Memphis is 6-2 but has lost twice in a row, and Stewart and Pippen Jr. are both out tonight. Oklahoma City is also short-handed, with six players ruled out.
Who is Memphis missing tonight?
Isaiah Stewart is out with a right knee issue. He was listed November 4 and ruled out November 5. Scotty Pippen Jr. is out with a back problem. Both have an estimated return of November 9, the Raptors game. Together they account for about 34 minutes a night of rotation time, so the bench has to absorb it again.
How hurt is Oklahoma City?
Six Thunder players are out: Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber and Jaylin Williams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still there, averaging 30.1 points through eight games. The Thunder are 6-2 with a two-game win streak, but their net rating is 0.8 this season. Memphis sits at 10.3 through the same eight games.
Can the Grizzlies stop the slide?
They lost 134-135 to the Pelicans, then 103-107 to the Pacers, where Cedric Coward had 23 points and nine rebounds. Both games were close. Memphis has a 106.8 defensive rating this season, and tonight it gets a full day of rest before facing a short-handed opponent. A third straight loss would be harder to wave off.
Who carries the scoring?
Ty Jerome, at 27.4 points a game through seven games. He is 27 points short of 2,500 for his career, which is about one game away at his current pace, a projection and nothing more. Cameron Boozer gives the Grizzlies 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in eight games, and he is the steadier piece.
When do Isaiah Stewart and Scotty Pippen Jr. return?
Both have an estimated return of November 9 at Toronto. Both are out tonight against the Thunder.
Where do the Grizzlies stand in the West?
They are 6-2 and sixth in the West, with two straight losses after a 6-0 start.
