Memphis, Tennessee. The home of Elvis, FedEx, dry rub BBQ, and Three Six Mafia. The Grizzlies also reside in the city and at 5-4, are trying to compete in a loaded and talent-rich Western Conference. They have their fair share of injuries, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart. The 2-4 Wizards are also dealing with injuries in their own right. Kyle Kuzma misses another game and Malcolm Brogdon has progressed but remains out also. Saddiq Bey, don’t expect to see him for a while. This looks like a winnable game for the Wiz-Kidz. Let’s get into my three keys to victory.
(3 Keys to victory)
1. Shoot the lights out from three.
Most of their talent is in the frontcourt due to injuries (Jackson Jr and Edey). The Wizards should spread the floor and force Edey and Jackson Jr to come out to the parameter, which opens up back door cuts. Expect big games from Sarr and George because they are more swift than Jackson Jr or Edey.
2. Let the three open up opportunities.
Let the opportunities on the parameter set up the pick and roll, pick and pop, and back door cuts. With Ja Morant and Marcus Smart being out, this provides Jordan Poole a chance to drop a 40-piece chicken nugget on the Grizzlies.
3. Win the paint
The Grizzlies are 3rd in rebounding and have a formable duo in Jaren Jackson Jr and Rookie Zach Edey. The Wizards have their hands full but can counteract by opening the offense and bringing them out to them.
Prediction-
Wizards win 101-88
