Grizzlies Podcast

The Memphis Grizzlies didn't make the flashiest move at the trade deadline, but they are reaping the benefits of a strong addition. Luke Kennard has given the Grizzlies another elite 3-point shooter to go with Desmond Bane, but now he'll have to adjust as teams start to run him off the 3-point line. The Grizzlies (48-28) are on pace to finish with the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with six games left to play. Between last season and prior to the trade deadline, 3-point shooting has been a question for the Grizzlies. If the Grizzlies can shoot at a high level with players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. attacking the paint, it bodes well for their postseason chances. In this Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Evan Barnes and Damichael Cole discuss Kennard's impact, plus pick which potential first-round playoff matchup they'd like to see with the Grizzlies.

Three weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were being hit with so much bad news that it felt like a first-round playoff exit was a strong possibility. Ja Morant was suspended, Steven Adams' return from a knee injury was delayed, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and Dillon Brooks served the first of two one-game suspensions. Fast forward to now, the Grizzlies are two games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed and have won 10 straight home games. The recent stretch includes winning six of seven games overall, and the return of Morant. The Grizzlies (45-27) have also gotten one of the best stretches of play from Jaren Jackson Jr. in his five-year career. On this episode of the Commercial Appeal's Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss how Morant looked in his return, Jackson's breakout and the Western Conference playoff picture.

The Memphis Grizzlies are close to getting Ja Morant back in the team facility, but there remains a lot of factors at play. Since Morant's first day back in the facility after his eight-game suspension is March 20, when the Grizzlies play against the Dallas Mavericks, he'll need time to ramp-up before joining the Grizzlies' playoff push for the No. 2 seed. There's also the personal perspective. Morant spent time in a counseling program in Florida, and said yesterday he feels better mentally. In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss Morant's first public comments, where he goes from here and how this impacts the Grizzlies during the playoff push.

The past seven days have been filled with disappointments for the Memphis Grizzlies. Their star player, Ja Morant, is away from the team, Dillon Brooks had a one-game suspension, Brandon Clarke tore his Achilles and the Grizzlies have lost three games in a row. Memphis is now third in the Western Conference behind the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed, and there is no definitive timetable on when Ja Morant will return. The Grizzlies are also awaiting a firm return to play update on Steven Adams. In this episode of the Commercial Appeal Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the latest around Morant, how the Grizzlies are handling the situation, and the race for the No. 2 seed.

The Memphis Grizzlies are still the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, but February struggles resulted in the team falling further behind the top-seeded Denver Nuggets and closer to the Sacramento Kings. An upcoming stretch of games against Western Conference foes that includes five of six games being nationally televised will be one of the most critical periods of the season. The stretch starts with the Nuggets, then the Grizzlies will head to Los Angeles for games against the Clippers and Lakers. In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what this stretch of games means for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and more.

Welcome back to the All-Star break edition of the Memphis Grizzlies podcast. For this week, reporter Evan Barnes is joined by columnist Mark Giannotto as our beat writer Damichael Cole is away with his family. Evan and Mark briefly recap the NBA All-Star game and what it meant for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in terms of their career growth and the Grizzlies' trajectory. Next, they dive into the remaining 25 games to discuss key storylines, including a brutal 11-game stretch as the season restarts and a changing Western Conference after the trade deadline. The guys also dive into Steven Adams' impact as he'll hopefully return soon from his sprained knee that's kept him out since Jan. 24. Also, is it more important for the Grizzlies to keep the No. 2 seed or get back to playing at a high level? Everything now is about getting right and ready for the playoffs and the Grizzlies have a clear target on their backs. Can they get right after struggling before the break? We'll find out starting Thursday at the Philadelphia 76ers (6:30 p.m., TNT)

The Memphis Grizzlies went 0-5 on a recent and lost Steven Adams to a right PCL sprain for the next three-to-five weeks. Still, not all hope is lost in Memphis. The Grizzlies have the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and help is on the way. Danny Green is expected to make his Grizzlies debut against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Desmond Bane, who has missed the last two games, is also expected to return sometime this week, according to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. In this episode of the Grizzlies’ Commercial Appeal Podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the pending impact of Green’s return, plus what we learned about the Grizzlies on their recent road trip. 

Turn your speakers to 11 and get ready for another week of the Memphis Grizzlies' podcast! Beat writer Damichael Cole and host Evan Barnes are back as the Grizzlies tied a franchise record with their 11th consecutive win. With a five-game West Coast road trip starting Friday, the guys break down what lies ahead and what they're looking forward to most starting with the Los Angeles Lakers Friday (9 p.m., ESPN). Can the Grizzlies prove themselves as contenders against potential playoff or play-in teams? How much should fans circle the rematch with Golden State Warriors on Wednesday? The podcast ends with some chatter on Danny Green getting closer to his season debut after knee surgery. Should the Grizzlies explore trading Green or see what he can do given his shooting and experience? How can the Grizzlies use Green in the rotation and whose minutes could he inherit? There's a lot of options at stake and it's now a luxury for the Grizzlies to figure out with one of the NBA's deepest teams.

The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the NBA's best records, but they are 11-10 against the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies (23-13) want to reach their championship goals, they'll have to go through a tough slate of Western Conference opponents. Memphis is playing strong defensive basketball in its last three games after struggling and losing four of five games, including a Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks are leading the defensive charge, but the Grizzlies have also been tactical in their approaches against the opponent's top offensive options. In this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss what went wrong during the losing streak, how Brooks' role impacts the future and the Grizzlies' standing in the Western Conference

The Memphis Grizzlies are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but they still have 59 more regular season games to play. One of the toughest stretches is here. The Grizzlies lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, and now they'll face off against the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors to complete a four-game road trip. In that game against the Thunder, Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks both received technical fouls. Morant was ejected for the second time this season. On this Grizzlies podcast, reporters Damichael Cole and Evan Barnes discuss the technical fouls, the upcoming road stretch and a Christmas Day showdown against the Warriors.