After a self-imposed break of fairly sizable proportions from the NBA for its beloved “Cup”, Memphis Grizzlies basketball is back. They resume play after four full days off tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, then take off to Los Angeles for the rare one-game California road trip to take on the Lakers.
The NBA - where logic does not happen. BUT THE CUP DOES, BROTHER!
In all fairness, the time away from the hardwood likely did Memphis good. At 25 games played as of this past Sunday, the Grizzlies were among league leaders in minutes logged already this season. Some of their competition out west caught up this week while Memphis rested at home.
Here are some things to watch for as the Grizzlies get back going this weekend.
How does Desmond Bane look? It’s no secret that Bane has not looked himself for a majority of this season so far. Is it the oblique injury still causing trouble? Could he be having a hard time finding his role and rhythm in this new offensive Memphis system? Perhaps it’s a bit of both, plus something more?
Whatever the case, for the Grizzlies to truly be a title team they need the “old” Bane back. The Bane that didn’t commit silly fouls and miss defensive assignments. The guy that was an above average scorer among guards, not a below average one. Time away can help getting out of slumps...
But this is one of the longest of Bane’s career. The sooner he snaps out of it, the better.
Zach Edey’s return is coming. It could be as soon as Sunday night against the Lakers, if Edey’s “doubtful” designation for tonight’s game starts the usual Memphis injury report process. But the Grizzlies have been cautious with injuries time and again, and as we discussed in yesterday’s newsletter there’s no need to rush him back if he isn’t ready.
His 7'4" 290 pound frame really, really needs healthy ankles. And the lower extremities of a big like Edey are more cause to pause than they are for most other players. Overcompensation can lead to real issues elsewhere. And that would not benefit Memphis in any way.
LeBron’s Lakers have lost their smile. My oh my, how the turntables indeed. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were once the talk of the NBA world. JJ Redick was the best coach in NBA history. The Lakers were 10-4, and primed to take the league by storm - at least so the NBA and its partners hoped.
Now? L.A. is 13-11, meaning they’ve lost seven of their last ten games. And two of their three wins in that stretch came against Utah (by one point!!!) and Portland. Not exactly Murderer’s Row. And LeBron is out tonight against the Timberwolves, putting his status for Sunday night up in the air.
Ja Morant is ready to take the crown whenever you are, King James. You have battled Father Time admirably. But he remains undefeated.
