Ja Morant among Memphis Grizzlies players sitting out preseason opener in win vs Bucks

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams did not play in the Memphis Grizzlies preseason opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. That opened the door for other players to show their value.

The Saturday night game at Fiserv Forum looked like a sloppy Summer League contest before players settled in. The Bucks built a 13-point lead before the Grizzlies took a lead with 1:05 left in the fourth quarter after a David Roddy layup.

Memphis held on to win 107-102 against the Bucks. The Grizzlies shot 49.4% from the field and 10-for-28 on 3-pointers.

Tyus Jones was among the players who missed Saturday's game, so rookie Kennedy Chandler received the bulk of minutes at point guard. Chandler was joined in the starting lineup by John Konchar, Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo did not dress for the Bucks. Memphis will face the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. on Monday at the FedExForum.

Here are some takeaways from the preseason opener:

EXPANDING HIS GAMESteven Adams has the green light to shoot 3-pointers, but he doesn't want you to expect it

DILLON BROOKS' ADJUSTMENTDillon Brooks knows he needs to be more efficient. The Grizzlies have a plan to address it

ADAMS STAYINGSteven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies agree to two-year contract extension

Active role for Zairie Williams

As productive as Williams was in his rookie season, most of his scoring came from spot-up shots and transition baskets. The Grizzlies made it a point of emphasis to play him more on the ball in Summer League, and the dividends are showing. Williams had plays called for him and looked comfortable when bringing the ball up the floor. He finished with 11 points and five rebounds on 4-for-10 shooting.

Kenneth Lofton Jr.'s instant offense

Keeping rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. on a two-way contract may be a difficult task for the front office. Lofton came off the bench and provided instant offense. He scored 10 points in the first half and finished with 17 on 6-for-8 shooting. His polished offensive approach comes from his ability to score at all three levels. He comfortably knocked down a 3-pointer for his first basket before sinking a smooth midrange shot and bullying his way inside. Lofton played confident. He demanded the ball in the post when he was guarded by smaller players. Lofton finished the game at center and held his own defensively.

First round rookies disappoint early, come alive late

Aldama had an encouraging performance that should strengthen his chances at the starting power forward spot with Jackson injured. If the Grizzlies use a 10-man rotation, the backup power forward spot is there for the taking. Jake LaRavia and David Roddy, both drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft, didn't appear ready to earn a consistent rotation spot in the first half.

LaRavia was playing a step slower than his opponents, and Roddy made quick offensive decisions but didn't produce results. Then, the duo came alive. Roddy and LaRavia both scored double figures. Roddy finished with 18 points and LaRavia added 15. Xavier Tillman Sr., another option for the backup power forward spot, did not play.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks: Ja Morant sits preseason opener