The Memphis Grizzlies (43-25) showed complete dominance, handing the Miami Heat (29-38) their seventh straight loss with a commanding 125-91 victory on March 16.
Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers:
Desmond Bane 22 PTS | 10 REB | 8 AST | 50.0 FPS
Bane hasn’t been at his best offensively in his last three games, but he managed to find his range from deep and delivered his 29th game this season with 20+ points today. He’s been highly inconsistent in playmaking recently but is sure to step up with Morant out. On the other hand, his production in rebounding and defense has remained a reliable part of his game this month.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 31 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK | 42.7 FPS
JJJ appeared to be in good shape, averaging 30 minutes in back-to-back games since returning from a six-game absence. He struggled offensively in his previous outing but made up for it on defense with six stocks. But quickly found his rhythm today, posting his fifth 30+ point game this month.
Scottie Pippen Jr. 11 PTS | 11 AST | 6 REB | 42.7 FPS
Pippen is a hot streaming option right now, scoring in double digits in four of his last five games with good numbers across all shooting areas. He’s also stepped up as a playmaker, dishing out 23 assists over his last three outings. However, his biggest impact has come on defense, where he’s recorded at least one block and two steals in five straight games.
Zach Edey 12 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 27.1 FPS
Edey provides modest rebounding and shot-blocking for his position, but his production is likely to take a hit as the team gets healthier.
Luke Kennard 11 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 20.8 FPS
Kennard filled in well for Morant today and recently had a breakout performance, dropping 30 points on 7-of-9 shooting from three. He can be a solid contributor in three-point shooting and playmaking if given a more stable role.
Miami Heat Top Performers:
Kel’el Ware 19 PTS | 11 REB | 1 STL | 35.7 FPS
Ware’s role and production both declined recently, but he returned to the starting lineup today and posted solid numbers for his position. However, his fantasy value has largely depended on whether he’s starting or not.
Bam Adebayo 18 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK | 31.2 FPS
Bam’s offensive output has dropped off recently, scoring a combined 15 points in his last two games. However, he found his rhythm again on offense today and narrowly missed the 20-point mark for only the second time this month. He has also been capable of providing good value at the free-throw line and as a playmaker, though those areas have been quieter in his last two games. Despite this setback, he has remained a reliable contributor in multiple areas, maintaining solid rebounding numbers and strong defensive stats this month.
Tyler Herro 8 PTS | 7 AST | 2 STL | 28.9 FPS
Herro struggled offensively today, failing to reach double figures for the first time this season and ending a 93-game streak. Before this game, he had been a reliable scorer, averaging around 20 points, including a 31-point outing, while also contributing well across the board. With playoff-caliber opponents ahead, his production could face serious challenges.
Kyle Anderson 13 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 28.7 FPS
Anderson had four-straight DNPs before this game but delivered a well-rounded performance today. However, his limited role and the team’s inconsistent rotations still makes him a tough roster option.
Jaime Jaquez 13 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 21.5 FPS
Jaquez has played substantial minutes in his last two games, putting up double-digit points along with modest rebounds and assists. However, he still isn’t worth rostering.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Andrew Wiggins 8 PTS | 1 AST | 1 TO
Wiggins has been one of the team’s primary scoring options and has been highly productive lately, scoring around 20 points with notable defensive contributions over his last four games. However, he struggled on offense today and couldn’t make up for his lack of production elsewhere, as the game was largely one-sided. With the team also in a slump, having lost seven straight games, it’s unlikely that today’s performance will be an outlier.