Grizzlies Seek to Snap Losing Streak Against Rising Spurs
Game date, time and location
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. CST
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
TV and Radio Coverage
NBC/Peacock (National broadcast)
WMFS-FM
Game Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies (4-10) are set to face the San Antonio Spurs (9-4) in a pivotal Southwest Division clash, part of NBC’s Coast 2 Coast Tuesdays lineup. With a four-game losing streak hanging over their heads, the Grizzlies are eager to turn their fortunes around as they wrap up a challenging four-game road trip. This journey has seen them stumble against strong opponents in New York, Boston, and Cleveland.
This matchup marks the first of four meetings between the two teams this season, with subsequent games scheduled for Dec. 2, Jan. 6, and March 25. Historically, Memphis has dominated the series, winning it for the past five years, and holding a remarkable 16-2 record against San Antonio since 2021. However, the Spurs managed to claim victory in the last encounter, narrowly defeating the Grizzlies 130-128 at FedEx Forum on March 1 last season. In that game, Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered a stellar performance with 42 points, but it was rookie standout Stephon Castle who shone brightest for San Antonio, contributing 24 points off the bench.
Historical Context
Despite their recent success, the Grizzlies’ all-time record against the Spurs sits at 42-76, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced during the franchise’s years in Vancouver.
Betting Insights
According to DraftKings, the betting lines for the game are as follows:
Spread: Spurs -5.5 (-115), Grizzlies +5.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Spurs -230, Grizzlies +190
Total: 233.5 (Over -108, Under -112)
(Note: Game odds are subject to change.)
Projected Starters
Grizzlies
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
C Zach Edey
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
G Cedric Coward
Spurs
F Julian Champagnie
F Harrison Barnes
C Luke Kornet
G De’Aaron Fox
G Devin Vassell
Injury Report
Spurs
Victor Wembanyama: Out – Left Calf Strain
Stephon Castle: Out – Left Hip Flexor Soreness
Dylan Harper: Out – Left Calf Strain
David Jones Garcia: Questionable – G League (Two-way)
Jordan McLaughlin: Out – Hamstring tightness
Riley Minix: Questionable – G League (Two-way)
Grizzlies
Ja Morant: Out – Right Calf Strain
Ty Jerome: Out – Right Calf Strain
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Out – Right Toe Surgery Recovery
Brandon Clarke: Out – Right Knee Surgery Recovery
Javon Small: Out – Left Toe Soreness
Coach’s Perspective
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the situation regarding minutes restrictions for key players Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. “It’s a challenging situation because both guys have done a great job for us. We would like to play them a lot. Both guys are also starting for us, but at the same time, we have to be smart because their future is also very important for us,” he said.
As the Grizzlies prepare to take on the Spurs, the stakes are high. Will Memphis be able to break their losing streak and reclaim their dominance in the series? Fans are in for an intriguing matchup as both teams vie for crucial early-season victories.
