#memphis_grizzlies

Pistons' Isaiah Stewart to miss at least 1 week with left calf strain Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has sustained a grade 1 left calf strain, sidelining the key reserve big man for at least four games as the East-leading Pistons aim to secure their position atop the conference standings heading into the 2026 NBA playoffs. The injury will require Stewart to undergo a re-evaluation in one week, leaving him out of action for the upcoming contests against the Wizards and Warriors, as well as the Lakers. Stewart, 24, returned to the court for the first time in seven games after a suspension for his role in a Feb. 9 altercation between the Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. In his seventh game back, he logged 20 minutes in a 126-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing 10 points, 4 rebounds (3 offensive), 1 assist, and 1 block. However, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff expressed concerns about Stewart’s movement, noting that the player had been struggling with the injury for some time. “Stewart has been dealing with it,” Bickerstaff said before a 119-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “It just had been kinda getting worse. He gutted it out last game and you could see he was favoring it and he was hobbling around a little bit late in his minutes.” Despite Stewart’s absence, the Pistons have maintained strong performance, posting a 9-3 record without him. The team outscores opponents by 11.8 points per 100 possessions when Stewart is inactive, a stat that gives confidence in their ability to hold onto the No. 1 seed in the East. However, the Pistons have faced recent challenges, including five losses in their last eight games, with setbacks against the Spurs, Miami, Cleveland, and Toronto.#toronto_raptors #detroit_pistons #memphis_grizzlies #j_b_bickerstaff #isaiah_stewart

The Grizzlies are already losing one crucial part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade Somehow, it still doesn’t feel real that Jaren Jackson Jr. is playing for another team besides the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite signing a five-year, $240 million contract extension last summer, Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz just two days before this season’s trade deadline. It is still too early to strongly judge the trade, but one key aspect is already going wrong for the Grizzlies. The main goal of trading Jaren Jackson Jr. was to create flexibility and secure more draft capital for the rebuild, which has been accomplished. As far as players go, Georges Niang was waived almost immediately, and Kyle Anderson was eventually bought out after he wanted to join a contender. This leaves the Grizzlies with two young players and former first-round picks in Taylor Hendricks and Walter Clayton Jr. Taylor Hendricks has shown promise despite suffering a major injury last season and is expected to be a long-term contributor for the team. The hope was for Walter Clayton Jr. to provide a boost to a point guard position already stocked with depth. However, despite Clayton Jr. being a rookie and the small sample size, his struggles are a major concern. Clayton Jr. has not found a rhythm on offense, and his performance has raised questions about his ability to adapt to the NBA. Walter Clayton Jr. really burst onto the scene as a senior at Florida and was the biggest reason the Florida Gators won the 2025 National Championship. His impressive shotmaking and ability to thrive in high-pressure moments significantly boosted his draft stock. He was selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, but his rookie season in Memphis has been a challenge. The biggest strength of Clayton Jr.#utah_jazz #memphis_grizzlies #jaren_jackson_jr #walter_clayton_jr #taylor_hendricks

Celtics, Grizzlies injury reports show one team will be extremely depleted The Boston Celtics will enter Friday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies with a full roster, barring the absence of center Nikola Vucevic, who is set to miss his seventh consecutive game. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies face significant challenges due to a wave of injuries, leaving them severely understaffed. Vucevic, who fractured his right ring finger on March 6, is expected to return to the court between March 27 and April 3. The Celtics initially projected his recovery to take three to four weeks, and with the regular season concluding on April 12, there is potential for him to rejoin the team in time for the postseason. Tatum, meanwhile, has remained available for the past two weeks, having missed just one game since his return to the lineup. The forward has averaged 20.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, serving as the Celtics’ second-leading scorer. The Grizzlies, however, have struggled with injuries throughout the season, with multiple key players sidelined. Among the affected roster members are Kentavius Caldwell-Pope (right pinky finger), Zach Edey (left ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. (right big toe), and Santi Aldama (right knee). Additionally, Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Jahmai (left ankle sprain), and Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain) are all out. Taj Gibson (right foot soreness) and GG Jackson (left knee soreness) are listed as doubtful for Friday’s game. The Celtics’ current form contrasts sharply with the Grizzlies’ struggles. Boston enters the matchup on a three-game winning streak with a 46-23 record, while Memphis has lost eight of its last 10 games and holds the West’s 11th-best record at 24-44. The teams last met in November, with Boston securing a 131-95 victory.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #memphis_grizzlies #nikola_vucevic #cedric_coward

