Maxey and Edgecombe pose a challenge for Grizzlies as 76ers seek dominance
In the NBA, some teams find themselves trapped in a cycle of mediocrity due to injuries, inconsistent performances, or internal strife. Unfortunately for fans who invest their time and money, excuses rarely suffice. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently grappling with their own set of challenges, mirroring the struggles of other franchises. With a record of 15-17, they have repeatedly stumbled in their attempts to reach the elusive .500 mark. As they prepare to face a more formidable opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers, the stakes become even higher.
76ers’ Three-Point Threats
The 76ers have emerged as one of the league’s most formidable shooting teams, particularly from beyond the arc. On the road, Philadelphia boasts an impressive 37.1 percent shooting percentage from three-point range while taking nearly five additional attempts per game compared to their home stats. This presents a significant challenge for the Grizzlies, who will not have another opportunity to compete against the 76ers until March 10 in Philadelphia.
Maxey and Edgecombe: A Dynamic Duo
At the heart of Philadelphia’s offensive strategy lies Tyrese Maxey, a player who has rapidly ascended to become one of the NBA’s most electrifying scorers. With an ability to seamlessly navigate through defenses, Maxey converts an impressive 39.1 percent of his three-point attempts. The Grizzlies must account for his presence early in the game, ensuring he’s closely guarded as he brings the ball up the court to prevent him from launching uncontested shots. Furthermore, Maxey’s skill as a playmaker means that the Grizzlies must remain vigilant, as he effectively utilizes drive-and-kick plays to set up his teammates.
Complementing Maxey is V.J. Edgecombe, whose explosive first step makes him a reliable option on the dribble. His effectiveness off the ball adds another layer of complexity for the Grizzlies’ defense, which must maintain awareness of both player movements and ball positioning. Together, Maxey and Edgecombe average 10.9 assists, showcasing their ability to create opportunities for others. The Grizzlies must tread carefully; overcommitting to these two could lead to open looks for sharpshooters like Quentin Grimes and Paul George.
Capitalizing on Fast Break Opportunities
Despite their offensive prowess, the 76ers exhibit defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition. Currently, they allow the highest number of fast-break points in the league, averaging 17.3 per game. The return of Ja Morant provides the Grizzlies with a critical asset, enabling them to exploit these transition opportunities through either his explosive dribbling or precise passing. Effective defense that forces the 76ers into droughts will be crucial, as missed shots can have a similar impact to turnovers when it comes to fast-break opportunities.
While the 76ers hold an above-average defensive rating, their tendency to concede wide-open three-point attempts presents the Grizzlies with a potential avenue for success. By executing sharp ball movement and maintaining constant player movement, Memphis can exploit these defensive lapses.
Expectations for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama
Jaren Jackson Jr. is currently enjoying one of his most productive offensive stretches of the season. His ability to apply pressure on opposing defenses is crucial; when he focuses on attacking the lane rather than overthinking his plays, he becomes one of the most athletic players on the court. His verticality can create additional possessions, which the Grizzlies will need to capitalize on.
Conversely, Santi Aldama’s recent performance has been inconsistent, with only two notable long-range shooting nights in his last five games. For Memphis to fully leverage the 76ers’ defensive lapses, Aldama must rise to the occasion when opportunities arise, particularly when Philadelphia’s defense shifts its focus away from him.
As these two teams prepare to clash, the Grizzlies will need to tighten their defense and capitalize on the 76ers’ weaknesses if they hope to turn their season around and challenge for a playoff spot.
