The New York Knicks put their three-game winning streak on the line against a tough plate of BBQ.
The Memphis Grizzlies (31-15) are the league’s fastest team. They rank second-best in rebounding, assists, and field goal attempts. They rank in the top five for offensive, defensive, and net ratings; they steal the ball a lot; and make nearly all their free throws. They also convert 37% from downtown and are always looking for a weak perimeter defense to exploit. Oh, and they have some nice bench pieces who contribute to winning. I’ll quit while I’m ahead. Tonight they will visit Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks (30-16).
The Knicks have won three straight and six of their last 10. The Grizzlies have won eight of their last ten games, including utter domination of the Utah Jazz, 125 to 103, on Saturday.
The head of this particular snake, Ja Morant, has averaged 20.7 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. He’s no long-range specialist, making 31%, but who cares when you can dunk over the league’s tallest trees? His backcourt running mate, Desmond Bane—built like a Batman villain, but without the mask—has averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds while hitting 39% from deep on almost six attempts per game.
In the frontcourt, forward Jaylen Wells (11.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG) makes almost 40% from deep on an average of five attempts, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has averaged 22.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. Rookie center Zach Edey, the ninth pick in this year’s draft, is having an impressive rookie season, averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 58.3% from the field. Despite early challenges (including a 12-game ankle injury), Edey has shown resilience as he learns the ropes. Where do you think he’ll fall in the Rookie of the Year voting?
Sounds like a respectable lineup. Well, wait. Off the bench, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins has options like sharpshooter Luke Kennard (49% 3P%), Scottie Pippen, Jr. (9.8 PPG, 4.6 APG, 35% 3P%), possibly Santi Aldama (GTD), and Brandon Clarke (7.7 PPG, five RPG). All told, that makes for a solid roster.
Prediction
ESPN.com favors the Grizz by 53%. Seems fair. The Blue Bears are fast and long and play tenacious D. They have shooters who will challenge New York’s wings on the perimeter. And they boast bench depth, with perhaps their best shooter subbing in with the second unit. New York’s starters will keep the pace for a while tonight, but a mid-first-half sag will be impossible to recover from. Despite a couple of runs in the third and fourth quarters, our heroes will tucker out down the stretch while Ja keeps motoring like Night Ranger. Don’t despair, Sister Christian: there’s no shame in losing to a team like Memphis. Knicks by -8.
Game Details
Teams: The New York Knicks (30-16) vs. The Memphis Grizzlies (31-15)
Location: Madison Square Garden, NYC
Date and Time: Monday, January 27, 2025, 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky