The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a challenging playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scheduled to kick off on April 20 at the Paycom Center. The Thunder, boasting the best record in the league, swept the Grizzlies in their four regular-season matchups, making this an uphill battle. Memphis will be without their top perimeter defender, Jaylen Wells, due to injuries, placing added pressure on Scotty Pippen Jr. to contain the Thunder’s star guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is a frontrunner for the MVP award.

Game 1 of the series will air at noon on ABC, followed by Game 2 on April 22. Memphis is seeking to leverage their playoff experience to turn the tide against a formidable opponent, while the Thunder will rely on their consistent performance throughout the season.

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced a crucial change in their starting lineup ahead of the play-in game against the Golden State Warriors. Scotty Pippen Jr. will step in for Vince Williams Jr. after Williams filled in for the injured Jaylen Wells. Pippen's defensive prowess, highlighted by leading the Grizzlies in steals, makes him a key player in containing Steph Curry tonight. His increased minutes since Wells' injury have also seen him consistently scoring in double figures, raising expectations for his performance.

Joining Pippen in the starting five are Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo emphasized that Pippen and Edey have transformed into consistent contributors, showcasing their importance as the team aims to secure a playoff spot against the Warriors.

The final week of the NBA regular season presents an opportunity for fantasy managers to make impactful waiver wire pickups. This week's focus is on ten players who can contribute significantly, many of whom are benefiting from increased playing time due to their teams being out of playoff contention. Highlighted are players like Jared Butler and Adem Bona of the Philadelphia 76ers, who have been stepping up their performance with increased roles. Players like Bub Carrington of the Washington Wizards and Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls are also primed to finish strong, boasting solid averages and upcoming games that could enhance their value. Kevin Porter Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks is another crucial player, likely to take on even more responsibility following Damian Lillard's injury. With four games on the horizon for many teams, including the Grizzlies and Pelicans, managers should target these players who can help boost their fantasy standings as the regular season wraps up.

Jayson Tatum's frustrations boiled over during the Boston Celtics' latest win over the Memphis Grizzlies as he picked up his 13th technical foul of the season. This puts him on the brink of a one-game suspension, highlighting the challenges he faces in managing his emotions on the court. Tatum expressed uncertainty about the criteria officials use when calling technical fouls, particularly noting that the same comments can yield different results depending on the day.

Despite this setback, Tatum's performance remains stellar; he contributed significantly with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the game, pushing the Celtics to their ninth straight win. His aggressive playstyle aligns with head coach Joe Mazzulla's expectations, yet Tatum's struggle to maintain composure amidst high-pressure situations could impact his future contributions.

This week in the NBA is crucial for fantasy managers as Championship Week rolls in, featuring a plethora of games that can impact playoff seeding and lottery odds. Keep a keen eye on low-rostered players, particularly those with under 50% ownership who can provide significant value. Portland's Toumani Camara, shooting 47.8% since the All-Star break, should be on your radar as he continues to contribute to a faltering Trail Blazers team. Similarly, with Ja Morant sidelined, Memphis' Scotty Pippen Jr. has seized the opportunity, providing top-10 value in short formats.

Philadelphia’s Justin Edwards and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are also players worth monitoring due to their consistent performances. Edwards’ minutes have increased significantly, while Johnson has shown reliable scoring and rebounding. Additionally, Utah's Kyle Filipowski and Philadelphia’s Guerschon Yabusele are making strides, showcasing their potential to help fantasy squads this week. With strategic additions from these low-rostered players, managers can bolster their teams for the final push towards championships.