The Memphis Grizzlies now know who their first-round playoff opponent will be: Minnesota, who defeated the L.A. Clippers 109-104 in the play-in game last night.
The schedule for the first round looks like this:
- Game 1: Saturday, April 16, 2:30 PM, FedExForum, TV: ESPN
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 19, FedExForum, time and TV TBD
- Game 3: Thursday, April 21, 6:30 PM, at Minnesota, TV: TNT
- Game 4: Saturday, April 23, time TBD, at Minnesota, TV: ESPN
- Game 5: Tuesday, April 26, FedExForum, time and TV TBD (if necessary)
- Game 6: Friday, April 29, at Minnesota, time and TV TBD (if necessary)
- Game 7: Sunday, May 1, FedExForum, time and TV TBD (if necessary)
FiveThirtyEight’s NBA predictions gave Memphis only a 41% chance of advancing vs. an unknown 7 seed (Timberwolves or Clippers) but that percentage has shot up to 65% now that the T’wolves have filled that slot. Beyond that FiveThirtyEight has the Grizzlies
- 32% to make the Western Conference finals
- 11% to make the NBA Finals
- 3% to win the championship
Swanky’s Taco Shop in the Chisca, closed since August 2020, will not reopen. The owner said he applied for Restaurant Revitalization Fund money but was not awarded any, making continued operation of the restaurant extremely difficult. The Chisca is seeking a new tenant. The restaurant seats 80 and has a patio outside that seats an additional 45.
DJs return to the Silly Goose this weekend, both Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16. $10 cover to get in.
The DMC is tightening security on Beale in response to the shooting that happened there this past weekend. If you attempt to enter the entertainment district between 9 PM and 3 AM Friday or Saturday, you’ll be wanded and charged a $5 security fee.
“I think we’ve really got to talk to Beale Street owners, why do they have to be open that late?” said Mayor Strickland. Um, Jim. They’re open that late because they MAKE MONEY at those hours. As much as bars and restaurants have had their revenues stifled by limited hours the past two years, please don’t add to it.
We all know “that one person” who loses his phone and his wallet three or four times a week. Well, for that person, now there’s hope: A tech company will embed a payment chip in your hand. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and costs about $300.
Memphis Medical District Collaborative will be gathering data on how Madison Avenue is utilized for about the next two weeks, installing bicycle and pedestrian counters near Hospital Street. If you use that route, be sure to follow the markers so that you will be counted.
LEVEL 4/5 STORM THREAT: Severe weather – including lightning, large hail, high wind, and tornadoes – is in the cards between 3-9pm. Have a plan & be ready to enact it, including prepping your safe place and having multiple ways to get warnings. #memstorm pic.twitter.com/JgG9XLXESX
— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) April 13, 2022
Early voting begins today. Check out Bill Dries’ excellent Ballot Basics to find out everything you need to know.
Memphis 901 FC is at home tonight to play FC Tulsa. Kickoff is at 7 PM.
Thee Open Mic happens tonight from 6 to 10 at Carolina Watershed.
That’s it for now. Everyone take it easy driving home this afternoon. Back tomorrow with more news.