Wizards seek to maintain momentum vs. Grizzlies
The Washington Wizards will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
After recording impressive wins over the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, the Wizards posted a 121-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Kristaps Porzingis had 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead Washington, while Kyle Kuzma added 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Wizards have won their last three games without leading scorer Bradley Beal, who has exited the NBA’s health and safety protocol but is unlikely to play on Sunday.
Washington has received a boost from several players in Beal’s absence, including forward Corey Kispert, who scored 18 points in Saturday’s win. Kispert said the team is gaining valuable experience without Beal in the lineup.
The Wizards are eager to avenge a 103-97 loss to Memphis last Sunday, when Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Desmond Bane combined for 51 points.
The team’s two leading scorers are both listed as doubtful against the Wizards. Morant is battling left ankle soreness, while Bane has right toe soreness.
Morant is averaging 28.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists. The fourth-year pro had 28 points in a 114-103 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
If Morant and Bane are unable to play on Sunday, the Grizzlies will turn to forward Dillon Brooks and reserve guard Tyus Jones to help fill the scoring void. Brooks had 21 points in the win over Minnesota.
Memphis forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has yet to make his season debut while recovering from right foot surgery, but Jenkins said he is nearing a return and could be available this week.
Washington is giving reserve guard Jordan Goodwin an extended look this week, and the 24-year-old has responded with several strong performances. After scoring a career-high 17 points earlier this week against Charlotte, he had nine points in 21 minutes in the win over Utah.
Goodwin, who was undrafted coming out of Saint Louis University in 2021, signed a two-way contract with the Wizards before the regular season.
