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.
A Memphis Grizzlies New Year’s Resolution
Dec 31, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) celebrates a three point shot he made during the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank/Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
It is the time of year for people to think of ways to better themselves. Out with the old, in with the new, right? Gyms across America are filled to the gills with folks ready to make 2025 the year they get that beach body they’ve always wanted...
And then by the end of January the treadmills and weight benches will be available once more for the everyday gym rats that never left.
The Memphis Grizzlies, while they are indeed the #2 seed in the Western Conference to start 2025, have areas they can be better in as well. It may not involve being in better shape - their pace has been a topic of conversation throughout the season so far.
But growth is possible. Here’s where the very good Grizzlies can be even better.
Turnovers. Everydayers of Locked on Grizzlies know that this is a focal point of ours almost every episode. And yes, Memphis plays at such a pace that some turnovers are to be expected. When you’re the fastest offense in the NBA that happens.
But the Memphis Grizzlies currently have a turnover rate that is their worst since the 2008-2009 season. Per Cleaning the Glass, their 16.4% turnover percentage is 26th in the NBA. There’s only 30 teams in the Association.
In the main efficiency stats that Cleaning the Glass tracks, this is where Memphis falls short the most.
And in terms of individual players, it’s not the names you’d expect given usage rate. Ja Morant (45th percentile) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (73rd percentile) are two of the three highest usage players on the team and yet are middle of the road to above average in this area.
Jake LaRavia (in the 1st percentile in turnover rate, literally the worst among forwards), Scotty Pippen Jr., Marcus Smart, and Zach Edey however? They have rates among the worst in the NBA. And in the case of LaRavia/Pippen Jr./Smart, those are facilitators that are depended on.
Desmond Bane’s numbers aren’t quite as bad as theirs (13.6%), but his usage is so much higher that the impact is significant. And when possessions are lost, those are missed chances to score and gained ones for the opponent.
Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis had 21 turnovers and 33 points were scored by OKC off those turnovers. That makes a massive difference in winning and losing.
Per Cleaning the Glass the Grizzlies foul too often and are 23rd in free throws attempted by their opponents, and they also struggle giving up offensive rebounds - they’re 20th in the NBA there. But turnovers often times come from self-inflicted wounds. Poor passes, bad screens, missed reads and forced actions can all play a role.
The good news there? It’s fixable. Personnel can struggle on the glass, and Memphis has fouled too much for a long time. That’s indicative of the defensive scheme as some turnovers are of the offensive one.
But protecting possessions can be measured and prioritized. Hopefully it will be in the new year.
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Watch Rising star Zach Edey continues his impressive ascent in the Kia Rookie Ladder, drawing attention for his performances and potential impact on the Grizzlies’ future. (Beale Street Bears)
Analysis The Grizzlies’ biggest regret of 2024 is analyzed, offering a detailed look into the team’s missteps and what could have been done differently. (Bleacher Report)
Tomorrow The Grizzlies take on the Kings at the Golden 1 Center at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Grizzlies podcasts.
Memphis Grizzlies get embarrassed by Knicks as key stretch of season begins The good news is that Jaren Jackson Jr., who was named Western Conference Player of the Week Monday, performed about as expected against the New York Knicks. The bad news is just about everyone else struggled as the Knicks dominated the Grizzlies in the second half Monday night in New York. Host Joe Mullinax breaks it all down, plus discusses why this part of the schedule will define the season for Memphis, on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
After a strong week, should Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard be safe from trade talks? Luke Kennard, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane shined during two Grizzlies wins over the weekend. In this episode, co-hosts Damichael Cole and Joe Mullinax recap the two wins, discuss Kennard’s status on the trade block and preview Monday’s game against the Knicks.
Do the Memphis Grizzlies have a “big” problem in Zach Edey? Zach Edey’s momentum has slowed down in recent weeks. The Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff has seemed to take notice as Edey’s minutes have dwindled. What should be done to deal with Zach Edey’s “rookie wall”? Hosts Damichael Cole and Joe Mullinax discuss that, plus trade rumors quieting and the basketball weekend ahead in Memphis, on this episode of Locked on Grizzlies!
