Mateo Mayorga

Joined: Nov 3, 2025

Mateo has covered the Miami Heat and the NBA since 2020, including the 2020 Finals through Zoom and the 2023 Finals in person. He also writes for Five Reasons Sports Network about the WNBA and boxing, and can be read at SB Nation’s Pounding the Rock for coverage on the San Antonio Spurs. Twitter: @MateoMayorga23

Jan 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) goes to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

News

Memphis has a tough defensive challenge against the Phoenix Suns on the second night of a back-to-back

Dec 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) celebrates in the first half against the New York Knicks in the first half fat Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

News

The Spurs are a deep team and went seven straight games with a different leading scorer between Dec. 8 and 23, and may get Victor Wembanyama back against the Grizzlies.

Jan 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) as he drives to the basket in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

It’s great when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. put up big stat lines and thrive in the lane, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the starters can disappear against the Lakers.

Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

News

The Memphis Grizzlies have another chance to take down a good team when the face Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers

Dec 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) advances the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) looks on during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

News

V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey will test the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night

Dec 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) gestures during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

News

When Morant is racking up high assist numbers (10) and playing within the flow of the offense, the Grizzlies have some teeth, but he can’t forget that sometimes the right play is one for himself.

Dec 23, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (24) looks to pass around Utah Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

News

Even without their star, Milwaukee presents some problems for the Grizzlies

Dec 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) moves the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

Jaren Jackson Jr. must continue his attacks on a susceptible Jazz defense

Dec 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) prepares to play the Minnesota Timberwolves before the game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

News

The Grizzlies haven't beaten a good team in a long time, and now comes the ultimate challenge in the Thunder

Dec 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

News

The main defensive responsibility will be containing Alex Sarr’s face-up scoring.

Dec 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) holds the ball up as Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

News

Trying to buy as much time against Randle in single coverage is ideal, so Jaren Jackson Jr. will need to bother him when he breaks within 10 feet of the hoop for the Grizzlies.

News

Part of Jaren Jackson Jr.'s job on Monday is making sure Ivica Zubac doesn’t crush him in production.

Mateo Mayorga

Joined: Nov 3, 2025

The need to limit Paolo Banchero against the Magic in London

The need for Grizzlies to stay on top of Magic's offensive threats in Berlin

The need for Jaren Jackson Jr. to play like an All-Star against the Nets

The Grizzlies need to throw the kitchen sink at Jalen Williams against OKC Thunder

News

The need for Grizzlies to play tight off-ball defense on Booker, Suns

News

Even if Wembanyama plays, Grizzlies must corral Spurs' supporting cast

News

The need to unleash Ja Morant against Lakers on Sunday

News

Grizzlies must make Luka Dončić work on defense

News

The need for the Grizzlies to pressure Tyrese Maxey against Philadelphia

News

The need for Grizzlies to pressure Kyshawn George in Washington

News

Giannis-less Bucks next for Memphis on Friday

News

The Grizzlies must defend without fouling in Utah

How can Memphis slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder?

The need for more on-ball usage for Cedric Coward and more top-notch play from Jaren Jackson Jr.

The need for the Grizzlies to contain Julius Randle on Wednesday night

The need for Ja Morant to play like an All-Star against the Clippers on Monday