Knicks at Grizzlies Preview: How, Who to Watch in Search For New Winning Streak
Not all new sensations are comfortable.
The New York Knicks will look to start a new winning streak after Thursday's heartbreaker in North Texas when they face the severely shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. New York is coming off its first loss of the new calendar year, dropping a 128-124 decision to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points (including 12 in the final period) in his first game at AAC as an opponent while Julius Randle put up 32 in defeat.
Seven Grizzlies are set to be held out of Saturday's game, the latter half of a back-to-back after a 128-119 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Memphis' biggest blow has been losing Ja Morant to a shoulder injury earlier this week, one that ended his 2023-24 season after only nine games. In other notable medical news, Desmond Bane (ankle) left the Clippers' visit early while Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) is listed as doubtful.
This will be the first of two meetings between New York and Memphis this season, with the latter prevailing in both legs of last year's pair. The first was a 115-112 overtime decision at FedExForum on opening night before the Grizzlies took one at Madison Square Garden in November. Memphis has swept each of the last two yearly pairs but the average margin of victory in the four has been less than six points.
A Manhattan-based rematch is scheduled for Feb. 6.
What: New York Knicks (22-16) @ Memphis Grizzlies (14-24)
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
When/Watch: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, MSG
Who's Favored: NYK -7.5
Keep An Eye On: OG Anunoby
The Knicks lost for the first time in the Anunoby era on Thursday, as the defense that has defined his arrival betrayed them in defeat. For example, New York gave up a season-worst 44 points in the opening period, the worst output they've allowed over a first dozen all season. That's been part of a rollercoaster week for Anunoby, who showed off his offensive talents during Tuesday's win over Portland. Facing adversity for the first time of his Knicks tenure, it'll be interesting to see how Anunoby handles business in a bounceback contest.
Grizzly to Watch: Xavier Tillman
With Memphis' chance at a return trip to the playoffs dwindling, the rest of the season could be dedicated to drawing up a blueprint for the future. Time will tell if Tillman is a part of that and the injuries will likely give him a starring role on Saturday and possibly beyond. Whereas the Knicks have been able to recover from the loss of Mitchell Robinson thanks to the rise of Isaiah Hartenstein, Memphis' rebounding has been dreadful all season. With Jackson likely out, Tillman will be at the forefront of the Memphis interior discussion on Saturday. He's responded fairly well in the last two games, pulling in 20 boards since Morant went down for good.
Andy Martin, USA TODAY SPORTS
They Said It
"We’ve been hitting teams in the mouth first and just running away with it. I think this is our first test of adversity as this new group together. I think we responded well in the fourth quarter. You take the good and learn from that as well. Like I said, we have to be ready Saturday, because it doesn’t matter if Ja is out or not, they’re playing really well and they’re going to play hard. I think we just got hit first in the mouth tonight and they just kept going.”-Donte DiVincenzo on Thursday's loss vs. Dallas
Prediction
Losing to a Mavericks group missing three starters thanks to a Kyrie Irving breakout is understandable, if not forgivable. But dropping one to what'll basically be the Grizzlies' G League group would hint at dangerous, uncomfortable questions. Expect the Knicks to come out inspired after a defensive showing, to build upon the momentum established in the final stages of Thursday's loss that was far more narrow than it had any right to be.
