Spurs served up perfect course-correcting chance they can't mess up

The Memphis Grizzlies are not the team they once were at the peak of Ja Morant's powers. They're 10th in the West, on a four-game losing streak, and dealing with a list of injuries to key rotational players. It's the perfect game for the Spurs to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Portland.

Victor Wembanyama is questionable to play, and he'll be close to a game-time decision, according to Jeff McDonald. But the good news is that he went through a full shootaround with the team this morning and reportedly felt good afterward. I think he's going to play. He wouldn't have made the trip otherwise when they're back home to host the Lakers tomorrow night.

If Wemby returns, Devin Vassell will be the only rotational player missing. The Grizzlies can't say the same—not even close. But Morant might play. He's listed as questionable, too. If they both go, it'll be the first time they've played since the Grizzlies' explosive star was overhyped for a fake poster over the Alien that didn't even count. And I think Wemby is a little petty (as am I) and would love to show out.

The Spurs can take advantage of the Grizzlies' woes

Oddly enough, Memphis hasn't been the same since Dillon Brooks left. As much as I don't enjoy giving Brooks credit for anything, he was important to the Grizz. They've been in shambles without him. They've been struggling since the beginning of this season, and things aren't likely to improve anytime soon, given the current injury report.

Grizzlies injury report
Ja Morant - Questionable
Vince Williams Jr. - Questionable
Zach Edey - Out
Cedric Coward - Out
John Kochar - Out
Ty Jerome - Out
Brandon Clarke - Out
Scotty Pippen Jr. - Out

This has been a poor offensive team with an average defense at best. San Antonio's defensive identity slipped over the past week, but Memphis gives them a chance to reclaim their momentum. The Silver and Black played four games last week and turned in a 114.8 defensive rating (14th). That's significantly beneath their standard.

After getting a couple of days' rest, the Spurs should have the energy to start games faster. They've been sluggish in the first quarters, allowing teams to get hot while they figure out how to generate offense. It's putting them in a bind they shouldn't be in.

The Spurs (25-10) are still in second place in the Western Conference, but they're not ahead of the Lakers (22-11) in the loss column by much. If they want to keep their place, they'll need to get back to winning games against their lesser opponents.