Grizzlies' Tony Allen: Confirmed as starter for the regular season

Grizzlies coach David Fizdale confirmed Thursday that Allen (knee) would open the regular season as the team's starting shooting guard, ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon reports. "I need Tony in that starting lineup," Fizdale said. "He's still an elite defender."

Analysis:

Allen has been held out of the Grizzlies' first two preseason games while recovering from a minor knee injury, but he's fully expected to be on the court for the start of the regular season. The 34-year-old flitted in and out of the Grizzlies' starting five for each of the past three years under former coach Dave Joerger, but Allen may enjoy a longer leash from Fizdale, especially with none of the team's reserve wings representing enough of an upgrade on the offensive end to outweigh the veteran's defensive prowess. While Allen doesn't bring much to the table from a fantasy perspective with averages of 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists a season ago, his ability to lock down any perimeter opponent has been a major part of the team's success over the years and will continue to guarantee him plenty of minutes.