Pistons visit Grizzlies in matinee affair
The Detroit Pistons (38-41) make their lone visit to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll on Sunday afternoon. Waiting for them are the Memphis Grizzlies (21-58), who can’t wait to put the 2017-18 season behind them.
The Detroit Pistons may be eliminated from playoff contention.
But there’s something left to play for.
The Pistons still have a chance to finish with a winning record. They’ll need to win out. It’s certainly possible with three games remaining. Sunday’s matinee affair against the Memphis Grizzlies should be a gimme.
After a 5-2 start, it’s been all downhill for the Grizzlies ever since. Second-year head coach David Fizdale was fired in late November amidst an eight-game losing streak. Many point to an estranged relationship Fizdale had with franchise center Marc Gasol. The rumor was later confirmed by the ex-coach himself.
David Fizdale confirms conflict with Marc Gasol https://t.co/fAyOdnmmBZ pic.twitter.com/seGFyYrMxl
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 21, 2017
Fizdale’s release did nothing to stop the bleeding. The Grizzlies have suffered two double-digit losing streaks this season. They dropped 19 in a row between Jan. 31 and March 15.
Memphis currently ranks last in points per game with an average of 98.7. Mike Conley, Jarell Martin and Chandler Parsons have all had their seasons cut short due to injuries. Needless to say, the Grizzlies are running on fumes at this point.
But the recent play of shooting guard MarShon Brooks has given the Memphis faithful a little something to cheer about. Prior to last month, Brooks hadn’t played in the NBA since the 2013-14 season.
The 29-year-old was signed to a 10-day contract by the Grizzlies on March 27. In four games, he is averaging 23.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 57 percent shooting.
Memphis inked Brooks to a two-year deal on Friday, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports. It’s been a great story not only for Brooks, but for the Grizzlies as well. Change is coming to Memphis this summer. But Brooks is here to stay.
As for the Pistons, they should win this game handily. The Grizzlies rank second to last in terms of rebounds per game, grabbing just 40.6 a night. Andre Drummond alone averages 16.0 per game to lead the NBA.
Tip-off is slated for 3:30 p.m. on NBA TV (nationally) and Fox Sports Detroit (locally).