The Boston Celtics secured a strong homestand this week, going 3-0 at TD Garden after two consecutive road losses. The team dominated the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, defeating them 131-95 in a game that highlighted their offensive prowess. Jaylen Brown led the way with 32 points, while the Celtics’ balanced attack kept Golden State’s star players, including Kristaps Porzingis, in check. The victory marked the Celtics’ first sweep of all four California teams (Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings) in franchise history. The Celtics now head to Memphis for a crucial road matchup against the Grizzlies on Friday. This game will be the second meeting between the teams this season, with Boston delivering a 36-point blowout in November. Memphis, however, has struggled this season, languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite a recent win over the Nuggets that ended an eight-game losing streak, the Grizzlies face significant injury challenges. Key players like Ja Morant (elbow), Brandon Clarke (calf), and Zach Edey (ankle) are sidelined, while others such as GG Jackson, Taj Gibson, and Santi Aldama have been ruled out for the season. Memphis’ injury woes have forced the team to rely on unlikely contributors like Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks, who made an impact in Wednesday’s win. Coach Tuomas Iisalo noted that these players have stepped up to provide energy and depth. Meanwhile, Boston’s injury report is relatively clean, with Nikola Vucevic (fractured finger) the only major absence. The Celtics’ depth and health have been critical to their recent success, including a three-game winning streak and an 8-3 record in their last 11 games. Jayson Tatum’s return from an Achilles injury has been a game-changer for Boston.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #memphis_grizzlies #golden_state_warriors #kristaps_porzingis

Yaxel Lendeborg NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land March Madness has reached its peak, and the standout performances of college athletes are shaping the narrative for the 2026 NBA draft class. The draft is set for late June, and USA TODAY’s latest mock draft highlights Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg as a first-round prospect. The forward, a key figure in the Big Ten, is projected to be selected with the eighth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. According to the mock draft, the Grizzlies’ selection of Lendeborg would mark a strategic move to bolster their rebuilding roster. The team recently traded away Jaren Jackson Jr., creating an opportunity to invest in a player with clear NBA potential. Lendeborg, who transferred from mid-major UAB to Michigan, has silenced critics who questioned whether his game could translate to the professional level. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court has made him a standout prospect in this draft class. The analysis emphasizes that Lendeborg’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility positions him as the most NBA-ready player in the 2026 class. His performance this season has been a testament to his growth, particularly after the transition to a high-major program. The Grizzlies’ history of drafting players with similar backgrounds, such as Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward, further supports the viability of this pick. Lendeborg’s stats reflect his impact on the court. As of March 15, he averages 17.7 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and shoots 50.9% from the field while connecting on 35.3% of his three-point attempts. These numbers underscore his efficiency and ability to space the floor, traits highly valued in modern basketball. The Grizzlies’ projected draft picks for 2026 include selections at No. 8, No.#big_ten #memphis_grizzlies #nba_draft #tankathon #yaxel_lendeborg

NBA Highlights: Grizzlies 125, Nuggets 118 The Memphis Grizzlies secured a decisive victory over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 125-118. Ty Jerome emerged as a key contributor for the Grizzlies, recording 21 points alongside nine rebounds and nine assists in a balanced performance. His ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively was instrumental in the team’s success. Olivier-Maxence Prosper also played a pivotal role, adding 18 points to the Grizzlies’ offensive output. The duo’s combined efforts helped Memphis overcome the Nuggets, who struggled to contain the Grizzlies’ high-octane attack. The Grizzlies’ victory highlighted their depth and versatility, as multiple players stepped up to fill the scoring void. Jerome’s triple-double-like stat line underscored his all-around contributions, while Prosper’s efficiency in the paint provided a reliable scoring option. Denver’s inability to match Memphis’ energy and execution proved costly, as the Nuggets’ defense failed to limit the Grizzlies’ transition opportunities. The game’s outcome reflected the Grizzlies’ strong team cohesion and their ability to adapt to different challenges on the court. Memphis’ win extended their winning streak and solidified their position in the competitive Western Conference. The performance also showcased the Grizzlies’ resilience, as they maintained their composure under pressure and capitalized on key moments throughout the contest. For the Nuggets, the loss serves as a reminder of the need to improve their defensive focus and offensive consistency to remain competitive in the league.#denver_nuggets #memphis_grizzlies #ty_jerome #olivier_maxence_prosper #western_confidence

