Vince

Williams

Williams had better production in his second appearance of the season and was one of several Grizzlies players to provide value off the bench against the Raptors on Sunday. In just 21 minutes of action, his efficient shooting and contributions from beyond the arc allowed him to finish as one of Memphis’ top scorers on the evening, while also concluding as one of the team’s better facilitators. As Williams logs more game reps after a heel injury forced him to miss the beginning of the season, there’s a chance his workload and production could increase going forward.

Morant’s suspension stems from comments made following Friday’s loss to the Lakers. The Grizzlies’ point guard had a disappointing performance, shooting 3-of-14 from the field and finishing with eight points, one rebound, seven assists and one steal in 31 minutes. When asked about his struggles, Morant told the assembled media to “go ask the coaching staff.” According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership following the game, to which the point guard responded in a way that prompted the suspension. He’ll miss Sunday’s game against the Raptors, making Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. players to consider grabbing off the waiver wire.

Aldama’s availability is more critical to the Grizzlies and fantasy managers than Williams’, as he’s guaranteed to play quality rotation minutes. Starting center Jock Landale will miss out on a potential increase in his playing time with Aldama available. As for Williams, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball, with Wednesday’s game being his first of the season.

Williams has yet to appear in a game this season, but that may change on Wednesday. While he can provide additional depth on the perimeter, Williams is unlikely to get the run needed to impact fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.

Williams will miss a second straight game to start the season. It’s unclear how large of a role Williams will have when he’s healthy, but for now, Cedric Coward will continue to play a significant reserve role.

Unfortunately, Williams’ struggles to stay healthy persist, as he won’t play in Wednesday’s season opener. The Grizzlies wing only appeared in 27 games last season, making five starts. Williams’ absence likely means more minutes for rookie Cedric Coward, who offers a high long-term fantasy upside. Jaylen Wells, who’s in the starting lineup, should see his fantasy ceiling rise, especially with Ja Morant making his first appearance after missing the preseason with a sprained ankle.

During the regular season, the Grizzlies went with Vince Williams Jr. as the fifth starter after losing Jaylen Wells to a fractured wrist. However, Pippen was the choice on Tuesday, with his inclusion shifting Ja Morant off the ball. Pippen was solid but not spectacular; we’ll see if the Grizzlies stick with this lineup when they host Dallas or Sacramento on Friday. Williams only played three minutes, going scoreless with one rebound and one assist.

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.

Wells took a hard fall on Tuesday night, and the final diagnosis is that he suffered a broken right wrist, a concussion and a facial contusion. None of those injuries should impact his availability for next season, but Memphis will have to finish out this season without him. Wells, who will likely earn All-Rookie honors, averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 triples in 79 games as a rookie after being drafted 39th overall last summer. Vince Williams Jr. should start the rest of the regular season and post season in place of Wells.

Thursday’s game is Memphis’s first since losing Jaylen Wells to a fractured wrist. Williams, who offers a higher offensive upside, will replace him in the lineup. However, Wells has been the superior defender despite being a rookie.