others.”

Jerome leads the Grizzlies in 3-point attempts (6.6) and is shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, which is the hallmark of a typical modern point guard. Perhaps most impressive is that Jerome Morant is getting to the free-throw line just as often as he is, but maintaining a field goal percentage 8% higher than Morant.

Like Ja, Ty also has a target on his back, given the shorthanded nature of the roster that has been limited to two-way players, 10-day contract signings and 42-year-old Taj Gibson. Yet, Jerome turns the ball over only 1.9 times per game, compared to Morant’s 3.6. His 5.4 assists per game lags Morant’s 8.1, but the raw stats don’t fully capture the circumstances.

“(Jerome) gets the toughest assignments every night…a lot of length on him, a lot of physicality,” Isalo explained. “They try to take the ball out of his hands, but somehow he always finds a way.”

Even under the microscope, Jerome’s statistical profile matches up favorably with the league’s starting guards returning from injury. For example, his production is compared to Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans). Murray is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.1% from three and committing 3.4 turnovers per game. Jerome’s scoring, efficiency and ball security all stand out in that comparison.

The financial implications are equally important. Jerome is under contract for $9.2 million through the 2026-27 season, a fraction of Morant’s $42.4 million cap hit and significantly less than Murray’s $32.8 million salary. In a league where roster flexibility often determines whether teams can pursue contention, the difference in salary cap optionality could prove significant.

That contract disparity is where Jerome’s value becomes truly transformational for the Grizzlies. His cheap deal frees up ample room for frontcourt additions this offseason, giving the front office flexibility that would be lost if the franchise was forced to pay market rate for comparable point guard play. If Morant is traded this summer, the 28-year-old would provide a reliable, affordable bridge rather than a crippling void.

Jerome can also serve as a mentor. A rookie point guard added through the draft would benefit from playing alongside a steady veteran who values ​​efficiency and decision making. With Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells all capable of contributing in ball-handling duties, a Jerome-anchored backcourt could help develop the guy who ultimately assumes the lead guard role long-term.

That stability could be invaluable for a team dealing with uncertainty around one of its biggest stars. Jerome may not have arrived in Memphis with the fanfare of a franchise cornerstone, but his breakout season has quietly given the Grizzlies something every front office desires. All rebuilds have option rules on everything. And with Morant’s future still a big question mark, the Grizzlies may soon have a strong reason to see how far Jerome’s rise can go.

In a widely expected move, NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the league is taking steps toward expansion with teams potentially coming to Seattle and Las Vegas. Assuming everything happens, this will lead to an imbalance of teams in the Western Conference. But Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes he has the answer.

During a recent episode of ‘The Draymond Green Show,’ Green argued that not only should the Memphis Grizzlies be moved to the Eastern Conference, but they should be completely uprooted and moved to Nashville as a home city.

“Obviously the first consideration is what happens with the conference, the conferences. You have two Western Conference teams coming in, Vegas has to be in the Western Conference, Seattle has to be in the Western Conference,” Green said. “Minnesota should be an Eastern Conference team. No losses, no fouls. Memphis, which should probably be in Nashville, should be an Eastern Conference team.

“Adam, let them just do us all a favor, and move the team to Nashville. No losses, no fouls, transfer fees, it’s a swap. Give up that area, you don’t have to pay a transfer fee. … I think it’s actually a lot easier to rearrange the conferences. But you ask yourself, or do you get rid of the conferences.”

While the Grizzlies moving to Memphis is an entirely different story, only one team would need to move to the Eastern Conference, given that Seattle and Las Vegas are both in the West. After this, there will be a total of 16 teams in each conference. Memphis is slightly further east than the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a potential move to Nashville would make them even further east than some of the teams already in the Eastern Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans could also be a candidate to move to the Eastern Conference following NBA expansion.

The Chicago Bulls host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. It also marked the return of one of Chicago’s favorite players, Taj Gibson.

When Gibson entered the game, he was warmly welcomed by the fans at the United Center, according to RealMyKibets on Twitter (formerly Twitter). Additionally, according to Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, the 40-year-old Gibson said he was not sure he would be able to return to play.

Gibson was last in town on January 24 against the Boston Celtics to witness his former teammate Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony.

Standing ovation for Taj Gibson in 2026. pic.twitter.com/SsLoUKSeFS

– MikeyBets (@RealMikeyBets) 17 March 2026

In February, Gibson signed a two-year contract with the Grizzlies after they acquired Kyle Anderson. On March 13, he made his debut, playing 13 minutes and scoring 3 points as the Grizzlies lost to the Detroit Pistons 126–110. Last year, Gibson played for the Charlotte Hornets and before that for the Pistons.

However, Gibson made his mark with the Bulls. He played in Chicago from 2009 to 2017 after coming out of USC. In 2010, Gibson made the NBA All-Rookie team and in 2014, he was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.

