Wizards 0-1 vs Grizzlies 0-2
When: Saturday, October 28th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV: NBCSWA, Bally Sports SE-MEM
Radio: ESPN 92.9 FM/ 680 AM, The Team 980 AM/ WFED 1500 AM
Injury:
Wizards: Anthony Gill (Out, Hamstring), Landry Shamet (Out, Toe), Johnny Davis (Out, Elbow)
Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke (Out, Achilles), Steven Adams (Out for Season, Knee), Luke Kennard (Day to Day, Concussion Protocol), Santi Aldama (Day to Day, Ankle), Ja Morant (Out, Suspension)
Keep An Eye on:
DEFENSE: from the Wizards is something I've been constantly bringing up over the last few years as something that needs to DRASTICALLY improve for this team to be taken serious. Wednesday night, although one game into the season, showed that as much things change, they're still the same. Currently, Washington is dead last in points allowed (143.0) and defensive rating (129.3). I don't need to continue to elaborate on this, it's clear as day, Washington has to take things personally on the defensive end of the floor or this will be one of the more repulsive seasons in franchise history...ESPECIALLY with a tough, gritty Memphis Grizzlies team in town hunry for their first win of the season.
Toughness: will be a MUST tonight against Memphis, especially in the front court. Yes Memphis is wounded with the likes of Ja Morant, Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke being out, however, they're still physically and mentally tough throughout their roster. Inside, you have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr, a defensive menace, is coming off a 21 point, 9 rebound and 3 block performance in a loss to the defending NBA Champion. He wasn't alone. Zaire Williams and Xavier Tillman Sr both finished with 11 points and 9 rebounds and 13 points and 8 rebounds in Memphis loss to Denver respectively. That's three near double doubles from Memphis starting front court alone. Meanwhile, Washington's front court didn't have ONE single player post a double double. Kyle Kuzma posted 25 points and 2 rebounds, Deni Avdija added 9 points and 7 rebounds and Daniel Gafford, plagued by foul trouble, finished with 6 points and 5 rebounds. Washington needs smarter, more physical and consistent play up front to get their first win of the season tonight. Without it, they have no chance.
Memphis Backcourt Trio: of Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose may not get the same hype as their backcourt does when All Star point guard Ja Morant is suiting up, but they're still an issue that has to be dealt with. Bane comes in leading Memphis in scoring at 23.5 points per game and tied with Marcus Smart for team lead in assists per game, dishing out four assists per game. Smart, is second on the team in scoring at 18.5 points per game, leads the team in field goal percentage at 54.2 percent, is second in three point shooting at 38.5 percent and leads the team in steals with 3.5 thefts per game. Derrick Rose, has been one of the top sixth men in the league thus far. Rose, is fifth on the Grizzlies in scoring (12 ppg), first in 3-point shooting (57.1%), fourth in assists (3.0 apg ) in just 18 minutes of action. High value production as a reserve from Rose. Tyus Jones played well in Wednesday's ugly loss to the Pacers, finishing with 16 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds, Delon Wright was working on a triple double with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, while Jordan Poole finished with 18 points and 5 assists. All three will have to step it up and be more efficient to deal with Memphis experienced, savvy, TOUGH back court trio.