Memphis Grizzlies

Santi Aldama totaled 11 points (4-9 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in the Grizzlies’ 105-91 win over the Jazz.

Fantasy Impact: Aldama scored 11.0 points in the Grizzlies' win over the Jazz, putting together his third consecutive double-digit scoring performance. Ever since putting together that sensational performance against Boston, his production has been more pedestrian but still impactful. It seems as though his production sweet spot is 30.0 minutes. After looking at his current and last season's game log in the combined 12 games where he saw at least 30.0 minutes on the floor, he averaged 15.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 49.0 percent from the floor and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. The impressive thing is that these numbers could indicate significant growth in Aldama's production level, as he is pacing about the same level this season with only 26.3 minutes of play. This view could be supported by looking at his averages in games this season where he played at least 30.0 minutes; when doing so, his numbers jump to 22.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. The sample is small but could be promising for the long-term value of Aldama; however, reaching, increasing, and sustaining this level of value may not be realized as consistently as it could be if his role ends up being relegated to off-the-bench work. Without those minutes, the upside we saw him demonstrate may be more challenging for him to achieve. However, he should still be able to produce meaningful production to remain a viable streaming, borderline must-roster option in most season-long leagues, given the existence of his promising upside and multi-categorical contributions in rebound, steals, and efficiency. Given his current role and production fluctuations, Aldama's price point may be too inflated to warrant consideration in daily formats. He has a usage rate of 23.1 percent, a plus-minus of -1.5, and is averaging 26.3 minutes, 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Jaren Jackson Jr. totaled 20 points (8-19 FG, 0-3 3PT, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and six blocks in the Grizzlies’ 105-91 win over the Jazz.

Fantasy Impact: Jackson had 6.0 steals in the Grizzlies' win over the Jazz, making this his second consecutive game with at least 3.0 blocks. In addition to his incredible defensive showing, he also demonstrated his scoring prowess by posting 20.0 points. Jackson did it all, reminding us of the multi-categorical value he can produce when locked in and in concert with the game script. He is a must-start asset in most season-long leagues. Jackson's upside and price point could make him an ideal asset in daily formats. He has a usage rate of 27.1 percent, a plus-minus of -5.1, and is averaging 31.5 minutes, 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.

David Roddy totaled 19 points (7-11 FG, 5-9 3PT), six rebounds, and one assist in the Grizzlies’ 105-91 win over the Jazz.

Fantasy Impact: Roddy scored 19.0 points in the Grizzlies' win over the Jazz, putting together his best scoring and shooting performance this season as he shot 63.6 percent from the floor and 55.6 percent from beyond the arc. The second-year pro can be a talented scoring asset; however, his production level, consistency, and efficiency could be the key things he will need to work on to take advantage of his opportunities and earn a meaningful role in the rotation and our lineups. Roddy seems to be finally tapping into the upside he demonstrated back in his final year at Colorado State University, where he averaged 32.9 minutes, 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. If he can produce anywhere close to that level, he could become a viable streaming option in season-long leagues. However, it could take some time and a lot of answered "what ifs" before this becomes something or nothing. A wait-and-see approach could be the best before investing in this speculative talent. Although his price point is low, the inconsistency in his production makes him less appealing in most daily contests; he may be worth considering as a last piece-flier, but only if in a plus-matchup. Roddy has a usage rate of 16.3 percent, a plus-minus of -3.4, and is averaging 23.4 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 30.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane totaled 17 points (7-17 FG, 3-11 3PT), seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals in the Grizzlies’ 105-91 win over the Jazz.

Fantasy Impact: Bane scored 17.0 points in the Grizzlies' win over the Jazz, making this his second consecutive double-digit scoring performance. He put together a complete game that nearly saw him triple-doubled, falling short three rebounds and one assist of accomplishing the feat. Derrick Rose gaining some traction in the rotation could make Bane's responsibility for driving the lion's share of the team's production less arduous. The promotion of Rose could lend itself to enhancing Bane's play style and multi-categorical contribution, as he could be leveraged more for his utility within the evolving game script than being forced, out of circumstance, to play a singular role of playmaking facilitator. He will look to continue his strong play against a competitive Mavericks team this Friday. Bane is a must-start in all season-long leagues and is priced competitively in daily formats, making him a viable option given his upside. He has a usage rate of 28.3 percent, a plus-minus -4.7, and is averaging 34.2 minutes, 23.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.0 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Derrick Rose totaled 14 points (7-11 FG, 5-9 3PT), four rebounds, and nine assists in the Grizzlies’ 105-91 win over the Jazz.

Fantasy Impact: Rose scored 14.0 points in the Grizzlies' win over the Jazz, making this his third consecutive double-digit scoring performance. Rose is still a good basketball player, and I hope he is given ample opportunity to demonstrate that with this opportunity with the Grizzlies. The team is down and has been hit with the injury bug like no other and are due for some relief, and I think Rose could offer that. Although he isn't who he used to be, he has remained productive over the past few years and looks poised to continue this trend should the team leverage his experience and talent. Looking at his game log over the past several seasons, it seems as though his actual down year came in 2017-2018, but outside of that, his production has remained, all things considered, consistent across all performance categories. Now we all know his health is his biggest opponent; if he can win this battle, then he could warrant must-roster status even with the return of Marcus Smart and Ja Morant. He should be a good source of points and assists in season-long leagues and a value play in daily formats. Rose has a usage rate of 22.2 percent, a plus-minus -1.2, and is averaging 18.8 minutes, 10.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Marcus Smart remains sidelined with a sprained left ankle and is expected to miss another 1-3 weeks. (Source: Michael Scotto on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Smart was given a 3-5 week timetable to return two weeks ago after suffering the injury. David Roddy should continue to see more playing time in his absence.

