Just when it seemed like the San Antonio Spurs’ season was on the brink of collapse, they celebrated a stunning 126-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. They will need to capitalize on this momentum in their next two games as they host the Memphis Grizzlies at home.

The Grizz have fully recovered from a subpar season last year and look to be one of the best teams in the NBA. Jaren Jackson Jr. is making a big jump while Ja Morant and Desmond Bane continue to be one of the league’s strongest backcourt duos. San Antonio will have its hands full as the team currently scores the most points in the NBA.

As strong as Memphis is on offense, they are just as good on defense. Jackson Jr., Bane and rookie Jaylen Wells are problems on defense. The Grizzlies are 5th in defensive rating. San Antonio will need to bring more of the offensive versatility and aggressiveness they showed against the Lakers if they want to beat Memphis at home.

San Antonio Spurs (19-19) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (25-15)

January 15, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. CT

Watch: FanDuel Sports | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spur injuries: Jeremy Sochan – Out (Back), Sidy Cissoko – Out (G League), Riley Minix – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)

Grizzlies Injuries: Jay Huff – Likely (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 you should pay attention to:

The fight within

Teams rarely have the talent and size to keep up with Victor Wembanyama. The Grizzlies have exactly that. Jackson Jr. is a Defensive Player of the Year caliber who can guard inside and out. The rookie, Zach Edey, is a 7-foot giant who is difficult to guard and keep off the glass despite his slower feet. Wembanyama is up to any challenge and just had a good game against Lakers superstar Anthony Davis. San Antonio will need a big game from him that can set the tone to win the interior defense battle.

Can Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell keep this up?

Against the Lakers, Wembanyama finally got some help on goal. Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle were great in the Spurs’ recent win. Both guards were aggressive downhill and did a good job finishing at the basket. Vassell finally found his jump shot and hit five of his nine three-pointers. San Antonio needs consistent offensive production from its guards, especially without Jeremy Sochan. These two will be crucial on Wednesday night.

The non-Wemby minutes

Memphis is a strong team with talent at every level. Their player development team has done an incredible job adding value to the team over the last few seasons. They won’t be pushovers if their starters go to the bench. San Antonio needs to be competitive when Wembanyama is not on the field. Either Charles Bassey or Zach Collins will have to face Edey and Santi Aldama. Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones can help the Spurs stay afloat by aggressively driving to the basket and keeping pressure on the defense. The backup minutes will be huge.