Week 3 NBA Power Ranking – Debates over load management rule the week

NOVEMBER 9: Chris Paul #3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder share a conversation during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 9. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
NOVEMBER 9: Chris Paul #3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the OKC Thunder share a conversation during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 9. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder NBA Power Ranking Week 3: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles against the Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies

Offense: (101.2) – 28th
Defense: (111.4) –  25th
Net: (minus -10.2 ) – 29th

Record: 2-7
Games Week 3: (1-3) Won vs. Wolves, lost to Rockets, Magic, Mavericks
Games Week 4 (4 games): Monday, Nov. 11 vs. Spurs | Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Hornets | Friday, Nov. 15 vs. Jazz | Sunday, Nov. 17 vs. Nuggets

A poor week overall in terms of the record and questions regarding both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr’s knees.

The former was rested and added to the ‘load management” fodder. In fairness, the rookie had a minor arthroscopic knee procedure in June so it behooves the Grizzlies to exercise caution.

Jackson Jr. also was reportedly dealing with knee soreness so the team held him out of the Rockets match and only played him 15 minutes against the Wolves. This might speak to his early season struggles.

Although a few sites expressed concerns regarding the meshing of the young duo as I mentioned last week they are both 20 years old. There is ample time for their chemistry to develop.