Additionally, Gibson became known as an effective defensive presence, especially in blocking. Additionally, the Bulls made two playoff appearances during his tenure in 2011 and 2015. In 2011, they finished with a 62–20 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

Four years later, the Bulls finished with a 50–32 record. Ultimately, they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The punchless Memphis Grizzlies have gotten to the point in one losing season where NBA Draft prospects matter more than pride. With a 23-43 record and no realistic path to the postseason, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Fortunately for the front office, the remainder of the schedule assures about a dozen other odds-boosting losses, according to bookmakers. However, it is the battles against the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and Milwaukee Bucks that matter most.

Tuomas Isalo may be looking to pick up some positive culture-building wins over the next few weeks, but the stakes are huge in those games against other lottery-bound Even-Rans. Sitting eighth-worst in the league, Memphis currently has a 6% chance at the top spot and a 7.2% chance at a top-four spot. As things stand, falling to the 10th pick is a realistic possibility.

The Grizzlies have a path to reach the fifth-worst record, which would increase those odds significantly. EVP Zach Kleiman will go to the ping-pong party with a 10.5% shot at one of the top four spots. Finishing below the Jazz in the standings will ensure a top-8 selection. Sweeping the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, two teams that are consistently trying to win games, gives Memphis a 9% chance of landing Cam Boozer, Darius Acuff, AJ DiBantsa, or Kingston Flemings.

Dealing for Caleb Wilson or Nate Ament is a far better outcome than giving up either Mikel Brown Jr. or Brayden Burries. Nothing against Brown Jr. or Burroughs, it’s just that the Grizzlies are hoping to acquire a franchise cornerstone in a one-year reset, not take a chance on another late-lottery role player.

Grizzlies are sour on jazz notes

Chicago is still looking for respect and has enough talent to consistently win competitive games. That trip to the Windy City on March 16 marks the beginning of the injury-plagued team’s last stretch. Isalo’s shorthanded team will take on the Bulls again on March 28 at FedEx Forum. This game will also be the sixth game in nine days for Memphis. Tired legs led to the defeat at the end of the season, so fans should not be too disappointed about the results.

Memphis will also have to spend Easter Sunday away from family. The Grizzlies will take on the Bucks on April 5 while everyone else will be talking about the Final Four. There will be some hiatus before flying back to Beale Street for one last home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers (April 6). Those last three games, starting on a high in Denver before facing the Jazz and Houston Rockets, will likely sap the last bit of energy from all the players still standing.

There is very little margin for error on the downs, and these four games will ultimately decide how high the Grizzlies can climb when lottery balls come out. In a season defined by heartbreaking defeats, the most important is still to come.

Highlighted by Bam Adebaya’s 83-point loss on the Washington Wizards the night before and Max Crosby’s trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens, the Philadelphia 76ers had a very exciting turn of events with none other than the recently added Cam Payne leading the team to a 139-129 win over the Minnesota Grizzlies.

Now granted, the Grizzlies are a 23-win team and didn’t play their only remaining Big 3 star, Ja Morant, against Nick Nurse’s team, but in this day and age, any 76ers win is tough to come by, especially in a game without Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.

Fortunately, VJ Edgecombe was able to return from the injury suffered against Spurs earlier this month and he started the game alongside Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre, Adem Bona and Dominic Barlow and played 35 minutes in their victorious return.

After seeing the 76ers struggle to get much production from their non-star starters for most of the season, four of Philadelphia’s starters scored in double figures, with Barlow leading all starters with 11, Edgecombe with 21, Grimes with 23 and Oubre with 30 points. However, Oubre didn’t lead all 76ers in points, as in an absolute heater of a performance, Payne went on a nuclear attack off the bench, scoring 32 points in 30 minutes, while making all eight of his 3 pointers, all six of his free throws, and nine of his 10 shots from the field on his way to 30 apiece.

And the best part? Payne was not only slinging the ball, but sharing the love with his teammates, spending 10 dimes to record a double-double at +/= of +22.

Have the 76ers finally found a more team-friendly offensive approach where everyone eats? Does Maxi really bounce the ball that much, as many of his haters have claimed? After all, Payne isn’t going to do it shoot 8-8 from beyond the arc Every game, so it’s hard to say, but in this game, he certainly looked impressive, and was the kind of microwave bench scorer who can give the 76ers buckets with Jabari Walker in reserve.

Cam Payne can’t be stopped😤

8 out of 8 32 points on 3pts!

pic.twitter.com/IlStSGF3G1

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 11 March 2026

The Philadelphia 76ers provided the latest update on rookie guard VJ Edgecombe ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, as the team deals with multiple injuries during a crucial stretch of the regular season.

Edgecomb is listed as questionable on the injury report with a lumbar injury after missing the team’s most recent game. Philadelphia (34-30) will attempt to stop its recent decline in the Eastern Conference standings when it hosts Memphis (23-40) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET.

The 20-year-old guard last appeared in the 76ers’ 131-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Tuesday, when he suffered an injury. Edgecombe finished that contest with six points, four rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal in 20 minutes. He shot 2 of 9 from the field and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line before being taken out of the lineup for the next game.

