Game Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The San Antonio Spurs (5-4) take on the Memphis Grizzlies (2-7) on Monday night. While Spurs fans are looking forward to Tony Parker’s jersey retirement ceremony, there’s a basketball game that will need to be played first. And after San Antonio got annihilated at home against the Boston Celtics, the Spurs need to be focused to end their three-game homestand the right way.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
The Spurs don’t have any injured players, although Derrick White continues to work his way back after the vicious collision with Dwight Howard that left him with a bruised right glute. As of last game, he was still riding a bike when not in the game in an attempt to stay loose.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
Star rookie point guard Ja Morant sat out Memphis’ last game due to load management. Through eight games, he’s averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 46.2% on three-pointers. He will suit up tonight for the Grizzlies against the Spurs. Grayson Allen (ankle) won’t be available, though, for Memphis.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The Spurs will continue to start Dejounte Murray, Bryn Forbes, DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Trey Lyles. Lyles has cemented his spot in the starting lineup for now, as he has averaged 8.7 points and 8.0 rebounds in 20.6 minutes over the last three games, while hitting 9-of-14 shots from the field, including 6-of-9 three-pointers.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
The Grizzlies are likely to start Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jae Crowder, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas. Former Spurs forward Kyle Anderson is averaging 21.3 minutes per game coming off the bench.
How to Watch Tony Parker’s Jersey Retirement Ceremony
The jersey retirement ceremony for Tony Parker will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. If you have NBA League Pass, you should also be able to watch it. After the ceremony, the Spurs will likely post it to their YouTube channel.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies – Prediction
Tony Parker’s jersey will successfully make it to the rafters after the game. During the game, the Spurs should be able to get back on the winning track. Oddsmakers are favoring the Spurs by 10.5 points and expecting the Spurs to win 117-107. Fueled by the emotion in the arena, I think the Spurs will win by even more than that.
San Antonio Spurs – 128
Memphis Grizzlies – 108
Tony Parker’s #9 Jersey Status: Retired