Las Vegas Summer League Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks

When: 7:00 PM CST, Monday, July 15th, 2024

Where: Las Vegas Summer League, Cox Pavillion, Las Vegas, NV

How to Watch/Stream: NBA TV and Grind City Media App

After a dominant performance to start Las Vegas Summer League, the Memphis Grizzlies look to continue their strong play against the Dallas Mavericks. Cam Spencer has taken Grizz Twitter by storm. Trey Jemison has been a force to be reckoned with. Jaylen Wells has shown promise on both sides of the ball. With those storylines in mind, here’s what I’m watching for Monday evening in Sin City.

What to Watch For

Will Zach Edey play?

If he does, that’s a good sign his ankle injury isn’t anything serious. The glimpses of Zach Edey excited Memphis fans across the world. 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks were more than enough to silence the haters for at least a few moments. His interior presence on offense and defense had fans buzzing. But an ankle injury early on in the 3rd quarter of his Grizzlies debut put a cloud over his summer league prospects. If Edey doesn’t play, nobody can blame the Grizzlies for being cautious with their 1st round draft pick, especially after last season’s injury-riddled season. At the same time, Summer League is a good chance for Edey to get his feet wet in the NBA and show us and the team what he can do. I’m sure Memphis will make the best decision for Edey and the organization. If he can play, 7’4 Edey vs. 7’5 Jamarion Sharp for Dallas will be tons of fun to watch. Remember the earthquake that hit Vegas during the 2019 summer league? We might get another one when Edey and Sharp face off. If Edey can’t suit up, look for Trey Jemison to continue his solid play.

Can Jake LaRavia keep this up?

20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals, 2.5 assists. That’s what the 2022 1st round pick is averaging over his first two summer league games. This is the Jake LaRavia Grizzlies fans have been waiting for. Coming off of a strong finish to the 2023-2024 season, the 3rd year player is giving fans hope that he can be a real contributor this year. Of course, there are guys ahead of him on the depth chart at wing. But if he can continue his strong summer league play and translate that into providing value off of the bench when needed, Jake could be an important player in the rotation.

Will GG have his breakout game?

The 19 year old was phenomenal last season for the Grizzlies. His impressive play was why many, including myself, believed the Grizzlies won the 2024 NBA Draft in 2023 considering GG’s age and where he was drafted. Fast forward to Summer League. Most expected GG to dominate after what he showed last season. After two games, he has yet to truly break out. Though 17 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals over his first three games is a decent stat line, his scoring, and more importantly, his efficiency have been less than stellar. 35.5% from the floor and just 24% from three are dismal percentages. On the bright side, it’s just summer league. And GG will have chances over the next few days to remind everyone of his talents. Let’s see if Monday evening can be the springboard he needs.