Despite his recent absences, Edgecombe has been one of Philadelphia’s most productive young contributors during his rookie campaign. In 57 appearances this season, the guard is averaging 15.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He is shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.1% from 3-point range while logging 35.1 minutes per contest.

76ers battle injuries as VJ Edgecombe’s status remains uncertain

His potential availability comes at a critical time for Philadelphia, which has lost two consecutive games and four of its last six. The team dropped to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference standings after a 115-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

Philadelphia has struggled to maintain continuity amid several key injuries. Tyrese Maxey is out with a sprained right finger, while former MVP center Joel Embiid is expected to be out at least a week with a strained right finger.

Those absences have put additional pressure on the rest of the 76ers’ rotation as they attempt to remain competitive in a tightly packed Eastern Conference race. The team has made a record of 4-6 in its last 10 matches.

Edgecombe’s status will likely be determined closer to tipoff as Philadelphia evaluates his recovery from a lumbar injury. If cleared to play, the rookie could provide needed backcourt production and defensive activity as the 76ers look to stabilize their lineup against a Grizzlies team trying to build momentum during the closing stretch of the season.

Michael Porter Jr. is getting the night off during an important tank matchup following the Brooklyn Nets’ unexpected win over the Detroit Pistons. Porter was ruled out of Monday’s game with the Memphis Grizzlies for rest.

The night of rest comes after the Nets lost in a tightly contested tank race following a 23-point comeback in the second half against the Pistons on Saturday. Porter scored a game-high 30 points with 13 rebounds in the impressive win. He played 39 minutes, his most in any game this season.

The win, which snapped a 10-game losing streak, moved the Nets into a tie with the Washington Wizards for third place in the draft lottery standings. They are 1.5 games behind the second-place Indiana Pacers and two games behind the first-place Sacramento Kings.

Can the Nets pick up their second straight win on Monday against the depleted Grizzlies?

Even with Porter and Egor Demin sidelined, the Nets will have a good chance to pick up their second straight win on Monday. The Grizzlies’ eight highest-paid players are on the injury report along with other players.

Memphis will be without Ja Morant, Zach Eddy, Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke and Taj Gibson on Monday. Meanwhile, Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Taylor Hendricks are questionable.

If all of the above names are ruled out, the Grizzlies will have only eight available players against the Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Javon Small, Ryan Rupert and Jahmai Meshach. All of those players are on rookie contracts, minimum or two-way deals. There is no center among the group.

Meanwhile, both of Brooklyn’s centers, Nick Claxton and De’Ron Sharp, are available.

The Intuit Dome felt a bit like home for Darius Garland on Saturday night. The Los Angeles Clippers’ mid-season acquisition put on a show in a 123-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, but the highlight for Garland happened after the final buzzer.

For the first time since his trade to Los Angeles, Garland’s family was in the building to watch him suit up in the Clippers’ jerseys. Following the handshake line, the star guard bypassed the locker room to head straight to the sideline. Garland shared an emotional moment with his parents and siblings, posing for photos on the court and soaking in the atmosphere of a successful home debut in front of his inner circle.

The Garland family’s first time seeing DG as a Clipper was a success ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/7qG8hefg1h

– LA Clippers (@LAClippers) 8 March 2026

On the court, Garland looked like he’d been playing in Tyronn Lue’s system for years. He finished the night with 21 points and six assists, stifling the Memphis defense with his trademark floaters and accurate passing. Garland shot an impressive 8 of 20 from the field and knocked down three triples, keeping the Clippers’ offense going even as the Grizzlies tried to take a lead late in the game.

Isaiah Jackson was the beneficiary of several Garland lobs, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Grizzlies struggled to find a rhythm without Ja Morant, although Ty Jerome led Memphis with 23 points in the losing effort. Taylor Hendricks added 18 points, but the Grizzlies had no answer to the Clippers’ balanced attack, with six players scoring in double figures.

With the win, the Clippers continued to climb the Western Conference standings. More importantly, Garland has found his comfort zone in Southern California.

The Portland Trail Blazers face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night and Deni Avdija is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable as he manages a lower back injury, putting the focus on Portland’s versatile forward as the team tries to end a two-game losing streak and maintain its position in the Western Conference play-in race.

The Blazers enter the matchup at 29-33, No. 10 in the West. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies sit at 23-37, No. 11 in the conference and are hoping to bounce back after a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With both teams placing an emphasis on pace at the end of the season, Avdija’s availability becomes even more important.

Avdija has emerged as one of Portland’s most important contributors this season. Over the course of 48 games, he is averaging 24.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. He’s also converting 34.1 percent from three-point range and 80.0 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, the forward contributes 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, making an impact on both ends of the floor.

When Avdija is on the floor, the Blazers operate with more balance and play. His ability to facilitate offense while attacking the rim adds another dimension to Portland’s attack and helps stabilize the lineup during key stretches.

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Deni Avdija Injury Status vs. Deni Avdija Grizzlies

Several other names are included on the Blazers’ injury report. Jason Kent and Caleb Love are out on two-way deals, while Shaddon Sharp is sidelined with a left fibula stress reaction. The injury report also lists Damian Lillard out due to left Achilles tendon injury management. Hansen Yang is also out on two-way assignment.