Pistons Dominate Grizzlies with Jalen Duren's Star Performance The Detroit Pistons secured a commanding 126-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, with All-Star big man Jalen Duren delivering one of his most impactful performances of the season. Duren led the charge, finishing with 30 points and 13 rebounds, while the Pistons extended their winning streak to three games and improved to 48-18 on the season. The win marked a significant turnaround for the Pistons, who had entered the game following a four-game losing streak—the longest of the season. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the team's adjustment in the third quarter, noting that the Pistons had initially struggled to control the game's tempo. "Early on, we allowed them to get the shots they were looking for," Bickerstaff said. "They’re a team that tries to generate as many threes as they can, whether they catch and shoot or off the bounce. We were a little bit just off the ball, not as aggressive, and weren’t dictating as much. I thought in that third quarter, we did a better job of dictating." Duren’s dominance was evident throughout the game, particularly in the third quarter, where he scored nine points and helped the Pistons outscore the Grizzlies 74-36 in the paint. His performance came despite lingering concerns about a right knee injury he has dealt with for over a month. Duren, who entered the game questionable due to soreness, credited his off-season training and consistent treatment regimen for keeping him on the court. "Just taking care of my body, it's all about the hours people do not see," Duren said. "Getting treatment at home. Staying on top of my icing. Just getting treatment over and over again. Just staying available and healthy for my teammates.#cade_cunningham #detroit_pistons #memphis_grizzlies #jalen_duren #j_b_bickerstaff

Detroit Pistons Near Historic Milestone After Two Decades The Detroit Pistons are on the verge of achieving a significant milestone that has eluded the franchise for nearly two decades. Following a decisive 126-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at home on March 13, the team secured its third consecutive win, pushing its record to 48-18. This marks the best regular-season performance the Pistons have delivered since the early 2000s. With 16 games remaining in the season, a 50-win campaign is all but guaranteed. The possibility of reaching 60 wins—a benchmark the team has only surpassed twice in its history—has become a tangible goal. The 48-18 record represents a dramatic turnaround for the Pistons, who have struggled to maintain consistency in recent years. The recent winning streak has reinvigorated the team’s momentum, positioning them as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. The 60-win threshold, last achieved in the 1988-89 season—a year that culminated in a championship—and again in the 2005-06 campaign, which saw the team reach the Eastern Conference finals, now feels within reach. The victory over the Grizzlies, which coincided with 313 Day—a celebration of Detroit’s cultural and industrial legacy—symbolized more than just a win for the team. It underscored the Pistons’ growing confidence and their ability to perform at a high level consistently. Coach Dwane Casey and his staff have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline as the season progresses. While the team’s current trajectory is promising, the challenge of securing 60 wins remains formidable. The Pistons will need to sustain their winning ways while navigating the final stretch of the regular season.#detroit_pistons #memphis_grizzlies #eastern_confidence #dwane_casey #313_day

Taj Gibson received a standing ovation from fans at the United Center during his return with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Chicago Bulls hosted the Grizzlies in the game, marking Gibson’s first visit to the city since his time with the Bulls. Fans welcomed him warmly as he entered the game, according to RealMikeyBets on X. Gibson, 40, expressed uncertainty about his return to play earlier in the season, as reported by K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network. Gibson’s last appearance in Chicago was to witness the jersey retirement ceremony for former teammate Derrick Rose on January 24 against the Boston Celtics. The Grizzlies’ game against the Bulls was part of a broader season for Gibson, who signed a two-year contract with Memphis in February after the Kyle Anderson buyout. His debut with the Grizzlies came on March 13, where he played 13 minutes and scored 3 points in a 126-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Prior to joining the Grizzlies, Gibson spent the 2024-25 season with the Charlotte Hornets and had previously played for the Pistons. Gibson’s career with the Bulls from 2009 to 2017 remains a significant chapter in his NBA journey. He emerged as a defensive standout, particularly noted for his ability to block shots. During his tenure, the Bulls made two playoff appearances: in 2011, they finished with a 62-20 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Miami Heat in five games. Four years later, the team posted a 50-32 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. In 2010, Gibson earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team, and in 2014, he was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.#chicago_bulls #memphis_grizzlies #taj_gibson #derrick_rose #realmikybet

