Grizzlies at Pelicans: Watch out for that 3!!
The Memphis Grizzlies are headed to New Orleans for their fourth back to back since the All-Star break. The Grizzlies are 3-0 in their second games of those back to backs. The Grizzlies head into Smoothie King Center trying to extend their record to 45-17 and continue to solidify their position as a top title contender. The New Orleans Pelicans are currently chasing the 8th seed in the Western Conference, sitting only 1 game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pelicans will also be playing on a back to back. They suffered a loss in Boston last night, while the Grizzlies were able to secure another win against the Lakers.
In their last matchup the Grizzlies fell to New Orleans 95 – 106. The three-way trade that would send Quincy Pondexter to New Orleans and bring Jeff Green to the Grizzlies was in the works. During that game the Pelicans shot 50% from the three point line. They scored 10 threes out of the 20 they took and shot 46% from the field. This was a drastic improvement compared to the first matchup of the season. The Pelicans made only 4 of the 24 three point shots they took, finishing the night shooting 17% from three and 34% overall. The difference maker in the two games were the threes. The Grizzlies will need to lock down the perimeter and force the Pelicans into taking tough, contested shots. Both Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday will not play due to injuries. Anderson has yet to return from the MCL sprain he suffered on Feb. 21. Jrue Holiday is still experiencing swelling from a stress reaction in his leg and has not played since Jan. 12. The Grizzlies will still have Eric Gordan and Tyreke Evans to contain and can’t let them get hot from beyond the arc. Gordan was the second highest scorer behind Davis in the Pelicans loss to the Celtics last night and hit 4/9 from 3. I for one want to see Tony Allen spend plenty of time on the floor.
Anthony Davis is going to do Anthony Davis stuff, he’s going to get a double-double, he is going to score. Davis is averaging 24.3 ppg and 10.4 rebounds. He averaged 17 points in the two games against the Grizzlies and 9 rebounds. While outside shooting is going to be the biggest factor, Marc and Zach will need to work the paint and keep Davis’ offensive impact to a minimum. We can expect to see a physical game in the paint. Between Zach, Marc and Jeff Green attacking the rim there should be plenty of mud to go around.
Game tip is at 6:00 P.M. So tune in and cheer your Memphis Grizzlies on as they continue their Grind for Greatness! One last thing, don’t forget to spring your clocks an hour forward after you throw your Growl Towel up!
Stats taken from NBA.COM and ESPN.COM
20140116232530.jpg)
- Grizzlies Out Hustle Rockets and Head to Dallas - October 24, 2017
- The Grizzlies are Backed Into A Corner: Spurs Win Game 5 - April 26, 2017
- Memphis at San Antonio: Grizzlies Did Not Layeth the Smacketh Down - March 25, 2017
