What’s up with the Grizzlies?
There is a meme going around NBA Twitter that shows that the Memphis Grizzlies are 0-5 since that viral moment with Shannon Sharpe on the sidelines. It’s the one where the ex-NFL star and sports talking head was wearing his blue cardigan and looking back like an action star. You know how it is on social media - it thrives on schadenfreude. People love to jump on things and more so on the Grizzlies who have suddenly become everybody’s favorite target because they are a team that continues to rise. The price of being one of the top teams is being constantly scrutinized.
The Grizzlies are suddenly slumping, losing a season-high five straight games, but this might be the perfect opportunity for them to gather their bearings and assess the remainder of the year. Head coach Taylor Jenkins even called it “the road trip of revelations.” As the team tries to figure out the cause of their recent funk, an underrated revelation might be the importance of Steven Adams. Memphis’ veteran center is expected to be out for three to five weeks due to a knee injury.
Adams is the team’s top rebounder with 11.5 per game, including a league-leading 5.1 offensive rebounds. He also puts up 8.6 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks. Not to mention, he sets a ton of screen on offense and provides length and muscle on defense.
It also doesn’t help Memphis’ side that Desmond Bane (21.6 points per game) is dealing with knee soreness. He sat out the previous game versus Minnesota and is listed as doubtful against the Pacers. John Konchar, a solid contributor off the bench, will continue to miss time because of concussion protocol.
The Grizzlies are a deep team. They’ve flanked their superstar Ja Morant with the right amount of talent that can compete with any team. That depth is being tested right now. Will the meme change into 0-6 or will the Grizzlies finally end their losing streak?
What’s up with the Pacers?
The big news coming out of Indiana is the two-year contract extension for Myles Turner. The reliable center has been in trade talks for the last few seasons so this takes him out of the equation for the upcoming trade deadline and free agency in the offseason.
Barring any significant change, the Pacers are locked into their future. They have a capable core of Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Turner, plus emerging young talent in Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin. Maybe the news of Turner locking in a new deal will solidify their chemistry as it finally turns down all the murmurs surrounding him.
With a 24-27 record, the Pacers are still in the hunt for a playoff spot or at the very least the Play-In tournament. But they haven’t been playing well. They’ve won only once in their last 10 games. One of the reasons for their slump is Haliburton who continues to be out because of knee and elbow injuries.
It’s unfortunate we won’t get to see a Haliburton versus Morant matchup but Indiana still has enough talent to compete. As mentioned, Mathurin has been a bright prospect for the team and is fresh off a 21-point outing against Milwaukee. The rookie, along with Hield and Turner will have to pick up the slack in the absence of Haliburton.