As for Memphis, the Grizzlies’ injury report has not yet been submitted.

Still, Avdija’s status remains the most important storyline for Portland in the matchup. The Blazers will try to stop their recent decline and salvage their spot in the Western Conference play-in picture. Meanwhile, Memphis hopes to regroup after its recent loss.

So when the question comes whether Deni Avdija is playing tonight against the Grizzlies, the answer is uncertain. His final status will depend on pregame evaluation as Portland looks for another win.

With EVP Zack Kleiman’s Memphis Grizzlies hoping to usher in a new era by trading Ja Morant this offseason, the direction of the franchise has never been more in doubt. Jaren Jackson Jr. has a new home, and Zack Eddy’s recurring surgeries have already created cracks in the new frontcourt foundation. It appears that at least the Desmond Bane deal was a smart move by the front office, which has been very good at finding value through the NBA Draft.

Both first-round picks will likely be spent on a long wing or some AD insurance. The Grizzlies have been lacking in the big department, so it’s no surprise that the rebounding stats are tied for a season record. As for that low-risk, high-reward 32nd pick? Well, the Grizzlies don’t need a direct Morant replica, but they do need a player who can generate offense and put pressure on defense.

Even if Morant remains in Memphis, the Grizzlies are in an ideal spot to add a scoring guard who can compete for minutes behind Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer while freeing up Jaylen Wells to drive the ball. Clemons shouldn’t feel any pressure to trade back into the first round.

Top 20 NBA Draft choices Brayden Burries (Arizona), Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), LaBron Philon Jr. (Arkansas), Cameron Carr (Baylor), and Bennett Sturtz (Iowa) lack Morant’s elite athleticism and some-or-nothing creativity. That’s why he’s not projected to be a lottery pick, but unlikely to fall out of the first round. The five flawed second-round picks are better comparisons and may provide better value given the salary cap situation.

Jaron Pierre adds true pop

Pierre is the most NBA-ready option of this group and the most likely to contribute immediately, even if the 23-year-old’s ceiling is more modest than the others. The 6-foot-5 ball-handling wing averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range at Jacksonville State, earning Conference USA Player of the Year honors before reaching the portal. He attacks the rim with vertical pop, is capable of making powerful dunks from the free-throw line area, and creates his own shot off the dribble or catch.

The secondary is showing flashes of playmaking playmaking as SMU’s top transfer averages 1.9 assists per game, and Pierre rebounds very well (5.1) for a guard at the power conference level. Those assist numbers could be more in a table-setting role, which Pierre will likely have to prove during any Summer League action. However, this is not the case during March Madness.

The definition of a polished, ready-now bucket-getter, Pierre has consistently filled the stat sheet for the Mustangs (17.6 points, 37.3% 3PA). Their defensive attention to detail also needs some work, but the Grizzlies lack a point guard not named Jaylen Wells. For a Grizzlies team that needs cheap, reliable contributors following the Morant transition, big defensive players are a worse gamble than a microwave scorer.

Tyler Tanner is attracting attention

Tanner is the analytics darling of the class of 2026, a 6-foot, 175-pound point guard who has no business being that good statistically. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals/blocks per game, while shooting 48.8% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. The scouts in Vandy’s engine are reconsidering whether they have found any foreign objects.

Ringer’s draft board highlights his ability to get down and finish through contact, though the second-year student’s jumper is still a work in progress. For a Grizzlies team that will be rebuilding its offensive hierarchy, the Tennessee native represents a high-floor project that can develop into a reliable backup with starter equity when the shot comes.

A big attacker framed in an undersized frame, Tanner defies every historical precedent. He’s converting over 60% of his half-court rim attempts and is on pace for nearly 30 dunks this season, a number that no 6-footer has touched since 2008. The concern is obvious, but his elite explosiveness, change of pace, and defensive anticipation give him a Fred VanVleet-like trajectory.

melek thomas moving needles

Thomas is the youngest name on this list at 19, and one of the most attractive names. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he is recognized as a creative center who can initiate offense and make plays with the ball, giving the Grizzlies flexibility with who they draft in the first round. The new players’ passion for the game under Coach Cal is evident, yet the flaws are equally apparent. Thomas entered the season as a potential lottery lock, but inconsistent shooting and struggles against elite competition have cooled his stock.

Forget the worries if Thomas sticks to his NBA Draft plans. Get a five-star All-American in the locker room and worry about the rest later. The Arkansas star shows impressive comfort working in pick-and-roll situations and manipulating the defense with changes of pace. His ability to score from multiple levels makes him a difficult cover, and his size allows him to see defenders when creating passing angles.

If the Grizzlies want a high-upside swing that can develop into a sixth-man spark or more, Thomas fits the bill. Averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 40.3% from 3-point range over 29 games is enough of a sample size. He also posted 1.6 steals per game, offering the two-way dimension that scouts value in a backcourt prospect.

