The Memphis Grizzlies are going to be thin on the wing when they begin the regular season against the Knicks on Wednesday, Oct. 19. 

Taylor Jenkins said he doesn’t know if Ziaire Williams will play in the home opener, and he hopes for Jaren Jackson Jr. to start 5-on-5 in the next couple weeks. 

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: What Brandon Clarke’s new deal means for Memphis

The Grizzlies have extended four players this offseason (Ja Morant, John Konchar, Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams), while giving Tyus Jones a new two-year contract in free agency. It puts them in an interesting spot moving forward. 

The Grizzlies signed Brandon Clarke to a contract extension on Sunday, locking up another player that has been part of their young core.

Where does enhanced competition leave the still-young Grizzlies? In it. In the thick of the battle, and that’s a great place to be. 

The Grizzlies needed to waive the player to cut the roster to 15 before the start of the regular season. 

Chris Herrington and Drew Hill discuss what they liked from the preseason and the Grizzlies’ biggest concerns heading into the home opener on Wednesday against the Knicks. 

The Grizzlies bounced back from two disappointing results with a commanding win over the Pistons on Thursday night. Ja Morant finished with 31 points. 

Chris Herrington offers his fast thoughts and record forecast for all 30 NBA teams. And, he predicts which teams from the East and West advance to the playoffs.

This season, the Grizzlies are one of five teams that will have uniforms and apparel “remixed.” The pairing, naturally, is with popular Memphis-based rap group Three 6 Mafia. 

Growing up the youngest of four brothers helped David Roddy hone his competitiveness and toughened up the Grizzlies rookie for the NBA. 

Desmond Bane was efficient with 33 points on 61% shooting, but the rest of the Grizzlies struggled to make shots in the preseason loss to Orlando. 

Related story:

Herrington: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s absence could be instructive for Grizzlies

Will the Grizzlies be able to play high-level defense without Jackson? Can they construct a rotation without miring themselves in unworkable combinations? 

Ja Morant has put in a lot of work this summer, especially on his long-range jump shot. He has two more opportunities this week to fine-tune everything before the regular season begins next week.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Joyful players relish growing fan support

The Grizzlies coaches and players were impressed by the number of fans at the open practice on Sunday. As the team’s popularity continues to rise, so does the desire for tickets. 

It was possibly the biggest crowd ever for a Grizzlies’ open practice, and the entertainment included Kennedy Chandler being voted champion of the rookie dance competition.

The Grizzlies’ defense disappointed in a loss to the Heat reserves on Friday night. 

The Grizzlies forward hopes that this season looks a little different than the last, and not only because he played just 32 games due to injuries. 

Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks have potential to be the best wing duo in franchise history.

Steven Adams said it was an easy decision to sign his extension with the Grizzlies because he believes in the direction of the franchise. 

The Grizzlies’ bowling event at Andy B’s Bowl Social in Bartlett was the first time in years that the Memphis players had a chance to be face-to-face with fans. 

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Steven Adams has jokes, and a new extension

Santi Aldama followed the Grizzlies’ plan this summer. Now he’s in line to reap the rewards. 

The team’s three most experienced players are elite “culture” guys, and two of them are also coming off what, in some ways, are career seasons.

Santi Aladama got the starting nod from Taylor Jenkins and scored 21 points in the Grizzlies’ dominant victory over the Orlando Magic. 

Related stories:

Herrington: Grizz vets are elite in the locker room, and pretty good on the court too

Grizzlies Insider: Kenneth Lofton Jr.‘s life is ‘totally different’ after NBA transition

Kenneth Lofton Jr. said his life is “totally different” now that he is in the NBA and his popularity among Grizzlies fans is skyrocketing.