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WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (14-22, 7-10 away) vs. Phoenix Suns (14-21, 7-12 home)
WHEN: 7:00 PM CT
WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Fox Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis
INJURY REPORT:
MEMPHIS: No Known Injuries
PHOENIX: Frank Kaminsky (Out, stress fracture)
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP:
MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jae Crowder, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jonas Valanciunas
PHOENIX: Devin Booker, Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre Jr., Deandre Ayton, Aron Baynes
The Grizzlies are looking to grab another win against the Suns on their three-game West Coast road trip after a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Clippers 140-114. You read that correctly. The Grizzlies scored 140 in regulation.
Four starters for the Grizzlies scored more than 20 points - Morant, Brooks, Crowder and Jackson, Jr. Grayson Allen, Brandon Clarke and Tyus Jones also contributed from the bench to cement the win. It was a true team contribution, and that is what it will continue to take for the Grizzlies to keep snagging wins in a competitive conference.
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HARNESSING THE MOMENTUM OFF OF A HOLLYWOOD WIN
What energy will the Grizzlies be able to muster in the next game of their road trip against the Phoenix Suns? In previous meetings with the Suns, the Grizzlies have won one game and lost one game.
After the most recent contest December 11, a game where the Grizzlies beat the Suns, the Suns plummeted into an 8-game losing streak. Overall, the two teams share a similar record and are battling it out to stay relevant in all premature playoff conversations.
In the game the Grizzlies lost to the Suns on November 2, 2019, Frank Kaminsky scored 24 points. Tonight, Kaminsky will not play due to a stress fracture.
Although the Grizzlies beat the Suns in December, it was Devin Booker who gave them trouble, and will be the one to whom the Grizzlies need to pay the most attention. The Suns won their last game at home to the Knicks with Booker and Oubre Jr. combined for 67 points.
PREDICTION
The Phoenix Suns will be well-rested, in their home arena, and looking to avenge a downward spiral in December; however, if the Grizzlies can ride their momentum from last night’s win and continue to utilize contributions from across the roster, it will be difficult for the Suns to take the win. Expect a hard-fought and close game from two teams who are battling for relevance in the West.
To refresh yourselves on previous matchups with the Grizzlies and Suns, read Nov. 2 and Dec. 11 recaps.
Memphis, 117 - Phoenix, 114