Las Vegas Summer League Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans

When: 5:00 PM CST, Thursday, July 18th, 2024

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

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

The Memphis Grizzlies almost Memphis Grizzlies’d the game against the Orlando Magic out in Las Vegas, hanging on for a 104-98 victory after leading by as many as 20 in the first half. GG continued to be the best player in summer league, finishing with another double double at 23 points and 11 rebounds (still 0 assists for those who are curious). Scottie Pippen, Jr. continued to make the case to be a backup PG for the Grizz, finishing 1 assist shy of a double double with 25 points to go with those 9 assists. The Grizzlies round out the “regular season” in Vegas tonight against the winless New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans have not had much success out in Las Vegas and on paper don’t pose much of a threat to the red hot Grizzlies. Jordan Hawkins leads all Pelicans with 16.3 points per game. Memphis comes in with an average margin of victory of 15.3 points and should have no issues handling their business against New Orleans.

And no, I don’t think Zach Edey will play again tonight. The Grizzlies do not need him against the hapless Pelicans and I think he has shown all he needs to show this front office. I think we *might* get one more game out of the big man, but tonight likely won’t be it.

3 things to watch (other than Zach Edey)

MVP Race

The Memphis could be looking at their 2nd Summer League MVP in the last 6 years. GG Jackson II is putting on a show and truly looks like a man amongst boys. Scottie Pippen, Jr. is also having an incredible summer, placing him in the thick of the MVP conversation should the Grizzlies continue to win. Both Pip and GG have stepped up in leadership as well this summer. When they are on the floor the team plays loose, fast, and has had suffocating stretches of defense.

Currently averaging a double double in Las Vegas (22.3 ppg and 10.3 rpg), GG appears to be on another level than the teams the Grizzlies have played. The best thing I have seen out of GG though? He is having fun. After a lackluster start in Salt Lake City, GG has rallied in a major way and looks like the GG of old. No one has been able to hold him and he shot 50% from the floor in last night’s win over Orlando. GG grabbed 13 rebounds last night as well, leading both teams in both categories. GG’s meteoric rise doesn’t appear to be slowing down. There is still maturing and growth to be had, but GG has all the makings of a future real NBA contributor.

Scottie Pippen, Jr. is making a strong MVP case in what has been an amazing summer. Pip is averaging 20.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 steals in 28.2 minutes out in Las Vegas. He has been able to get to the rim whenever he wants and shooting 54% from the field doesn’t hurt his case either. Pippen is always in control on the floor, is so smooth with the flow of the game, and has been a menace on defense. Only Jake LaRavia is averaging more steals but Scottie always seems to be around the ball when a turnover happens. His transition game has been impressive and he looks to in the thick of the MVP conversation as well.

No Cam Spencer, no problem. But here’s hoping he comes back!

One of the best surprises for the Memphis Grizzlies this summer has been the emergence of Cam Spencer. Cam does everything you want to see from a bench guy. He is the first one up cheering or coaching up guys, he rarely sits during his time on the bench, and is an absolute bucket. Cam is averaging 13.0 points on 68%(!!) shooting from the field this summer and sees the floor incredibly well from the point position. Time will tell if this translates to NBA minutes but Cam has already proven his meddle as a great role player for this summer league team. From GG calling him a “…dog” on the Chris Vernon show to Desmond Bane’s approval on this smooth 3, Cam is winning over the team at a rapid rate.

Cam sat out the win over Orlando last night with a sprained ankle but I hope he plays again before the summer is over. Sprained ankles can be a lingering issue, so the odds are not in his favor especially with how our FO handles injuries. However, the guy is a joy to watch compete and if this is the end of his summer, it was a helluva ride. His high basketball IG and relentless energy will be fun to watch as he develops in Southaven next year.

Jake from Wake earning a role

Jake LaRavia has shown that he might actually be able to contribute in some NBA minutes. After an injury riddle start to his career, Jake found himself sliding down the bench, and out of favor with fans like me. However, this summer Jake has shown he can hit open 3’s and run a little in transition. Now his footwork is far from elite, but against Summer League rosters he has shined by averaging 5.0 steals per game, leading the Grizzlies in forcing 58 turnover in 2 games. Jake has had some nice flashes on offense as well. Averaging 18 points per game on 50% from the field and 40% from 3, Jake is the 3rd leading scorer behind the 2 MVP candidates for Memphis.

After sitting out last night, I hope we can see LaRavia suit up tonight against New Orleans and continue his hot streak as the Grizzlies look to close out a perfect 4-0 in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Grizzlies currently sit in second place overall in the league heading into the final game, and a big win tonight could vault them into the driver seat as tournament play begins!