I don’t think too many people were fooled by my April Fool’s post. Y’all don’t really think I’d drop my troll without noticing, do you?
The Grizzlies beat the league-best Phoenix Suns 122-114 in a game that didn’t matter to the standings and in which 4 of Memphis’ 5 usual starters sat (Dillon Brooks started and scored 30).
Although Memphis’ remaining games don’t matter – they’ve got the 2-seed locked – the standings still are worth watching. Let’s review the play-in tournament structure to see why:
- 7th place plays 8th place – winner advances to the playoffs as the 7 seed
- 9th place plays 10th place – loser is eliminated and goes to the lottery
- 7-8 loser plays 9- 10 winner – winner advances to the playoffs as the 8 seed; loser is eliminated and goes to the lottery
- First round of the playoffs – 2 seed (Grizzlies) plays 7 seed
So Memphis will wind up playing the 7th- or 8th-place team in the West in the opening round. Currently that would be the Minnesota Timberwolves (44-34) or the L.A. Clippers (38-40).
Grizzlies first-round playoff tickets go on sale Wednesday. MVP season ticket holders can buy them on Tuesday. Maximum 4 tickets per sale and they must be purchased by someone in Tennessee or in the greater Mid-South area.
ESPN Insider reports that Robert Pera has done well for himself since buying the Grizzlies, and is now the 3rd-richest owner in the NBA with a net worth of about $15 billion. This is important because Pera’s wealth means he is unlikely to flinch at paying luxury tax to keep the Ja & Jaren & Dillon & Desmond Show together when contract renewal time comes.
In Tigers basketball news, Lester Quinones has declared for the NBA draft.
Bad night for vehicles Downtown last night… vehicles were reported stolen from Monroe & Fourth and from 40 N. Front.
The New Wing Order food truck has announced their April special. To celebrate the return of baseball, they’ll serve Coney Island wings, topped with mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish. You can get them as traditional wings, boneless wings, or their new dinosaur nuggies.
STIX has started selling bottles of its Yum Yum sauce for $7. The sauce is great for dipping meats and veggies and it can also be used as a marinade.
Feast & Graze at 55 S. Main has a new app – Soppressata Cones. They are made with goat cheese, pepperoncinis, and a toasted baguette.
Cordelia’s Market has giant Mandarin oranges. They appear to have a little knot on their heads, but they taste great. They are sweeter and taste more of citrus than regular oranges.
We now know Chef Michael Patrick’s next move after closing Rizzo’s. The CA’s Jennifer Chandler reports that he’s taking an executive chef position at Capital Grille. Chef will fly to Boston for a 6-week training session with Capital Grille’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, before taking over at Capital.
WREG Live at 9 looks at the Jurassic Quest dinosaur exhibit at the convention center this weekend.
The Redbirds have announced their promotions for 2022. Opening Day is April 5.
Final Four today:
- 2 Villanova vs. 1 Kansas, 5:09 PM, TBS
- 8 North Carolina vs. 2 Duke, 7:49 PM, TBS
I’m rooting for Coach K to win one more title before he retires. He’ll be remembered along all-time great basketball coaches like Phog Allen, Henry Iba, and John Wooden.
That’s the news for now. Trying to decide on a plan for today. Option A is to enjoy a psycho-free Farmers Market followed by Max’s and Earnestine & Hazel’s. Option B is to observe the human condition at Blind Bear. In any case, I’m putting my external charger in my pocket because the first of a 2-night Wrestlemania is tonight. Ready to see if the mystery opponent is indeed Cody Rhodes and if Bianca will cut off more of Becky’s hair. Back tomorrow with more news.