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Cole Anthony Shams: Grizzlies acquire Cole Anthony from Magic
Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 5:39 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports the Grizzlies have acquired Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks and a pick swap in exchange for Desmond Bane.
Analysis: Memphis and Orlando have reportedly made a significant trade, with the former bidding farewell to a key member of its core. Anthony is one of the players the Grizzlies have received in exchange for Bane, adding another point guard to the mix. And a change of scenery may be what the doctor ordered for Anthony, as the 2024-25 campaign was the worst of his NBA career to date. In 67 appearances, the 2020 first-round pick averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes. Even when the Magic were without Jalen Suggs, Anthony was not productive enough to merit being a consistent fantasy streamer. At best, he'll back up Ja Morant in Memphis, and the Grizzlies also have Scotty Pippen Jr. under contract for the 2025-26 season. |
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Shams: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope acquired by MEM
Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 5:31 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports the Grizzlies have acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap from the Magic in exchange for Desmond Bane.
Analysis: After one season with the Magic, Caldwell-Pope is on the move. He's been traded to the Grizzlies, but the veteran guard will likely be a starter in his new home. Caldwell-Pope was signed by the Magic last summer for his 3-and-D abilities, but he struggled with his shot. In 77 appearances, he shot 34.2 percent from three on 4.3 attempts per game. The percentage was Caldwell-Pope's worst since 2015-16, when he shot 30.9 percent from three as a member of the Pistons. Playing alongside Ja Morant could result in cleaner looks for KCP if he's inserted into the starting lineup, as Orlando lacked a consistent playmaker at the point. From a fantasy standpoint, he'll be a late-round pick at best in standard leagues. |
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Zach Edey Edey (ankle) out four months following surgery
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 1:22 PM
Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey (ankle) will be re-evaluated in four months after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
Analysis: Edey reinjured the left ankle that he sprained during the regular season, resulting in the center undergoing surgery to stabilize the area. The Grizzlies announced on Tuesday that the procedure was successful, and he will be re-evaluated in four months. With Edey not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, Memphis can either slide Brandon Clarke into the starting lineup or move Jaren Jackson Jr. to the five as part of a smaller quintet. Edey's surgery may also impact Memphis's approach to Santi Aldama, who will be a restricted free agent next month. |
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Zach Edey Shams: Zach Edey to undergo surgery on ankle
Sat, Jun 7, 2025, 8:50 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Zach Edey will undergo surgery to re-stabilize his left ankle.
Analysis: Charania's report indicates that Edey re-sprained the same ankle that forced him to miss some time last season. It came during an offseason workout, and he is expected to miss time to start next season. Edey secured the starting center spot for Memphis late last season after playing an inconsistent role for most of his rookie year. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo could opt to use Brandon Clarke as the starting center if he's healthy, or he could use a smaller starting lineup with Jaren Jackson Jr. to start next season. The Grizzlies' PR team announced that a preliminary timeline will be provided after he has the surgery, but as of now, the expectation is that he won't be available for opening night. |
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Zach Edey Zach Edey blocks seven shots in series finale
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:08 PM
Zach Edey recorded eight points (3-of-4 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist and seven blocks in 33 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: After recording four blocked shots on four occasions during the regular season, Edey nearly doubled that number on Saturday. While he did provide solid value in the rebounding category as well, the rookie center only attempted four shots on the day before fouling out. Edey's production during the regular season did not match his Yahoo! ADP (98), but he offered solid late-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. His value for the 2025-26 season will be heavily influenced by the Grizzlies' head coaching hire. Edey's minutes and opportunities increased after Tuomas Iisola was named interim head coach, but he isn't a lock to have the tag removed. |
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Desmond Bane Desmond Bane scores 23 points in series finale
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:05 PM
Desmond Bane amassed 23 points (7-of-20 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, five assists and two three-pointers in 38 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: Bane did not have the most efficient game, recording five turnovers and shooting 35 percent from the field. However, he went out firing, helping to give Memphis a chance of extending its season. Entering the season with a Yahoo! ADP of 44, Bane finished as a top-40 player in eight- and nine-cat formats. Providing consistent value has rarely been an issue for the Grizzlies' guard, but his value in 2025-26 will be influenced by who the team hires as its new head coach. |
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Santi Aldama Santi Aldama hits five triples, scores 23 points
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:02 PM
Santi Aldama logged 40 minutes in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder, accumulating 23 points (9-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, three assists and five three-pointers.