Thomas shows creative hub flashes off the dribble, attacking advantages, and creating looks for himself and teammates with a high motor on both ends. Early season buzz put him in the lottery conversation on some boards, and his sense of rhythm and flow keeps his impact steady even on off nights. Someone with a top 40 pick will snag this low-risk investment.

brandon smith quietly coming in

Braden Smith has been one of the most prolific pick-and-roll initiators in college basketball, and he rarely misses a perfect play while on offense. Averages of 15.5 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds over the last 65 games show proven, consistent, reliability. His 44% assist rate over his last 50 games shows a rare ability to create for others that should translate to the NBA level.

In addition to his offensive skill set, Smith’s basketball IQ, competitiveness and defensive awareness align with the culture the Grizzlies have developed. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-6, Smith makes up for it with a 6-foot-5-inch wingspan, active stealing hands, and a high motor that allows him to compete on that end of the floor.

Tahad Pettiford under pressure

Size limitations and decision-making inconsistencies have pushed them toward the second round on many boards. Auburn’s main table-setter can force contested shots by over-dribbling and struggles to finish beyond length in a half-court setting. Improving his playmaking and efficiency will determine whether he becomes a dynamic spark-plug guard. For the Grizzlies, Pettiford’s burst and scoring mentality mirrors the characteristics that make Morant special, offering high-upside depth that could develop into a dominant creator in the right system.

The Grizzlies are entering a new chapter, and while trading Ja Morant creates an inevitable void, it also creates opportunity. None of these five guards will be able to replace Morant’s highlight-reel talent overnight. However, in a relatively tight draft class, Memphis Creations can swing on upside, athletic pop, and positional size. With two first-round picks already earmarked for the frontcourt, using the 32nd pick on a point guard project with first-round talent and second-round flaws is exactly how the new era should start.

They’re really playing the blues before the basketball game on Beale Street. Ongoing discomfort and a process to address a talar bone strain have soured another Zack Eddy season, leaving fans wondering what will happen in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Memphis Grizzlies still have an investment in the 7-foot-4 Canadian as part of the future core, but the scouting department’s priority is identifying a frontcourt insurance policy as the NCAA March Madness ramps up.

Eddy played only 11 games of the 2025–26 season, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks before suffering an ankle strain reaction. Everyone expects him to be back in the production lineup for at least 65-80 games next season. However, this is asking a lot considering AD’s career highs in on-court mileage. Shooting Floor The same applies to identifying front-court pieces with modern NBA production demands. Memphis should try the same.

Ade Mara has a 7-foot-3 frame that would theoretically pair well with Ade, but Michigan’s paint hub has made just two three-pointers total in college and is hitting below 50% from the free-throw line. This combination clogs the vacancy to the point where few NBA rosters can productively absorb him. The same logic disqualifies Taris Reed and Flory Bidunga. Henry Vissar is a legitimate second-round name, but Kleiman’s Grizzlies are not in a position where a developmental gamble meets the urgency of the current rebuild.

Chris Cenac Jr. is crowned champion

Houston’s other freshman phenomenon is starting to heat up again. While the Kingston Flemings are getting lottery teams in the Space City, New Orleans native Chris Cenac Jr. is a player a championship team is hoping to steal. Four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala made headlines by predicting that the 19-year-old would be the first overall pick in this draft. He is ranked 13th to 22nd overall on the consensus major boards. It’s a perfect fit for the Grizzlies.

Cenac’s defensive rebound percentage (26%) ranks him second among all freshmen, ahead of Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Nate Ament and Hannes Steinbach. He ranks in the 97th percentile in at-rim efficiency, boosted by 30 highlight dunks. Elite mobility, with the ability to switch to the perimeter and guard guards, is evident in high-major games. His length and vertical pop are serious rim protector traits that will be massive. Blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes should be no problem on the first day of NBA training camp.

Standing 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 240 pounds, Senac (9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds) is a mixture of Herb Jones and Anthony Davis. That’s the roof. Natural fluid athleticism is rare for a player his size, and he has increased confidence in taking jumpers, including from beyond the arc, which could make him a modern stretch in the NBA. His floor is still higher than all the other big men not selected in the top five in the last five drafts.

It’s all about landing spots, and the Grizzlies have a great rookie role in Cenac as Ade’s sidekick. Kelvin Sampson said before the season that Cenac would be a pop man rather than a roll man, able to spot spots in transition, handle the ball and pass. The results have been substantial but certainly not shocking. There are concerns about his lack of signature skills and occasional inconsistency in performance, especially in rebounding.

ClutchPoints watched the game sitting next to the NBA decision maker and Cenac was boxed out twice in one half by the smallest player on the court. Three-point shooting (32.9%) seems to be maxed out given the free-throw (61.1%) numbers. Houston is working to break those bad habits and increase accuracy before the conference tournament begins. The Grizzlies should reap those awards for the rest of the decade.

hannes steinbach is a star

Admittedly, Hannes Steinbach is not as athletic as Cenac. However, the most decorated frontcourt freshman in the Big Ten is not on a tournament team, which is either the saddest story of March or the most convenient situation for lottery-bound organizations to do their homework. For a quick update on the Portal Era, the 19-year-old went through the Wurzburg Baskets youth program and has Basketball Bundesliga experience, but he wanted to test the NCAA waters this season.

