The Grizzlies exercised Tillman's $1.93 million team option for 2023-24 on Monday.
With Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) sidelined, Tillman saw an expanded role at the end of the 2022-23 campaign and finished with career highs in points (7.0), rebounds (5.0), assists (1.6) and steals (1.0) per game. The 24-year-old started 12 of Memphis' 18 playoff games, averaging 5.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.9 minutes. Even if Adams and Clarke are back to full strength next season, Tillman should still carve out a solid reserve role.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Impresses against Lakers
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Tillman logged 22 points (10-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds and three assists over 32 minutes during Wednesday's 103-93 victory over the Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Tillman delivered one of the best performances of his career when the Grizzlies needed him the most, outplaying Anthony Davis en route to a huge Game 2 win. It was Tillman's first double-double since March 18, and he figures to remain in the starting unit with Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) out.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Officially starting
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Tillman will start Sunday's Game 1 tilt against the Lakers, Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com reports.
As expected, Tillman will start at center with Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) out. The Michigan State product figures to be a vital part of the Grizzlies' postseason rotation, but Memphis is also expected to feature a smaller lineup with Jaren Jackson at the five.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Expected to start Game 1
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Head coach Taylor Jenkins said Tillman will likely start Sunday's Game 1 against the Lakers, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
With Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) both out for the season, Tillman figures to be a vital part of the Grizzlies' postseason rotation. Across 29 regular-season starts, the Michigan State product averaged 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.2 minutes.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Not on injury report
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Tillman (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against Milwaukee.
Tillman sat out Wednesday against the Pelicans due to an ankle issue, but he'll be back in action two days later. Over his last five appearances, he's averaged 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Out Wednesday
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Tillman (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game in New Orleans.
With Tillman watching from the sidelines Wednesday night, Santi Aldama will likely get a spot start and Kenneth Lofton might be able to get into the rotation. Considering Tillman is skipping this game due only to some soreness in his ankle, there's a decent chance he'll be able to return for Friday's game in Milwaukee.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Status uncertain Wednesday
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Tillman is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Pelicans due to right ankle soreness.
Tillman is in danger of missing his first game since Jan. 22. Santi Aldama would likely receive an increased workload if Tillman is ultimately ruled out.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Continues strong play
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Tillman posted 16 points (7-8 FG, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal across 31 minutes during Wednesday's 141-132 loss to the Clippers.
Tillman was one rebound away from a double-double in his second straight game. However, he was able to tie his season high for assists Wednesday. Tillman is averaging 11.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 29.2 minutes across his last five outings.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Available Wednesday
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Tillman (ankle) will play in Wednesday's game against the Clippers.
Tillman was tabbed questionable with right ankle soreness but has been cleared to play in Wednesday's tilt. He should be expected to maintain his starting center spot, a role in which he has averaged 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 27.4 minutes.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Questionable Wednesday
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Tillman is questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Clippers due to right ankle soreness.
Tillman has started in Memphis' last 17 games, so his potential absence could move Santi Aldama into the starting lineup or force the Grizzlies to go small. If Tillman is unable to suit up, his next chance to do so will be Friday's rematch with the Clippers.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Nears double-double in win
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Tillman ended Tuesday's 113-108 win over the Magic with 20 points (10-12 FG), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal across 35 minutes.
Tillman has had limited production on the scoreboard in recent weeks, but he reached the 20-point threshold for the first time this season Tuesday while also coming within one rebound of a double-double. Over 15 appearances this month, he's averaged 10.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Back on track Sunday
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Tillman finished Sunday's 123-119 win over the Hawks with 15 points (7-10 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three steals over 31 minutes.
Tillman turned in a strong two-way effort Sunday, rewarding anyone who snapped him up off waivers. After a stretch of mediocre performances, Tillman eclipsed 30 minutes for the first time in over a week. While he is locked in as the starting center, the Grizzlies are not afraid to run with Jaren Jackson to close games, making Tillman a viable, yet unpredictable streaming option.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Bounces back with double-double
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Tillman finished with 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 32 minutes during Saturday's 133-119 win over the Warriors.
