Memphis went from first at 6-0 to sixth at 6-2 after a one-point loss and a four-point loss. Oklahoma City arrives Friday without six players, but Gilgeous-Alexander still averages 30.1.
Is the slide real, or just two bad nights?
Both losses were close. Memphis lost 135-134 to New Orleans, then 107-103 to Indiana in a game with 16 lead changes. Nesmith hit a three with 14 seconds left, and Coward missed two long looks in the final eight seconds. Over eight games the Grizzlies still carry a plus-10.3 net rating. That reads as lost coin flips, not a collapse.
Who is missing for Oklahoma City on Friday?
Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber and Jaylin Williams are all listed out. Holmgren and Williams have played only three games each. Gilgeous-Alexander has played all eight at 30.1 points a night, and Ajay Mitchell adds 17.8. The Thunder are 6-2 and have won two straight.
What went wrong in the fourth quarter against Indiana?
The Pacers ripped off two 8-0 runs, the second turning an 86-91 deficit into a 94-91 lead. Boozer shot 4-of-14 with five turnovers. Edey finished plus-18 with 13 rebounds in 25 minutes, while Grant and Post were both minus-11. The closing stretch leaned on Memphis's shot-making, and the threes did not fall.
Will Stewart and Pippen be back Friday?
Stewart is listed day-to-day with a right knee issue, and his estimated return is Friday. Pippen is listed out with a back problem, same estimated date. Our tracking shows 5 of 7 players newly listed day-to-day on this club missed their following game, so treat Friday's date as a hope until the injury report firms it up.
When do the Grizzlies play the Thunder?
Friday, November 6, in an Emirates NBA Cup game at home. Memphis then travels to Toronto on November 9.
What is the Grizzlies' record right now?
Memphis is 6-2 and sixth in the West after two straight losses, to New Orleans and Indiana.
