Marvin

Bagley III

Bagley began last season with the Wizards before being traded to Memphis at the February deadline. He’s back in the nation’s capital on a one-year deal, providing additional frontcourt depth. Bagley only averaged 8.5 minutes per game last season and may be in line for a similar role, especially as the Wizards continue to develop 2024 lottery pick Alex Sarr. Unless there are injuries throughout the season, Bagley is not a player who should be selected in most fantasy drafts.

Bagley was the Grizzlies’ only bright spot on offense in Game 1. The reserve big was perfect from the field and got plenty of burn in a game that was out of reach for his team early on. Whether he can earn more minutes moving forward remains to be seen. He’ll likely get less of an opportunity if Game 2 is closer.

With Bagley and Lamar Stevens (31 points) putting up at least 25 points each, a franchise-record 12 players have accomplished that feat this season. Bagley started for Zach Edey and had a big afternoon as a scorer and rebounder. He’s unlikely to provide much value off the bench in the postseason, but Sunday’s performance may improve Bagley’s prospects for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Grizzlies have rested their entire starting five and a few key reserves for Sunday’s game, as they’re locked into Tuesday’s 7 vs. 8 matchup in the play-in tournament. Of the five starters, Williams and Jackson offer the highest ceilings for active fantasy leagues, but Stevens, Bagley and Spencer are worth a look in deeper formats.

Friday’s loss to the Nuggets relegated the Grizzlies to the play-in tournament; depending on Sunday’s results, they’ll be the seventh or eighth seed. Most of the team’s key rotation players, including Jackson and Aldama, are doubtful for Sunday. Marvin Bagley III and GG Jackson are among those who should experience an increase in playing time, especially if the Grizzlies’ key frontcourt players don’t play.

Bagley is back after sitting out the Grizzlies’ last two games. While he can provide additional depth off the bench, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

While Bagley’s status does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, that is not the case for Morant. The Grizzlies’ starting point guard has missed the previous six games, with Scotty Pippen Jr. replacing him in the starting lineup for the last two. Pippen will head to the bench if Morant plays, but those who added him should not immediately drop the backup point guard. The Grizzlies open Week 22 with a Monday/Tuesday back-to-back, so Pippen may still have value there.

Bagley remains out due to the league’s concussion protocol. His continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as injuries have kept him out of the Grizzlies’ rotation.

Bagley has played more than five minutes just twice since being traded to Memphis at the deadline. His absence will take away from their frontcourt depth, but it won’t have a dramatic impact on the team’s rotation.

Edey and Clarke are good to go after initially being questionable for Wednesday’s game. The former returning means Jay Huff will head to the bench, with Marvin Bagley III losing out on rotation minutes. There’s no need to hold onto Huff or Bagley now that Edey and Clarke are available.