Averaging a double-double at 18.2 points (33.3% 3PA) and 11.4 rebounds per game he was already climbing high on draft boards, so coming to the states was the right call. Even without real perimeter help and playing through frequent double-team looks, he leads the Big Ten in rebounding and has recorded 11 double-doubles. This is high-floor production the Grizzlies can use immediately. Averaged 17.4 points and 13 rebounds to lead Germany to a silver medal at the FIBA ​​U19 World Cup last summer, reflecting that championship mentality.

Tuomas Isalo would love to have reliable rebounding, high effort level and above average skills for a big man. Steinbach can be deployed everywhere and expect to be successful as a rookie, and has more progression as a shooter (71.1% FTA). Footwork, internal strength, touch, decision making, tested internationally, all the boxes are checked. Scouts view him as one of the safest bets among the bigs for a reason, even if it’s hard to envision an All-NBA upset.

Patrick Ngongba II needs time

The skilled finishing around the rim, solid vision and steady defense that fills Patrick Ngongba II’s stat sheet (10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists) draws praise from scouts. If the Grizzlies get a chance to bring the Duke star to FedEx Forum, Ja Morant will be happy to throw passes like Nikola Jokic. Ngongba II was limited as a rookie due to a lingering foot injury, averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10.6 minutes, but those numbers have bounced this season (1.7 steals/block). The NBA front office believes his exponential growth trajectory is just starting to build momentum.

Nongba II will be a more reliable rim protector and better assist protector than the New Orleans Pelicans got in Yves Missy. His court-reading and instinctive adjustments to connecting with the team are far ahead of most teammates. Memphis may get a glimpse of Marc Gasol during Summer League action.

However, the 20-year-old has an extensive history of foot injuries. Ngongba II originally had two screws inserted in his right foot in high school, and last summer he was seen in a boot on his left foot. Between injuries and lack of shooting, the Grizzlies will need their second first-round selection (from Orlando).

As March Madness approaches and scouting intensifies, the discovery of the Jack Eddy insurance policy is likely to become one of the defining stories of this rebuild. The Grizzlies probably don’t know yet what their next core looks like, but the path almost certainly passes through the frontcourt class of the 2026 draft.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Memphis Grizzlies without their star players for the sixth consecutive game.

“The Mavericks say Cooper Flagg will miss his sixth consecutive game tonight due to a left medial sprain. Memphis is at Dallas for the second straight home game night. This will be Flagg’s 10th game this season he has missed,” Steen, formerly of the X, wrote on Twitter.

It’s uncertain when Flagg will return to action, and the Mavericks may want to be cautious with his injury. During the All-Star break, Flagg was seen in the boot, which raised many eyebrows. Steen reported at the time that the Mavericks were fortunate that his injury was only a midfoot sprain.

“Cooper Flagg was seen with a boot on his left foot at Duke’s home game against Clemson on Saturday, but league sources tell The Stein Line that Dallas feels fortunate that Flagg’s MRI results last week revealed only a left foot sprain,” Stein wrote. “It is still not known exactly how long the 19-year-old will be sidelined, but the Mavericks are relieved that the injury is not more serious.”

Flagg had started to fire before he was hit and it was clear he was figuring things out. The Mavericks made some moves at the trade deadline that indicated they were ready to move forward with Flagg as the future of the team, and it seemed like he was ready for the moment.

It doesn’t seem like the Mavericks are too concerned about Flagg’s injury, and there should be a chance he returns at some point this season. For now, players like Najee Marshall, Klay Thompson, Brandon Williams and others will have to step up.

The deficit is mounting while Ja Morant watches from the sidelines. Sure, the team’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds are improving, but it would be easy for FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans to mentally check out for the rest of the season. They shouldn’t do it, for the same reasons Tuomas Isalo can’t. The Memphis Grizzlies have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, but there is still a lot at stake heading into the last few weeks of the season.

Although the expectations of the NBA playoffs have almost faded, this round is certainly the most important evaluation period of the Zack Kleiman era. The front office needs answers before committing significant financial capital to its young core, and the court is currently loaded with players auditioning for their NBA future.

GG Jackson is getting paid

GG Jackson has been one of the most compelling players in the league, let alone the roster. After all he is still one of the youngest players in the NBA. Now operating without Jaren Jackson Jr., the former South Carolina standout is averaging 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots of February, essentially starring in a new version of the Desmond Bain-Jarren Jackson Jr. role.

Heavy usage, varied shot creation and increased defensive responsibility are expected for the remainder of the season. Jackson will not replace Ja Morant; No one can do that in Memphis, but the Grizzlies really need to determine what that will be. The front office is facing an important financial decision regarding Jackson’s second contract.

