Pistons vs. Grizzlies GameThread: Gametime, TV, and more

Game Vitals:

When: Saturday, July 7 at 9 p.m. EST
Where: Cox Pavillion, Las Vegas, NV
Watch: NBA TV, WatchESPN

Analysis:

The Detroit Pistons will play their second of their Las Vegas Summer League games against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, the second game under the Dwane Casey-led coaching staff with a new emphasis on taking better quality shots, including taking more three-pointers. Yesterday, unfortunately, the Pistons couldn’t hit any of their high-quality looks and suffered for it, losing 90-63 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Accordingly, none of the players Pistons fans hoped would perform well did so - Henry Ellenson scored 16 second-half points, half in garbage time (Summer League Garbage Time - can you imagine?), Bruce Brown scored nine points to go with his eight rebounds, and Khyri Thomas had seven points alongside his two steals.

This Memphis Grizzlies summer league team has already played a few games in the Salt Lake City Summer League. Led by Jevon Carter, Kobi Simmons, and former Michigan State Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have looked cohesive on both sides of the ball en route to a 2-1 record in their earlier games.

The matchup between Ellenson and Jackson, in particular, should be one of interest for Pistons fans. Ellenson needs to show improvement in his game to earn a roster spot, but Jackson Jr. would appear to be a nightmare matchup for him - faster and longer defensively, and perhaps just as skilled offensively. If Ellenson can perform well against Jackson Jr, that bodes well for his development.

Pregame Reading:

Read David Fernandez’s accounting of last night’s beatdown.

The Detroit News’ Rod Beard talks Dwane Casey and internal development.

The Athletic’s James Edwards III tells the story of Reggie Hearn trying to earn another two-way contract in Las Vegas.

Enjoy the game, everyone.