Marcus Bagley Makes First Start Amid Grizzlies’ Injury Struggles

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Marcus Bagley will make his first start for the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, as reported by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com. Bagley’s starting role comes in light of notable absences on the team, with key players Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Santi Aldama sidelined due to injuries.

This season, Bagley has averaged 1.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game. However, with extended playing time likely in the season finale, he aims to capitalize on this opportunity.

The Grizzlies are concluding their regular season at home against the Mavericks, looking ahead to a play-in matchup that will be determined later Sunday. Memphis has already secured a spot in the play-in tournament, but they hope to improve their seeding. Currently, the Grizzlies hold a 2-1 advantage in their regular-season series against the Mavericks.

The Grizzlies face injury challenges, with several prominent players on the injury report, including Desmond Bane and Ja Morant, which has forced interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo to alter his lineup significantly. For Sunday’s matchup, Memphis will start Cam Spencer, Vince Williams Jr., Lamar Stevens, GG Jackson, and Bagley, all of whom will be earning their first starts of the season.

“It’s an opportunity for us to see what these guys can do going into the play-in tournament,” Iisalo said regarding the adjustments to the lineup. “We have to give every player a chance to prove themselves.”

The game will tip off at 3:30 p.m. EST at the FedExForum in Memphis.

As for Bagley, his performance in a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks showcased his potential. He recorded career-highs of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in only his third NBA start earlier this week. “They’ve been telling me, ‘You’re playing well. Once the shot falls, it’s going to complete everything,’” Bagley said postgame.

Bagley’s improvement has not gone unnoticed. “He just played really hard, all his minutes,” said head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers, where Bagley had previously played. “He earned another opportunity.”

This push into significant game time serves as a crucial learning experience for the young forward, who, despite his struggles, remains determined to prove himself at the professional level.