Joe Mullinax here, the host of the daily Locked On Grizzlies podcast, with your daily Locked On Grizzlies newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Grizzlies and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Memphis finds their footing against flailing Eastern Conference contenders
Nov 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images|Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
There’s no denying that Grizzlies fans have been...well, freaking out lately. Poor rotations, questionable defensive execution and effort, and low minutes for stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. was enough to make you metaphorically heave in Memphis.
Funny enough, all it took to get the Grizzlies their groove back was a couple games against teams falling at a currently faster rate.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are supposed to be two of the biggest threats to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. They look very far from that prediction ringing true in the here and now. And Memphis was in a position to partake in the benefits of their dire straits.
How the tables have turned, am I right?
It was increased minutes for Morant and Jackson Jr. leading to increased productivity. Who would’ve thought that getting your best players more time on the court would result in improved play for the team? That’s WILD.
But it isn’t just Ja and Jaren cooking - although they both did so in a variety of ways across both of the Bucks and 76ers wins. It’s the rookies growing on a game to game basis - Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells making the most of opportunity.
Wells has the confidence and willingness to take the shot that a young Desmond Bane had in his rookie campaign. And he’s not shying away from tough defensive assignments, much like Dillon Brooks before him in 2017-2018 fought through adversity on a much worse team.
Edey is finally looking more and more like the guy Memphis saw in Summer League and the preseason. Every game he gets better. Double-doubles aren’t the only example of that growth - it’s in his rotations, his movement, his chemistry with Ja Morant and others. He is taking what he is seeing in tape study and learning.
With several projected rotation players out, including Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, to get that production from those two players is a massive development. To start two rookies against the Philadelphia 76ers and win? That’s a remarkable bit of good fortune.
Of course, it’s coming at the expense of others. A frustrated Joel Embiid and the newly signed Paul George have yet to play for Philly this season. Milwaukee isn’t looking ready to meet the expectations that come from having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on the roster - at least not yet. Both these squads are more “broken” at this time than even Memphis is.
But the Grizzlies won’t show sympathy. Nor should they - Memphis has faced their own adversity the last 18 or so months. Opponents took advantage of the team then. And now, the Grizzlies are just returning the favor.
As long as Morant and Jackson Jr. compete at a high level, and the key cogs around them get more and more comfortable in their roles, improvement will continue. Regardless of the opponent.
Still - it is nice to be on the other side of the dysfunction for a change.
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Milestone Ja Morant, Zach Edey, and Scotty Pippen Jr. make history against the 76ers, highlighting their growing impact. (Sports Illustrated)
Honor Ja Morant’s viral performance against the 76ers adds to his growing legacy with the Grizzlies. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz The NBA intentionally scheduled no games on U.S. Election Day (E! News)
Analysis What happens to Damian Lillard if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? (CBS)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Grizzlies podcasts.
Ja Morant, Taylor Jenkins express frustrations after Grizzlies lose to Nets Despite being heavy favorites, the Memphis Grizzlies loss a home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. In this episode of Locked on Grizzlies, host Damichael Cole recaps the game, Taylor Jenkins’ decisions and Ja Morant’s postgame displeasure.
When should Memphis Grizzlies fans wonder about Zach Edey’s NBA transition? It hasn’t been the start to his NBA career that Zach Edey surely envisioned for himself. And while the sample size is clearly too small to reach any real conclusion, the fact remains that the Memphis Grizzlies eventually will need more from the “Big Mane”. Hosts Joe Mullinax and Damichael Cole discuss when the time to “worry” should start, plus preview Grizzlies-Nets and update injuries to Ja Morant and others, on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
2nd half struggles doom Memphis Grizzlies as they blow a 20-point lead in loss to Chicago The Grizzlies saw some strong performances Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. Desmond Bane cooked. Santi Aldama impacted winning beyond scoring. It wasn’t all bad...but still, Memphis lost - and did so while wasting a 20-point lead. Why did things go so wrong - and what are some reasons to be optimistic after such a loss? Host Joe Mullinax breaks it all down on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
