Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies
02/03/2025 03:00 AM
The Spurs look to get back in the win column against the injured Grizzlies
Well, it finally happened. The jig is up, the news is out, and the Spurs have finally used a portion of their pool of assets to acquire a running mate for Victor Wembanyama in the form of a fleet-footed De'Aaron Fox.
Whether or not the Spurs have their shiny new toy ready to go for this one remains a fair question. Spurs fans may have to wait one more game to see the combination of their stars in action. In the meantime, they'll be looking to take down a banged-up Memphis squad during one of their rare moments of weakness this season.
The Grizzlies, despite their recent injury woes, haven't abandoned their defensive identity (7th), and can still put the ball in the hole in bunches (5th in offensive rating, 1st in scoring). Even with players sidelined, they continue to play with the kind of physical, aggressive style that's become their trademark. Jaren Jackson Jr., when available, remains one of the league's premier rim protectors and stands as one of the few natural foils to the rampant extra-ordinariness of Wembanyama.
For the Spurs to capitalize on this opportunity, they'll need to avoid the trap of playing down to their injured competition, something young teams are particularly susceptible to. Victor Wembanyama's presence would give San Antonio a decisive advantage in the front-court if Jackson Jr. isn't in the lineup (though he looks to be available for the contest) but as recent games have shown, individual brilliance doesn't always translate to team success.
The last time these teams met, the Grizzlies demonstrated why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr. continue to anchor one of the league's most disruptive defensive units, while the development of players like Vince Williams Jr. has given Memphis even more defensive versatility.
The key matchup might actually be at the guard positions, where both teams may be relying heavily on players who began the season in supporting roles. The Spurs' backcourt rotation has shown signs of finding its footing in recent games, but consistency remains elusive outside of Chris Paul, particularly in late-game situations. And of course, there's no telling what players the Spurs bench will be rolling out this evening in the wake of a trade that shipped out Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Sidy Cissoko.
Never fear though, a high-octane reinforcement is on the way! With any luck, we might all get to see him later on tonight.
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies
Feburary 3rd, 2025 | 7:00 CT
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest |Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: Victor Wembanyama - Questionable (Illness)
Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant - Questionable (Shoulder), Marcus Smart - Out (Finger), Cam Spenser - Out (Thumb), Vince Williams Jr. - Out (Ankle)
For the Grizzlies fan's perspective, please visit Beale Street Bears.
PtR's Game thread will be up this evening for those who want to chat through the game. You can also follow along with the action through PtR's Twitter feed.
