The Memphis Grizzlies started 18-8 but fell to the play-in after a late-season swoon. Part of the problem is that Memphis has largely remained Ja Morant-centric, with an emerging second star and good role players. Even amidst their slump, in fact, the Grizzlies chose not to tinker with their roster and instead fire coach Taylor Jenkins. That’s why the fantasy picks here are mostly the same from the first edition.
Your Main Man: Ja Morant
Ja Morant played in just 50 of the Grizzlies’ 82 games, but he was terrific in the games he did play, putting up 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers by any means, but they’re great nonetheless, especially when you consider that Morant only played 30 minutes a game and was restricted somewhat by a more motion-centric offense early in the season. Now, with a postseason slot on the line, expect the ball to be in Morant’s hands more.
Play Daily Fantasy NOW, and use the promo code “REBANSE” to claim 10 coins!
👉 https://lets.playdailyfantasy.com/
Surefire Studs: Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane
Jackson Jr. is as close to a second star as Memphis has, although he’d probably be the third or fourth option in a championship-caliber team. There’s no denying, though, that Jackson is growing into a bona fide star—in real games and in fantasy. This season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks to continue his ascent as a superstar. He’ll be counted on to do more moving forward.
Bane is in a similar boat with Jackson in that he’ll probably have a lesser role in more talented teams. But the production is good enough nonetheless—19.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.2 SPG in 32 minutes. And if the last two seasons are any indication—23.7 PPG and 21.5 PPG—Bane can put up more points when needed. With the race for the playoffs down to a few more games, he just might up his scoring.
Low Cost, High Value Picks: Santi Aldama, Scotty Pippen Jr.
Aldama showed flashes of brilliance already last season, and he has continued his fine play this season. In 25.5 minutes per game this season, the young wing has averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.8 steals. They’re a bit down from where he started in November and December, but he has shown he can put up numbers and contribute to winning basketball.
Pippen Jr. shares the same career arc as Aldama, breaking out last year and continuing to be a key cog for Memphis this year. He has continued to be productive, posting 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 21.3 minutes. With the Grizzlies expected to go up against teams with explosive perimeter scorers, Pippen’s minutes—and production—might just go up.
(For our previous NBA Roster Insider Drafts, just click here: Atlanta Hawks | Boston Celtics | Brooklyn Nets | Charlotte Hornets | Chicago Bulls | Cleveland Cavaliers | Dallas Mavericks | Denver Nuggets | Golden State Warriors | Houston Rockets | Indiana Pacers | Memphis Grizzlies | Miami Heat | Milwaukee Bucks | Minnesota Timberwolves | New Orleans Pelicans | New York Knicks | Oklahoma City Thunder)
