The Grizzlies celebrate their 25th NBA season in 2019-20, having entered the league as the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1995-96 season as one of two Canadian expansion franchises (Toronto Raptors)… Since relocating to Memphis prior to the 2001-02 season, the Grizzlies have qualified for the NBA Playoffs 10 times and advanced as far as the Western Conference Finals in 2013… The Grizzlies will don the classic Vancouver “teal” uniforms from the mid-90s for the second time (of 10 home games this season) at FedExForum in 2019-20 in recognition of the 25th season of the franchise.
Memphis enters tonight looking to end a season-low five-game losing streak (four straight losses at home)… The Grizzlies’ last win came 107-106 against Utah in the teams’ previous matchup on Nov. 15 at FedExForum.
Here are a few things to watch:
- The Grizzlies are playing at the sixth-fastest pace (104.39 possessions per game) in the NBA this season… The Grizzlies set a franchise record for pace last season (97.15) but that number still ranked last in the league and continued a streak of Bottom 5 finishes in the category that began in 2012-13.
- Ja Morant is averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 assists and 3.00 steals in 32.0 minutes with two double-doubles in his last two games… Morant has become the first rookie in franchise history with consecutive point-assist double-doubles… He will look to become the first Grizzlies player, rookie or veteran, to record three straight point-assist double-doubles since Jason Williams had three straight for the Hubie Brown-coached Grizzlies from Jan. 19-23, 2004.
- Jonas Valanciunas posted season highs with 30 points and 16 rebounds in Memphis’ 121-119 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday… According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Valanciunas became the third player in franchise history to produce at least 30 points and 15 rebounds while shooting at least 70 percent from the field (Pau Gasol in 2007, Zach Randolph in 2010).
For the Grizzlies complete game notes, check here: Grizzlies Game Notes