Marcus Smart Claims NBA Team Forced Him To Play Through Injury Before Lakers Stint The Los Angeles Lakers are reaping the rewards of a series of strong roster decisions since the Luka Doncic trade from February 2025. While they didn’t make any flashy additions, their signings since last summer have all led to rewards on the court this season. But even with all these positive players, nobody has had the impact Marcus Smart has had. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, joined the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million contract last summer after being bought out by the Washington Wizards. He had a few irrelevant seasons in the NBA as part of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Wizards, but his time with the Lakers has brought his winning contributions to the forefront once again, leading the team with a +209 plus/minus this season. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Smart revealed that a great part of his success this season comes from getting the opportunity to get healthy after leaving the Grizzlies. He claims the Grizzlies forced him to play through an injury on his right index finger. “I wanted to be 100%, to give everything I got. As I’m still working out and getting ready, they’re just like, ‘No, your doctor said you’re ready now.’ And I’m like, ‘I hear what my doctor said, but … it’s how I feel. Yes, surgically, the finger is fine. But physically, no. The finger is still weak. I’m still strengthening it. This is my dominant hand.’ So, they didn’t want to hear it, and they just kept saying, ‘You need to play.’” Smart has had long-standing issues with his dominant right hand, stemming back to an off-court injury in 2018.#los_angeles_lakers #dave_mcmenamin #washington_wizards #memphis_grizzlies #marcus_smart

Ty Lue Shares a Plan to Get the Most Out of Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland The Los Angeles Clippers secured a crucial 123-120 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, lifting their record to 31-32 and pushing Memphis to 23-39. Head coach Ty Lue emphasized the importance of managing the minutes of two key players, Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, who both face restrictions on their playing time. The challenge lies in balancing their contributions while ensuring they remain effective during the playoffs. Lue discussed the difficulty of juggling their minutes, noting that when both players are under similar restrictions, it becomes harder to find the right rhythm. During the game, he made strategic adjustments by pulling Leonard out and inserting Garland for short stretches, which provided a boost. “I thought Darius was really good when he came back in those two minutes,” Lue said. He also explained his decision to call a timeout early in the game to get Garland on the floor, aiming to assess how the two stars interact from the start. “I just wanted to start Darius so we could get a feel for how he plays,” Lue added. Both players delivered strong performances in the win. Leonard finished with 28 points on 8-of-15 shooting, along with 12-of-14 free throws, five rebounds, and two steals. His season averages include 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with a 49.7% field goal shooting rate. Garland contributed 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 26 minutes, including 11 points in the fourth quarter. Their combined 49 points and ability to alternate control of the offense disrupted Memphis’ defense throughout the game. The Clippers’ ninth-place standing in the Western Conference underscores the need for consistent wins to avoid a play-in scenario.#los_angeles_clippers #darius_garland #kawhi_Leonard #ty_lue #memphis_grizzlies

1 Trade Every NBA Team Wishes It Could Make Right Now The NBA trade deadline has passed, leaving teams to rely on free agency for roster adjustments. However, if trades were allowed for a short period, nearly every team would pursue at least one deal. This piece outlines hypothetical trades for each of the league’s 30 franchises, focusing on strategic moves that could reshape their futures. The Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings could swap Zaccharie Risacher and Gabe Vincent for DeMar DeRozan and a 2027 second-round pick. Risacher, a 20-year-old wing, has struggled to meet expectations in his second season, while DeRozan’s experience as a super Sixth Man could elevate Atlanta’s bench. For Sacramento, unloading DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis would free up cap space and allow a rebuild, despite the cost of a future pick. The Kings’ current roster lacks cohesion, and a fresh start with young players like Keegan Murray and potential 2026 draft picks could reignite hope. The Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies might trade Sam Hauser and a 2026 first-round pick for Ty Jerome. Jerome’s playmaking and shooting efficiency (64.7 true shooting percentage) would complement the Celtics’ young core, while Hauser’s contract could be flipped later. Memphis, rebuilding after losing Ja Morant, would gain draft assets and a manageable contract, aligning with their long-term goals. The Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons could swap Michael Porter Jr. for Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, and two future first-round picks. Harris’ leadership and three-point shooting (34.1%) would bolster Detroit’s title chances, while Porter’s versatility could elevate Cade Cunningham’s offense. For Brooklyn, trading Porter for draft capital and assets would provide flexibility as they aim for a rebuild.#boston_celtics #sacramento_kings #atlanta_hawks #memphis_grizzlies #brooklyn_nets

