Justise Winslow is set to make his Memphis Grizzlies debut. The team announced that he would be active for Saturday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He hasn't appeared in a game since he was traded by the Miami Heat last season because of injuries to his back and hip. It appears like he’s ready to get back on the hardwood for the first time since Jan. 8 of 2020.
The Grizzlies will be extremely undermanned against the Suns, as several key players will be out of commission. Kyle Anderson and Grayson Allen will rest on the second night of a back-to-back while Dillon Brooks (thigh) and Brandon Clarke (calf) are nursing injuries. It’s unclear what kind of workload Winslow will have, but he’ll only be competing with Desmond Bane and John Konchar for wing minutes.
Winslow has an all-around game and averaged 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last season. He could be in for a real test against Phoenix’s elite defense, though. Mikal Bridges is already one of the best perimeter stoppers in the NBA and will make things tough on the Grizzlies’ forwards.