New York Knicks (28-38, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (45-22, second in the Western Conference)
Memphis, Tennessee; Friday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies host the New York Knicks. Morant ranks seventh in the league scoring 27.5 points per game.
The Grizzlies have gone 23-10 at home. Memphis leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 49.2 boards. Steven Adams leads the Grizzlies with 9.8 rebounds.
The Knicks are 15-19 on the road. New York is 14-19 in games decided by at least 10 points.
The teams play for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 3 the Grizzlies won 120-108 led by 26 points from Jaren Jackson Jr., while Evan Fournier scored 30 points for the Knicks.
TOP PERFORMERS: Morant is averaging 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane is averaging 19.1 points over the last 10 games for Memphis.
Julius Randle is averaging 20.1 points, 10 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Knicks. RJ Barrett is averaging 27.3 points over the last 10 games for New York.
LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 118.8 points, 51.1 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.7 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.
Knicks: 3-7, averaging 111.7 points, 48.1 rebounds, 21.0 assists, 6.1 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.3 points.
INJURIES: Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks: out (ankle).
Knicks: Obi Toppin: out (hamstring), Nerlens Noel: out (foot), Quentin Grimes: out (knee), Derrick Rose: out (ankle), Cam Reddish: out (shoulder).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by