Marcus Smart Shines with Four Steals in Lakers' Victory Marcus Smart delivered a standout performance in the Lakers' 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, recording 10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks in 30 minutes of action. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was a key factor in the win, as he continued to dominate on the defensive end of the court. Smart’s four steals marked his fourth multi-steal game of the season, showcasing his growing impact as a perimeter defender. The 32-year-old guard’s defensive efforts have been particularly impressive in his last two games, where he tallied nine steals and three blocks in consecutive wins. This surge has positioned him as a critical piece of the Lakers’ defensive strategy, especially with the team looking to solidify its perimeter defense. Smart’s four steals against New Orleans were his second-highest total of the season, with his best performance coming against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the year. While Smart’s offensive production has remained inconsistent, his ability to contribute on the defensive side has made him a valuable asset for the Lakers. In Tuesday’s game, he managed 10 points on a 3-of-9 shooting night, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. Despite his struggles to find his offensive rhythm, Smart’s playmaking skills shone through, as he dished out seven assists, marking his highest assist total since January. Smart’s defensive versatility has been a key strength for the Lakers, allowing him to guard multiple positions effectively. His combination of length, quickness, and basketball IQ has made him a reliable threat in transition and on the fast break.#lakers #nba #memphis_grizzlies #new_orleans_pelicans #marcus_smart

Warriors' Al Horford Reverting to Bench Role Al Horford will not start Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from ClutchPoints.com. The decision comes as Draymond Green, who had been sidelined due to a back injury, returns to the lineup. Horford had previously started in place of Green during Wednesday’s victory over the Memphis Grizzlies but will now be moved back to the bench. Horford’s recent performance in a starting role has been notable, particularly during a game against the Denver Nuggets last Sunday. In that matchup, he recorded a season-high 22 points and six three-pointers, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly when given the opportunity. Despite his strong showing, the Warriors have opted to revert to their original plan of having Green as the primary starter. The move highlights the team’s strategic adjustments as they navigate the challenges of maintaining competitive balance while managing injuries. Green’s return to the starting lineup is expected to provide the Warriors with greater defensive versatility and leadership, especially in high-stakes games like the upcoming matchup against the Lakers. Horford’s bench role, however, does not diminish his value to the team. His experience and scoring ability remain key assets, particularly in situations where the Warriors need a reliable offensive presence off the bench. Coaches have emphasized that Horford’s contributions, even in a limited role, are crucial to the team’s overall success. This adjustment also reflects the Warriors’ ongoing efforts to optimize their roster. With multiple players sidelined due to injuries, the coaching staff has been forced to make difficult decisions about lineups.#los_angeles_lakers #denver_nuggets #memphis_grizzlies #draymond_green #al_horford

Tyus Jones Signs With Nuggets The Denver Nuggets have officially signed point guard Tyus Jones, the team confirmed on March 5, 2026. The deal, which was finalized after Jones was waived by the Dallas Mavericks on March 2, includes a salary of $814,552 for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Denver will carry a cap charge of $514,682 as part of the agreement. Jones, 29, was expected to join the Nuggets after his release by Dallas, which occurred before the March 2 roster deadline. His agent, Kevin Bradbury, confirmed the move to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Nuggets had one open roster spot and used it to sign Jones, who retains playoff eligibility due to his release before the deadline. Jones will receive a prorated portion of the veteran’s minimum salary for the rest of the season, according to The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando. The 24th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Jones is entering his 11th NBA season. Known for his playmaking and ball-handling skills, he has averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 0.8 turnovers in 20.7 minutes per game across 738 regular-season appearances for teams including Minnesota, Memphis, Washington, Phoenix, Orlando, and Dallas. Jones’ recent NBA journey has been marked by frequent roster changes. After four-year stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, he joined the Orlando Magic in 2025 on a one-year, $7 million deal. However, he struggled in Orlando, averaging 3.1 points and 2.6 assists while shooting .349 from the field. The Magic traded him to the Charlotte Hornets in a salary-dump deal to stay under the luxury tax threshold, and Charlotte later sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. Jones appeared in eight games for the Mavericks, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 assists while shooting .382 from the field.#denver_nuggets #dallas_mavericks #minnesota_timberwolves #memphis_grizzlies #tyus_jones