Analysis: Aldama was the replacement in the Grizzlies' starting lineup for Ja Morant, who sat out with a hip contusion. The fourth-year forward played well, shooting efficiently and providing value as a rebounder. The 2024-25 season was a good one for Aldama, who had his moments after being considered little more than a late-round option in the fall. He finished just outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats, providing greater value in the latter. Aldama will be a restricted free agent this summer. |
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Jaren Jackson Jaren Jackson Jr. struggles in series finale
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jaren Jackson Jr. shot 3-of-12 from the field and 6-of-6 from the foul line in Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder, tallying 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 35 minutes.
Analysis: In his final game of the 2024-25 season, Jackson went out with a relative whimper as Oklahoma City swept the Grizzlies. He missed both of his three-point attempts and shot 25 percent from the field overall, failing to help pick up the slack with Ja Morant (hip) sidelined. Jackson is extension eligible this season, and the most Memphis will be allowed to pay him depends on whether or not JJJ makes an All-NBA team. Even with Saturday's poor performance, Trip appears to be a valued member of the Grizzlies' core going forward. |
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Scotty Pippen Scotty Pippen Jr. records 30/11/4 line in Game 4
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 12:46 PM
Scotty Pippen Jr. finished Saturday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder with 30 points (9-of-21 FGs, 10-of-10 FTs), 11 rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Due to Ja Morant (hip) being unavailable, more was needed from Pippen, even if he was already in the starting lineup. He undoubtedly answered the call, matching his career-high point total, and the rebound tally was the best of his NBA career. Having entered the 2024-25 season as a fantasy afterthought, Pippen finished as a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats. He's on a guaranteed contract for next season and, regardless of who's hired as the next head coach, will be worth grabbing with a late-round pick in 12-team leagues. In addition to Pippen's production, Morant's injury history makes this a worthwhile dice roll. |
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Santi Aldama MEM starting Pippen, Bane, Aldama, Jackson, Edey
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 9:06 AM
Memphis Grizzlies
Scotty Pippen Jr., Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey will start Game 4 against the Thunder on Saturday.
Analysis: The Grizzlies will look to keep their season alive despite not having Ja Morant, who's out with a hip injury. Aldama is his replacement in the starting lineup, providing additional frontcourt size. In addition to Aldama's move into the starting five, John Konchar and Luke Kennard should figure more prominently in the rotation. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard (Achilles) available for Game 4 Sat.
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 8:56 AM
Memphis Grizzlies
Luke Kennard (Achilles) is available for Game 4 against the Thunder on Saturday.
Analysis: Initially questionable with a sore right Achilles, Kennard has been upgraded to available. With Ja Morant (hip) out, there will be more opportunities available to Kennard. Either he or John Konchar will start, with the latter being the more likely choice. |
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Luke Kennard Luke Kennard (Achilles) questionable for Game 4
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 12:08 PM
Matt Infield
Luke Kennard (Achilles) is officially questionable for Game 4 against the Thunder on Saturday.
Analysis: Kennard could be in line to start with Ja Morant (hip) doubtful for Game 4, but the 28-year-old shooting guard is questionable with right Achilles soreness. While Morant's is an injury the Grizzlies simply can't afford in this series, Kennard's injury certainly doesn't help them. Santi Aldama could be in line for a significant role if Kennard misses Game 4. |
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Ja Morant Shams: Ja Morant (hip) out for Game 4
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 10:28 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Ja Morant (hip) will miss Game 4 against the Thunder on Saturday.
Analysis: Morant exited early from Game 3 after a scary fall while attempting a layup. Memphis had a large lead when he exited, but they weren't able to hold on, and they'll now enter Game 4 without their star point guard and trailing 0-3 in the series. Scotty Pippen Jr. should take over point guard duties, while Luke Kennard will likely replace Morant in the starting unit after starting the second half in his place. |
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Desmond Bane Desmond Bane struggles in Game 3 loss, scores 10
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 6:59 PM
Desmond Bane shot 3-of-14 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Thursday's Game 3 loss to the Thunder, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers.
