Can the Grizzlies Take Down the Pistons?
After a tumultuous few weeks, with the team having dropped eight of their last ten games, and after having fired their coach a week ago from today, the Memphis Grizzlies were finally able to gain some momentum as they took down the Miami Heat last night. This signature win was sparked by the team’s star player, Ja Morant, who had 30 points on the night with his performance being capped off with a game-winning buzzer beater. With this latest victory, the Memphis Grizzlies now travel to Little Caesars Arena, where they take on the Detroit Pistons Saturday at 7 p.m. EST. This game will also stand as a pivotal challenge as the Grizzlies hope to build upon their momentum at the season’s tail end.
With the Memphis Grizzlies currently sitting at the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves and a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Saturday night bout against the Pistons will offer a crucial test. While the Pistons have lost their last two games, the team currently sits eight games above .500 and sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. This is a stark contrast to their season last year, where they won a total of 14 games. This surge has been led by Cade Cunnigham, a 23-year-old out of Oklahoma State University, who has been averaging nearly 26 points and nine assists this season.
However, while the Grizzlies hope to enter tomorrow’s clash against the Pistons fully loaded, the status of Ja Morant remains uncertain. Following the Grizzlies’ star’s usage of what appeared to be a gun gesture towards the Warriors’ bench on Tuesday, Ja received a warning for his actions by the NBA league office on Wednesday. However, just a day after his warning, Ja Morant proceeded to use the same gesture again in last night’s game against the Heat. While no action has been taken yet, it is quite possible the Grizzlies’ guard could be suspended for a game or two, making it all the more essential that the Grizzlies bring their A-game against Detroit. If Ja is unable to play, the Grizzlies will likely turn to Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr to step up and carry the team to victory, as they are the team’s next two biggest offensive producers. Only time will tell, though, on who laces up for the Grizzlies tomorrow night, and on how the team fairs in this pivotal matchup.
