The Memphis Grizzlies are making a notable starting lineup change ahead of their NBA play-in matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday (9 p.m., TNT).
Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is in the starting lineup. He’ll start in place of Vince Williams Jr., who had been filling in as a starter since Memphis lost Jaylen Wells to a wrist injury.
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“He’s been huge for us all season long,” Desmond Bane said during Tuesday morning’s shootaround. “He will be big tonight. I’m expecting a big game from him.”
Pippen will join Bane, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey in the starting lineup. His role will be largely centered around being the primary defender against Warriors star Steph Curry. He led the Grizzlies in steals this season while playing 21.3 minutes per game.
Pippen’s minutes have increased since Wells was injured. He has played at least 22 minutes in his last six appearances. In that stretch, he’s also scored double figures in each of those games.
Edey and Pippen will have major roles. Memphis wants to play big, meaning Edey’s minutes could continue to trend up if he stays out of foul trouble. Pippen has been one of the Grizzlies best point of attack defenders.
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“Over the last quarter of the season, they’ve really had great games,” Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo said on Monday. “Scottie also for a longer time right now. Extremely important. I’m not sure I would even call them X-factors anymore. They have been so consistent in what they can provide for us.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies starting Scotty Pippen Jr. vs Steph Curry, Warriors
