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.
Three “never agains” for Memphis after loss to Rockets
Jan 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts after a dunk during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
There were pros and cons from last night’s loss for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Houston Rockets. Memphis was able to respond to numerous Rockets runs and also had strong performances from top stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. They also continued to struggle with the physicality of Houston, especially Alperen Sengun who had his way with the Memphis front court.
Beyond the positive and negatives, there were a few things that happened for the Grizzlies that should not never occur again. Like, ever.
Let’s dive in.
Houston scored 45 points in the first quarter. You read that correctly - 45 points. From the Houston Rockets. Against a Grizzlies team that, under Taylor Jenkins, has hung their hat on the defensive end. The Rockets at one point were 11 for 11 on shots in the paint.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies! That’s wild.
Zach Edey was in early foul trouble - two fouls in the first three or so minutes of the quarter. The size of Edey was missed against Sengun early, who scored 16 points in the first frame alone. But it was also his physical presence. Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jay Huff - it did not matter who tried to stick Sengun. He was a force of nature on his way to yet another double double.
But he didn’t score 45 points alone. It came from Jalen Green, and Fred VanVleet, and was a team effort. Memphis started far too slowly to compete with an aggressive and borderline violent Rockets team. They eventually took the lead in the third quarter - but a lot of energy had to be expended to get there.
Desmond Bane went without a shot attempt in the first half. Read that sentence again. Three point marksman, “Downhill Des”, did not take a single shot in the first two quarters of the game with Houston.
How is that possible? It’s a mixed bag. Bane forces too much facilitation-wise at times - trying to make passes where the “best” offensive option can be himself. It’s Marc Gasol-esque in that way. At times Marc didn’t realize his own offense should be prioritized. It’s showing in multiple bad turnovers, especially late in the game where Memphis needed buckets badly. But it hurt first half production as well.
Whether it’s within the scheme itself or Des’ decision making, there must be rearranging there. Bane is too talented of a scorer to not make himself option one at times. Especially from beyond the arc, where his greatest value to this Grizzlies team has always been.
There was a stretch in the second half where Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. were all on the bench. Taylor Jenkins is a good basketball coach. But his rotation decision are questionable at times. The Grizzlies depth is a strength. But there is a reason Bane/Morant/Jackson Jr. are paid the way they are. Why JJJ will eventually be the highest paid player on their roster.
They are your best players. There should be one of them on the floor at all times. Easy, right?
Hopefully we don’t see any of these things on the upcoming four-game road trip. If we do, it could be a long one.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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
Analysis Memphis Grizzlies head coach breaks his silence on the controversial decision involving Ja Morant, shedding light on the rationale behind it. This detailed analysis provides insights into the team’s strategic choices. The coach’s perspective offers valuable context. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview GG Jackson is gaining practice reps as his return nears, signaling a potential boost for the Memphis Grizzlies. Stay tuned for updates on his progress and expected impact on the team. Jackson’s return could be pivotal. (Beale Street Bears)
Ranking With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Memphis Grizzlies’ position in the power rankings is a critical point of interest. Analyze where every team stands and what it means for Memphis. Power rankings offer a strategic overview. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
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!
