WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (47-27, 32-5 home) vs. Orlando Magic (32-43, 13-24 away)
WHEN: 7:00 PM CT
WHERE: FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis
INJURY REPORT –
MEMPHIS – Ja Morant (Doubtful, thigh), Brandon Clarke (Out, Achilles), Steven Adams (Out, knee), Jake LaRavia (Out, G-League), Ziaire Williams (Out, foot/ankle), Vince Williams Jr. (Out, shoulder)
ORLANDO – Kevon Harris (Out, elbow), Jonathan Issac (Out, hamstring)
Projected Starting Lineups –
MEMPHIS – Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman Sr.
ORLANDO – Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies are the hottest team in the entire NBA. Winners of nine of their last ten contests, Memphis has gotten almost all the way back to immaculate vibes that categorized this Grizzlies team for the last year or so. Sure, it has come at the expense of teams that are characterized as “lesser than” Memphis more often than not. But you play the schedule in front of you, and to this point the Grizzlies have done what they should do with a “lighter” slate of games.
Enter the Orlando Magic – a team that is better than their record indicates. Orlando has won four of their last five contests, with some of those victories coming over potential playoff squads like the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers. They have an impressive collection of young talent that possesses versatile skill sets and is more than capable of cooling the heater the Memphis Grizzlies are on.
Here are some keys to the game.
Limit the Point Guard influence
Not having Ja Morant more than likely in this game could very well sting. The Magic, between Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony, have two guards that are potential threats to create offense for both themselves (21 points off the bench for Anthony against the Nets) and other (nine assists for Fultz). While Tyus Jones has proven numerous times he is more than able to fill the starting role for the Grizzlies, the question then becomes who is the “back-up” behind Jones. In recent games, the duties have largely been shared between Luke Kennard and Desmond Bane.
That energy should continue. Kennedy Chandler may well see some run when the game is in hand (or, less ideally, out of hand). But this isn’t the time to experiment. Enough of a sample size has been established to know that Bane and Kennard together are a weapon offensively. Between those two and Jones, they should be able to offset what the Magic bring to the table.
Adjust to the size of the frontcourt
It doesn’t happen too consistently, but the Memphis Grizzlies will be the smaller squad when the Orlando Magic take the floor – especially in the front court. In one position, that isn’t too uncommon (Xavier Tillman Sr. is undersized at Center, for example). But between Rookie of the Year front runner Banchero (6’10”), Carter Jr. (6’10”), and Wagner (6’9″) not only is Tillman on the smaller side but so is the 6’7″ Dillon Brooks. In fact, while the biggest man in the matchup will be Jaren Jacskon Jr. at 6’11” 245-ish pounds, the next three tallest/largest across the opposing front courts will be Magic players.
With that reality comes advantages. Dillon could potentially be a bit more fleet of foot when compared to Wagner, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is basically a walking mismatch at this stage of his career. He can both take opponents off the dribble and attack them in the post. But the fact of the length and size of the Magic remains, and especially Brooks and Tillman must be patient and aware of their passing decisions and their defensive positioning to try to negate that advantage – at least to an extent.
The Prediction
The Memphis Grizzlies are roughly 7.5 point favorites over the Magic. That seems…high. Especially considering Morant is likely out, and that the Magic were able to knock off the Clippers at home, Orlando will not be intimidated by this Grizzlies group. But Memphis is not only playing as well as (OK probably better) Orlando, the Magic are doing their most recent damage in Orlando itself. The Magic are on a 4-game winning streak in terms of home games…but across their last 4 road games Orlando is 1-3, including a BAD double-digit loss at the hands of the Spurs.
Memphis has won 11 straight games in FedExForum. And while that streak will surely come to an end eventually – perhaps even this week – it almost certainly won’t be against a Magic team whose time is coming…but it’s not right now.
Memphis 117, Orlando 109