Analysis: Bane has not been able to get untracked offensively, which is a credit to the Oklahoma City defense. After shooting 10-of-29 from the field in the first two games, the Grizzlies' guard did not benefit from a return to the friendly confines of FedEx Forum. Add in Ja Morant's hip injury, and Bane has hit a rough patch at the worst possible time. He did record a complete stat line, but that shooting line isn't enough for a player of Bane's caliber. The Grizzlies will look to extend their season on Saturday when they host Game 4 of the series. |
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Jaren Jackson Jaren Jackson Jr. tallies 22 points in Game 3 loss
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 6:54 PM
Jaren Jackson Jr. logged 38 minutes in Thursday's Game 3 loss to the Thunder, amassing 22 points (7-of-16 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer.
Analysis: After a brutal performance in Sunday's series opener, Jackson has shown up offensively in the two games since. However, it hasn't been enough to secure a win for the Grizzlies, and the team will be staring down elimination on Saturday. And with Ja Morant (hip) potentially missing Game 4, even more production will be needed from Jackson on both ends of the floor. Through three games, Jackson has recorded two steals and one blocked shot. While those categories aren't the only way to measure a player's defensive impact, JJJ averaged 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game during the regular season. |
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Scotty Pippen Scotty Pippen Jr. records 28/5/5/3/1 stat line
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 6:49 PM
Scotty Pippen Jr. shot 8-of-16 from the field and 6-of-6 from the foul line in Thursday's Game 3 loss to the Thunder, scoring 28 points with five rebounds, five assists, three steals, one block and six three-pointers in 38 minutes.
Analysis: After totaling 15 points on 5-of-21 shooting in the first two games of this series, Pippen recorded one of his best stat lines of the season in Game 3. However, much of his offensive production occurred before halftime, as Memphis was on a roll. Pippen shot 7-of-10 from the field in the first half, but the Grizzlies' offense would grind to a halt once Ja Morant exited with a hip injury. Pippen's final stat line was impressive, and he'll need a similar effort in Saturday's Game 4, especially if Morant is unable to play. |
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Ja Morant Ja Morant (hip) will not return Thursday
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 5:17 PM
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant (hip) will not return to Thursday's Game 3 against the Thunder.
Analysis: Morant suffered a left hip contusion when he was inadvertently undercut by Thunder wing Luguentz Dort while attempting a layup. The Grizzlies' point guard stayed in the game long enough to try his free throws, which he needed to do to have any chance of returning. However, Morant walked to the locker room slowly immediately after those free throws and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. Luke Kennard moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon. |
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Santi Aldama Santi Aldama scores 10 points vs. Thunder
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 4:42 PM
Santi Aldama came off the bench and generated 10 points (4-of-11 FGs), five rebounds and two three-pointers in the Grizzlies' Game 2 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.
Analysis: Aldama was one of two Grizzlies reserves to score and one of four players to make two three-pointers. His 31 minutes played were the fourth-highest on the team, which could signal that he'll be a significant part of Memphis' game plan moving forward. The Grizzlies will look to score their first win of the series on Thursday in Memphis in Game 3. |
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Desmond Bane Desmond Bane produces 19/12/4 line vs. Thunder
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 4:28 PM
Desmond Bane had a well-rounded performance, totaling 19 points (7-of-17 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers in Tuesday's loss to the Thunder in Game 2.
Analysis: While Bane didn't have a big night scoring the basketball, he found a way to impact the game in other ways. Bane led Memphis in rebounding, was second in total assists, and was the only member of the Grizzlies to notch a double-double in the loss. He'll have another chance to stuff the stat sheet on Thursday when the Grizzlies take on the Thunder in Memphis for Game 3. |
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Ja Morant Ja Morant tallies 23 points vs. Thunder
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 4:21 PM
Ja Morant finished with 23 points (10-of-25 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 40 minutes in Tuesday's Game 2 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: Morant struggled with his shooting efficiency for the second straight game against a suffocating Thunder defense. Combined with Morant's shooting struggles were the five turnovers he produced, helping underscore just how much he struggled. Perhaps a change of scenery could help ignite Morant and the Grizzlies as they look to avoid going down 0-3 in the series when returning home for Game 3 on Thursday |
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