The Memphis Grizzlies are currently ranked second in the Southwest Division, behind the Houston Rockets, but third in the Western Conference. Although they are 5-5 and have lost their last 10 games, they most recently defeated San Antonio 129-115. When ESPN primetime rolls along, they'll be looking for the two-game sweep.
In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs hold the 12th position. They are only 1-4 over their previous five games, including the most recent loss to Memphis, but they have gone 4-6 over their last ten games. With four meetings against Memphis this season, they will try to even the season series as the home underdogs.
Currently leading the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies are regaining their form from two seasons ago, when they were second only to the Denver Nuggets. Ja Morant will continue to lead them in scoring and distributing the ball because he is playing at an All-Star level and has produced some of the most incredible highlights of the season. Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson have also increased their scoring, and the Grizzlies appear to be a formidable opponent everywhere.
In their most recent victory, the Memphis Grizzlies out-rebound the Spurs 52-44 and shot 42% from three. They had a respectable eight turnovers and 28 team assists, which was even more outstanding. This squad has made smart passing and ball security a priority going ahead, and the more adeptly they handle the ball, the more possibilities they will have to take advantage of mismatches along the perimeter with Morant and in the center with Jackson.
The fact that the San Antonio Spurs are trailing in the Western Conference is another evidence of how tough the West has been this season. Victor Wembanyama is accomplishing things the league has rarely seen from a rookie since its beginnings, and the Spurs are clearly further ahead in their growth than they were a season ago. The Spurs have an excellent chance to finish the season with a winning record, something they haven't done in five seasons, provided that everything surrounding him can work out and Chris Paul can continue to be the leader of this locker room.
Rookie Stephon Castle was the standout performer against the Grizzlies, leading all scorers with 26 points—setting a career-high for the fourth overall pick. This impressive showing comes just days after he dropped 23 points against the Lakers, and it looks like the Spurs may have discovered another scoring weapon for their offense. Castle has been a dynamic spark off the bench, and if he keeps this up, he could earn himself a starting role with more playing time. Expect him to be active and involved right from the start of this game.
The last matchup between these two teams was a thrilling one, and while Memphis came out on top, the Spurs are eager for a chance at revenge on their home turf. With a 12-9 record at home this season, they've been solid, but their 10-11 record against the spread shows room for improvement. The Grizzlies, however, have been impressive, boasting a 27-14 ATS record and a strong 13-8 mark on the road.
The real difference in this matchup lies in the guard play, with Ja Morant leading the charge for Memphis, and the Grizzlies’ wing players adding to their size advantage. Victor Wembanyama had a tough time against Jaren Jackson Jr.'s DPOY-caliber defense, making it challenging for him to be a game-changer against a team like Memphis. While both teams bring plenty of excitement, the Grizzlies' roster is slightly better equipped to handle a full 48-minute battle.
