Grizz Look to Turn Down the Heat – Grizz vs Heat Preview

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Elizabeth Smith

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Tonight the Memphis Grizzlies (17-16) take on the Miami Heat (18-12) in FedEx Forum. The last time these two teams met back on December 13^th Miami won the game 97-100 in a contest the Grizz should have been able to put away if not for a disappointing collapse and a couple of great shots from Dwayne Wade in the final minute. In the final 2:53 of that game, the Grizzlies went on an ill-timed scoring drought while Miami went on an 11-0 run to close the game.

The Grizzlies will be without Matt Barnes for this game as he is serving a two game suspension per the NBA for his role in the Derek Fisher incident back in October during training camp. In their previous meeting Barnes went 5-9 (3-7 from beyond the arc) for 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. The Grizzlies will have to replace his production (and his place in the starting lineup). I am hoping to see Zach Randolph back in this starting spot.

The Grizz will be more rested than Miami which will hopefully benefit the home team. Grizz completed their 10^th back-to-back on Sunday against the Lakers in a win. Miami is just completing their 4^th back-to-back, losing to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.

Miami is currently listing Justise Winslow as questionable after an ankle sprain that kept him out (his first missed game of the season) of last night’s Brooklyn loss. Winslow does say that he plans to play tonight. Dwayne Wade is currently planning on playing tonight with a sore left hip. Wade has played in all 3 of Miami’s previous back-to-backs.

The Grizz have to be vigilant in their patrol of the perimeter, something that has been lacking this season. In the loss to the Nets Monday night, Chris Bosh was perfect from beyond the arc, going 5-5 for 24 points. Miami went 10-24 from 3 as a team. This season, the Heat are shooting 32.9% from 3 while the Grizz are averaging 31.6%. If the Grizzlies hope to cool down the Heat, they must guard the perimeter and not give up wide open looks.

This game has the potential to be another strong defensive exhibition. Miami is currently allowing 94.8ppg (good for 2^nd in defensive efficiency) while the Grizzlies are currently allowing 99.7ppg (good for 12^th place in defensive efficiency). Former Grizz Hassan Whiteside is on a tear, averaging 12.6ppg and 11 rebounds to go along with 4 blocks per game (good for 1^st in the NBA).

Tonight is a Memphis Sounds game. The item of the game is a sweet Memphis Sounds Ladies tee.

Get tonight's #GrizzliesDen by adidas #ItemoftheGame inside #FedExForum Lobby: women's #MEMsounds hook tee – $15 pic.twitter.com/OqDR8XLYIX

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 29, 2015