Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The San Antonio Spurs were itching for a rematch after a 129-115 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Devin Vassell made that very clear in his post-game remarks.

“I can’t wait – let’s play them again and again and again,” Vassell said. “Those games when you’re chirping and going back and forth, you grow up playing like that, and that’s exciting. … As soon as that jump ball goes up, I know it’s gonna be a good one.”

San Antonio will have its chance at revenge on Friday night. The Spurs will likely have a chip on their shoulders after an intense game on Wednesday. Victor Wembanyama will have something to prove after the sports world went nuts over Ja Morant’s dunk on him, even if it didn’t technically count.

It’s fitting this game between two exciting young teams will be nationally broadcast. The basketball world will be watching to see if any more sparks fly in an explosive matchup.

San Antonio Spurs (19-20) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (26-15)

January 17, 2025 | 8:30 PM CT

Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Jeremy Sochan – Out (back) Riley Minix – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)

Grizzlies Injuries: Ja Morant – Questionable (knee), GG Jackson – Out (G League), Marcus Smart – Out (finger), Cam Spencer – Out (thumb), Vince Williams Jr. – Out (ankle), Zyon Pullin – Out (G League)

What to watch for:

Defending the perimeter

The Grizzlies gashed the Spurs continuously on dribble drives in their last matchup. That led to easy points in the paint or good looks for shooters on kickouts. Memphis outscored San Antonio in the paint 62-42 and shot 42.1% from three. San Antonio has to do a better job containing the perimeter, or their defense will fall apart. Especially against Memphis, who have the stretch bigs to make Wembanyama pay for protecting the rim. Keeping the Grizzlies out of the paint will be key to a Spurs victory.

Getting the most out of Stephon Castle

Stephon Castle is back in a big way. He followed up a 24-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers with a career-high 26 points against Memphis. He’s gotten back on track by aggressively attacking the basket and being smarter about finding his angles in the paint. He’s taken care of the basketball and used his strong body to open up opportunities for himself. San Antonio desperately needs more offensive consistency outside of Wembanyama. Another big night from Castle would do them wonders.

Winning the bench minutes

The Grizzlies bench crushed the Spurs. It wasn’t just San Antonio’s second unit that got beat up, it was the starters, too. Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard made life miserable for the Spurs with 20 points and 15 points, respectively. San Antonio has to win the minutes when the Grizzlies starters aren’t on the floor. Memphis’ depth is some of the best in the NBA, so the Spurs have a big challenge ahead of them again on Friday.