Bismack Biyombo totaled 10 points (2-3 FG, 6-10 FT), five rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the Grizzlies’ 119-97 loss to the Timberwolves.

Fantasy Impact: Biyombo scored 10.0 points in the Grizzlies’ loss to the Timberwolves, putting together a somewhat underwhelming performance compared to his high production level earlier this month. Yes, he was able to grab 5.0 rebounds and post 10.0 points, but given the ample amount of opportunity he has been given, it would be great to see him produce at that higher rate more consistently. Biyombo is a viable streaming play in most-season long leagues; however, his price point may be a tad too inflated and floor too low to warrant last-piece consideration in daily formats. He has a usage rate of 11.3 percent, a plus-minus of -3.0, and is averaging 25.9 minutes, 7.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 59.3 percent from beyond the arc and 60.0 percent from the free-throw line.

The Grizzlies announced that Xavier Tillman Sr. is considered week-to-week. (Source: Grizzlies PR on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Tillman will likely be re-evaluated in a week. Bismack Biyombo and Santi Aldama should continue to see more minutes in his absence for a short-handed Grizzlies roster.

The Grizzlies announced that Luke Kennard will be re-evaluated in two weeks. (Source: Grizzlies PR on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Kennard has been sidelined for the past week due to a left knee bone bruise. John Konchar and Ziaire Williams should continue to see more minutes for a short-handed Grizzlies roster.

Ziaire Williams played 34 minutes in Saturday’s 113-106 loss to the Wizards, finishing with 16 points (6-14 FG, 4-12 3PT), 10 rebounds, and one assist.

Fantasy Impact: Williams has had a tremendous start to the season, scoring in double-digits in consecutive games and notching his first double-double of the 2023-24 campaign on Saturday. Once Ja Morant (suspension) is ready to return, Williams will likely move back to a bench role, but for now, he's taking full advantage of his added opportunity. On the season, the 22-year-old small forward is averaging 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Williams is just a streaming option at this point, but he's worth keeping an eye on as he continues establishing himself in this Grizzlies rotation.

Brandon Clarke (achilles) will not be ready for the start of the season for the Grizzlies. (Source: Drew Hill on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Clarke is recovering from a devastating achilles injury that he suffered quite some time ago and won't be ready for the start of the season. This was expected given his recovery timeline, but we still don't know when exactly the team is planning on him being healthy. Xavier Tillman will be in line for a bigger role for the time being until we know more about when Tillman will be able to return to the lineup.

The Rockets are reportedly “nearing a deal” with Dillon Brooks. (Source: Shams Charania on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Charania added that it could turn into a sign-and-trade. Brooks would join Fred VanVleet as a veteran presence for a young Rockets team. He would likely slide into the starting lineup immediately.

Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games as part of the disciplinary actions handed down by the NBA. (Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Morant will serve a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023 season as a disciplinary action handed down by the NBA after he had another off-court incident this off-season. His fantasy value will certainly take a hit with him missing almost a third of the regular season, and that will open the door for players like Desmond Bane or Tyus Jones to get increased usage while Morant serves his suspension.

Kenneth Lofton Jr. scored 42 points (17-25 FG, 0-2 3PT, 8-12 FT) to go along with 14 rebounds and one steal on Sunday against the Thunder.

Fantasy Impact: One day after signing a four-year contract with the Grizzlies, Lofton exploded for a career day. With Memphis having nothing to play for, they played just six players in the rotation all game. Ziare Williams added 24 points and nine assists. The Grizzlies will face the winner of Tuesday's Lakers-Wolves play-in game in the first round of the playoffs.

Steven Adams (knee), who has been out since January, is now expected to miss the postseason. (Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Adams was only expected to miss 3-5 weeks when the injury first occurred. Now the Grizzlies are likely without their veteran center for the playoffs, a brutal turn of events. Xavier Tillman has filled in admirably for Adams, and it looks like his role is secured until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Tyus Jones scored 13 points (5-9 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) to go along with eight rebounds, 12 assists, four steals and one block on Wednesday against the Pelicans.

Fantasy Impact: Jones made his return to the starting lineup with Ja Morant (hip) sidelined. As he has done all season, Jones took advantage of the opportunity. It is possible he sits at least one of the final two games for the Grizzlies.

John Konchar (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bulls. (Source: Grizzlies PR on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Konchar will play in Sunday's game despite originally being listed as questionable to play because of a hip injury. It's not a serious issue, and it shouldn't limit his workload against the Bulls.

Jake LaRavia (back) is questionable for Memphis' matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. (Source: NBA Injury Report)

Fantasy Impact: Back soreness will threaten LaRavia's availability for the team's game on Tuesday. He has struggled to get playing time in the Grizzlies' rotation even when healthy this year, so his possible absence wouldn't have a major impact on any fantasy-relevant players for Memphis.

Danny Green (knee) is questionable to make his season debut in Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. (Source: NBA Injury Report)

Fantasy Impact: Green has missed the entirety of the season so far while nursing a torn ACL, but he is listed as questionable and may be well enough to make his return for Wednesday's game. The team's initial plan was to have him return for this game, so he seems to be trending towards playing against the Blazers.