Five Questions ahead of Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs matchup

Memphis Grizzlies lost to Boston Celtics on Monday. Memphis's top three scorers shot a combined 23/56 (41%) and the Grizzlies nearly completed the fourth-quarter comeback. The Grizzlies are the sixth seed in the Western Conference. They travel to San Antonio to take on their division rival. San Antonio has lost four straight games and is the ninth seed.

The San Antonio Spurs are 5-6 as of Tuesday. They were expected to have one of the worst records before the season. Gregg Popovich's team has surprised some teams. Memphis Grizzlies are a team that is trying to establish an identity and build chemistry.

Devin Vassell has been a revelation for the San Antonio Spurs this season. He's averaging more points and rebounds while increasing his FG% and 3PT%. He looks more comfortable with the ball in his hands and has demonstrated more confidence in initiating pick-and-rolls. Vassel should be one of the names we hear early and often in the Most Improved Player of The Year conversation.

Ja Morant has averaged 41 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in his last three games against San Antonio. San Antonio has the worst defensive rating and field goal percentage in the NBA.

Spurs fans are evenly divided on whether they should try to win as many games as possible or tank for a generational talent. Small-market teams like San Antonio have limited options since they aren't a free agent destination. Their best bet at adding a cornerstone is usually through the lottery system.

Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs are playing each other on Sunday. Kawhi Leonard is injured. San Antonians are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Kawhian Leonard, Josh Richardson, Jakob Poeltl, and Doug McDermott are safe.