Game Preview: Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies

When: Friday, January 26th, 7:00 PM CST

Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

How To Watch/Stream: BallySports Southeast

After a four game road trip took them from ‘Jurassic Park’ to South Beach, the Grizzlies will return home. They went 2-2 while traveling, which with a roster as depleted as this? That ain’t too bad.

The Orland Magic—who find themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference Play-In—are next. Their next opponents that is. They’ll be coming into town with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the charge.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies find themsleves in a different position. As banged up as they are, the ability to string any amount of wins together is one that is a premium currently. As of late, it seems like it’s a different guy a day that’s added to the injury report. So these games continue to get harder.

On the other side of that coin though… It’s been a different guy a night that’s stepped up for Memphis as well. Which all in all is a good problem to have I reckon. It’s only that it isn’t something that you can rely on on a regualr basis. Not when your as shorthanded as they are.

One has to imagine the Grizzlies see a bit of themselves in this young, on the rise Oralando team. Both squads—albeit one more than the other I imagine—are clawing for a spot in their respective Play-Ins. Will have to see who wants it more tonight.

Who’s Behind Door Number #1?

Ja Morant. Desmond Bane. Marcus Smart. Derrick Rose.

Those are the four names who would handle the ball in a typical possession in Memphis. In an ideal world. Unfortunately that hasn’t been where the Grizzlies have found themselves.

There have been various injuries that have sidelined the above quartet… And as such, as the season has waned it’s become slim pickings for Memphis. At least on the point guard front.

Because as of now there are two true, healthy point guards on this roster. And they’re both on two-way contracts. Not great.

Which isn’t a knock on two-ways. Not at all. I’m a huge proponent of the contracts, and Memphis more than most have utilized them in such a way it’s been aces.

But two-way guys are two-way guys for a reason. The Grizzlies’ other option at the #1? Luke Kennard. ‘Point Luke’ as it were.

So that’s what we’re working with tonight. A guy playing out of position and two G-leaguers. Bring it on says I.

Believe it or not, the early results from this group have been… What’s the best way to say it… A group that has performed at a moderate success level? That sounds so lame, but I promise that’s not my intent.

🎯🎯🎯 @G1LYARD pic.twitter.com/d3jBDFZBk9

— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) January 25, 2024

Let’s start with ‘Nardo’. Since Bane went down in the Clippers game here’s been his per game averages. Following this game—mind you—was when he took on an increased workload. The results haven’t been anything to turn your nose at either.

In those six games, he’s averaged 14.5 PTS, 3.2 REB, and 4.7 AST on 46.2/44.7/75.0% splits. Pretty promising right? Jacob Gilyard’s 4.3 PTS and 4.4 AST averages in that same span aren’t too shabby either.

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee @spippenjr pic.twitter.com/ZoYKV6odLd

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 25, 2024

And then there’s Scotty Pippen Jr.—yes that one’s son—to consider. He’s coming off a 15.0 PTS, 6.0 REB, 6.0 AST game that saw him look ready for the moment. Each would be an option to consider in the game tonight.

Or Coach Taylor Jenkins may elect to run with some combination of all three. That’s what I expect. The way each have played… Not to mention the desperate situation Memphis finds themsleves… Well, all three may have to be behind door #1 in this game. And that’s ok.

The more the merrier right?

Another Neat Audition

Speaking of players who are getting more drive time… Enter John Konchar stage left.

See what I did there? Combined a car reference with a theatre reference for… some reason… Look, I’m not sure what’s wrong with me ok? Been trying to figure it out for a while but I digress…

John Konchar. Not sure if you’ve noticed but he’s been hooping lately. Which let’s be honest… That’s what he’s always done isn’t it?

He warms the end of the Grizzlies bench until he’s called on. At which point he seems to ball out about—what would you say?—75.0-80.0% of the time. And not only does he ball out, but he manages to do everything that Memphis asks of him.

This feels like I’m not giving him his due. I promise—again—not my intent. For as much as he is that “glue guy”, that’s capable of doing everything you need of the bench…. He’s also good for a double double when you need it.

Look no further than last outing against the Heat.

CAN'T FALL ASLEEP ON 'EM!! pic.twitter.com/9kzJ8AsdNP

— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) January 25, 2024

It’s because of his skillset—Swiss-army esque—and his contract—right at $6 mil/year next season—that makes him so… Neat. To use a ‘Jitty-ism’. But both are big reasons why he’s becoming a trade target around the league the closer we inch to the deadline.

It seems the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors are only a few of the teams interested in ‘Jitty’. And as much as I love ‘The Magic Konch’ the Grizzlies should be using every one of these games to test drive him. These games up until the deadline should all be about John and trying him out for the league.

It’s going to suck to see him go, but it sure has been one hell of a neat time while he’s been here. So let’s keep enjoying it while we can sound good?

Photo Credit: (Petre Thomas/USA TODAY Sports)