Despite sticking in a starting role, Tillman had cooled off in his previous three games, averaging just 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds across 22.7 minutes. The big man bounced back with a strong effort Saturday, recording his first double-double since March 7 and his fourth overall this season. Tillman should remain a starter with Steven Adams (knee) expected to be out several more weeks, and he's doing enough to be worthy of a roster spot in most fantasy formats despite some inconsistency.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Unproductive Wednesday
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Tillman posted eight points (4-6 FG), three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes during Wednesday's 138-119 loss to Miami.
Tillman failed to shine in the heavy loss, continuing a somewhat underwhelming week. Despite having both hands on the starting role, he has been unable to make the most of the favorable situation. He remains a viable option based on his role, but for anyone needing immediate production, his upside doesn't appear high enough to warrant a must-roster tag.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Chips in across the board
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Tillman had eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists, one block and three steals in 24 minutes during Monday's 104-88 win over the Mavericks.
Tillman played just 24 minutes in the win, limited as a result of a dominant team victory. With the Grizzlies very thin on center options for the remainder of the season, Tillman has quickly catapulted himself into must-roster territory. While there will be nights where his playing time is limited, there is certainly enough meat on the bone for him to be viable across a range of team builds. He posted double-digit points and at least five rebounds in the five games leading up to Monday.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Increased role to continue
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Tillman will be in line for increased minutes through the end of the regular season after the Grizzlies announced Thursday that Steven Adams (knee) will miss at least four more weeks.
While this is a major blow for the Grizzlies, and fantasy managers holding Adams in an IR spot, it's a significant windfall for Tillman, who's started 12 of the last 14 games and averaged 27.3 minutes per contest in the absence of Adams. With both Adams and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) done for the season, Tillman should have no trouble holding onto his increased role down the stretch, making him a viable option in most fantasy leagues. Since the All-Star break (seven games), Tillman is averaging 11.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Records double-double in loss
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Tillman recorded 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one block and four steals in 32 minutes during Tuesday's 112-103 loss to the Lakers.
Although Steven Adams (knee) is expected back soon, Tillman has been excellent in relief, logging three double-doubles in six starts. He's averaged 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his recent tenure with the starting five.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Double-doubles in loss
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Tillman amassed 11 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds and four assists in 30 minutes during Friday's 113-97 loss to the Nuggets.
With Steven Adams (knee) out, Tillman continues to garner a sizable role in the Grizzlies frontcourt and is averaging 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 26.2 minutes over his past 13 appearances (10 starts). Brandon Clarke (lower leg) left Friday's matchup early, so if he joins Adams on the sidelines moving forward, Tillman's grasp on top center position would only grow tighter. However, regardless of how many minutes he plays, Tillman figures to remain a plug-and-play option as opposed to a must-start player in fantasy.
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Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman: Double-doubles against Denver
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Tillman closed Friday's 113-97 loss to Denver with 11 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds and four assists across 30 minutes.
This was the second double-double of the season for Tillman and more could be on the horizon. Steven Adams (knee) still doesn't have a return date set in stone, and Brandon Clarke suffered a potentially serious leg injury Friday. Tillman can produce across the stat sheet and is likely to be scooped up in a lot of fantasy leagues after this performance.
Tillman finished with 18 points (9-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt), 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals in 32 minutes during Tuesday's 121-109 win over the Lakers.
Tillman made his second straight start and posted his best performance of the campaign, leading Memphis with 11 boards and finishing second with 18 points. The double-double was just the third of his career, with the others coming during his rookie campaign two seasons ago. While the big man has looked great in each of his past two contests, his fantasy value will likely dissipate whenever Steven Adams (knee) is able to return to action, which could happen within the next two weeks.