Their current performance suggests a valuation north of $10 million annually, which moves them out of the mid-tier exception zone and into a long-term commitment. These final games are an audition for a big payday.

pin a point

Putting the Ja Morant trade drama aside, Tuomas Isalo also needs clarity at the backup point guard spot. Neither Cam Spencer nor Scottie Pippen Jr. made this an easy decision; Jevon Smalls and Walter Clayton Jr. still need developmental reps. Ty Jerome seems more suited to an off-ball role. The Grizzlies are effectively sitting at six point guard options and absolutely zero certainty.

Pippen Jr. brings toughness, fight and an obvious appreciation for the city. He’s exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team wants in the locker room. The problem is one of uniformity. He just hasn’t demonstrated it enough yet. Economics also make the decision feel urgent. Only $350,000 of Pippen Jr.’s $2.4 million contract for next season is guaranteed. That leverage clearly puts Memphis out there, but it also means these final weeks are effectively an effort.

Spencer has shown that he can be one of the best shooters on the planet, although he continues to struggle defensively and handle actual point guard duties for extended stretches. If he can’t run the show, maintain elite shooting efficiency, and become a little more solid as an offensive guard, Spencer’s minutes will dry up once the roster is healthy. Putting in some work won’t be enough to demand a second contract next summer, especially if Darius Acuff or Kingston Flemings is drafted by Memphis.

Ty Jerome is struggling with emotions

Ty Jerome didn’t sign up for a full-scale rebuild. The wily 28-year-old veteran took a deal expecting a competitive team around him, and instead, he’s headed to a season that has lost most of its expected key pieces. Jerome suffered most of the season due to an off-season injury, but nobody got the better of him. No buyer’s remorse yet, but the Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA need something before the summer arrives.

Hopefully Isalo will provide a lot of opportunities. Maximizing the value of Jerome’s expiring $9.2 million deal before the NBA Draft would help everyone going into blank-slate situations. A strong finish alleviates those lingering injury concerns and potentially turns a lousy contract into a long-term asset over time.

tough times for taylor hendricks

The Grizzlies have had their big men hit for too long, and the problems continue. Even incomplete minutes could help the front office determine whether Hendricks fits in with the oft-injured Zach Eddy. Unfortunately, according to Isalo, the Grizzlies did not find the right circumstances to make the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade piece a profitable situation.

“I mean, with every player, whether it’s a steady situation, most of the time for a player like Taylor, it’s going to come down to the puck. It’s getting ahead of your own man, then making good decisions, and developing the skill set of finishing at the rim or finding those open shooters. He was in a tough situation (against the Golden State Warriors). Kyle Anderson started late for the game, and Taylor was a starter after being with the team for a very short time. “Got into the new situation. I thought he did a great job there without even practicing it. Obviously, that’s the big situation (with Jack Eddy).”

expandable evaluation

The Grizzlies are considering a series of roster decisions that will define the franchise’s financial outlook. Hendricks, Jackson and Jaylen Wells are all extension-eligible, meaning their future roles need to align with the salary cap investment. This creates a natural hierarchy with Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward slotting into the wing/off-ball rotation.

Kleiman’s front office can’t afford to enter into extension talks by guessing. Memphis needs data. Players need representatives. They need to know who will fit in with who when the core finally returns.

Losses may dominate the box score, but the evaluation season is not meaningless. For the Grizzlies, the next few weeks will decide everything from the backup point guard job to future contracts. The future of the franchise is essentially being decided on stage every night. For fans who care about what happens next, there’s a lot to see.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s road matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies due to management of a lower back injury, the team has announced in its latest injury report.

The Warriors (30-28) are set to conclude their two-game road trip against Memphis (21-35) with tipoff at 4:30 pm PT. Golden State enters the contest looking to bounce back after a 113-109 loss to the 17-win New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

Green played 32 minutes in the loss, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. He made 5 of 11 shots from the field and connected on one 3-pointer while serving as the primary facilitator in the half court.

The 35-year-old has appeared in 48 games this season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 26.6 minutes per contest. He is shooting 41% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. Green’s availability continues to be a key factor for a Warriors team that is nearing .500 as it strives for a playoff position in the Western Conference.

Draymond Green’s status headlines Warriors’ injury report vs. Grizzlies

Golden State also ruled out De’Anthony Melton for Wednesday’s game with a left knee injury. Melton scored a season-high 28 points in Tuesday’s loss, leading all scorers. He recorded four rebounds, three assists and one steal while shooting 8 for 20 from the field, 3 for 9 from 3-point range and 9 for 11 from the free-throw line in 28 minutes.

The 27-year-old guard is averaging 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 31 games, including seven starts. He is shooting 42.4% from the field and 29.1% from 3-point distance.

The Warriors’ full injury report includes:

• Jimmy Butler III – Outside (right ACL; surgery)
• LJ Cryer – Outside (G League – Two-Way)
• Seth Curry – Outside (left sciatic nerve irritation)
• Stephen Curry – Outside (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Draymond Green – Suspicious (Management of left lower back injury)
• D’Anthony Melton – Outside (left knee injury management)
• Kristaps Porzingis – Outside (Disease)
• Nate Williams – Outside (G League – Two-Way)

Following Wednesday’s contest, Golden State will return to San Francisco to host the Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) in a nationally televised game on ABC on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

The Golden State Warriors suffered a huge loss in their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. To recap, the Warriors were missing Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green, plus a long-term injury sidelined Jimmy Butler for an extended period of time. Even their leading scorer had to sit out for the second consecutive night in De’Anthony Melton’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

But the Warriors still got back to winning ways; It was a team effort that led to the Dubs’ 133–112 win on the road. Eight different players scored in double figures for the Warriors, and it was rookie guard Will Richard who finished the night as the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on 9-15 shooting from the field and 2-6 shooting from deep.

Richard finished with five rebounds, six assists and three steals to round out a fine effort to lead the Warriors to the win. In doing so, Richard became the fourth rookie to have at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in a single game this season, joining Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Jeremiah Fears as the only players to do so, according to WillRichardMuse on X (formerly Twitter).

It has to be said that the absence of some key players for the Dubs gave Richard a chance to fill up the stat sheet. However, he has shown time and again that he can step up when given the opportunity, and that is exactly what he did.

Warriors’ troubles are increasing amid difficult weather

The hits have kept coming for the Warriors; Curry is currently dealing with a knee injury, and the man he got in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t been able to play a few games in a row during his ongoing bout with POTS.

The Warriors will need more from their undrafted players these games, and if Richard can maintain this level of play he should earn himself more minutes.

The Orlando Magic responded to Saturday’s devastating double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns with a 111-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, relying on Desmond Benn’s leadership and scoring to steady the group. What Bane described as a “backbreaker” stretch during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies ensured Orlando avoided a similar decline.

Ben finished with 36 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist while shooting 13-for-19 from the field, 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line in 32 minutes. He posted a team-high plus-12 rating as the Magic improved to 30–26 on the season.

After the game, Ben reflected on the emotional impact of last night’s 113-110 loss in Phoenix, which ended on a buzzer-beater.

“I think it’s huge. Last night was emotional. The double overtime game, losing at the buzzer. I was telling some guys, as I remember last year in Memphis, we lost three games in a row. It felt like it was like the backbreaker of our season, just because you’re so emotional and you’re right there, but you came with us. So I’m really proud of our group. We did it the way we wanted to do it. We’re posing sitting down.” And safety, so that was good to see.

On Desmond Bain #magicalBounce-back victory #shear: :

“Last night was emotional…it felt like a back-breaking event…I’m really proud of our group that we did it the way we wanted to do it.” pic.twitter.com/Zj1MYkG4PO

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 23 February 2026

Grizzlies shape Desmond Benn’s impact with text magic

Benn’s comments referenced the tension with Memphis last season in which consecutive close losses stunted the Grizzlies’ momentum. Rather than allow history to repeat itself, he emphasized poise and defensive discipline against Los Angeles, helping the Magic avoid a potential emotional fallout.

The 27-year-old guard also addressed his development during his first season with the Orlando Magic, noting the adjustment period following his arrival.

“Yeah, I think it’s chemistry. I mean, I was like, a new member was being added to the team. We got Anthony Black, who came up and is playing a different kind of role this year. So I think everything takes time. I feel like I’m in a good place and confident in my work. [and] Just working hard.”

Bane has averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and one steal per game in 56 appearances, while shooting 48.3% from the field, 38.8% from beyond the arc and a career-high 91.3% from the free-throw line in 34 minutes per contest.

Wendell Carter Jr. says ban is ‘exactly what we need’

Teammate Wendell Carter Jr., who recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes against the Clippers, praised Benn’s consistency and approach.

“He reminds me of a lot of other guys in this league, guys who have established themselves and have the mentality that he’s going to play his game no matter what, his process is the same. Early on, he was struggling a little bit but one thing about it is he stuck to what he knows he’s good at. And now we’re seeing the benefits of trading for a guy like that. So it’s his continued advancement. It shows where he’s been in his league in terms of his performance.” One of the best conditions, shooting. [the] Three balls are out here to facilitate playmaking. Like, he’s exactly what we need. So he’s one of those guys, since the Portland game, it’s kind of like that time when the needle has started to trend up and he’s been climbing steadily.

#magicalWendell Carter Jr. on the influence of Desmond Bain:

“We’re looking at what it would be like to make a trade for a guy like that…he’s exactly what we need.”

He has been called “one of the best in the league at his position”. pic.twitter.com/mjICKCa7US

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 23 February 2026

Since the Magic’s 110–106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 23, Ben has increased his production to 21.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 51.8% from the field, 41.9% from 3-point range and 90.4% from the line in 34.4 minutes. Those numbers put him in the 50-40-90 range in that segment.

Orlando concludes its four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers (34-22) on Tuesday night at 10:30 PM ET. With momentum regaining momentum after a narrow loss, Benn’s experience and recent surge is helping the Magic advance in the second half of the season.