Hornets Vs. Grizzlies: Let’s Call This One A Do-Over
The last matchup between the Grizzlies and Hornets resulted in one ugly game. A game that until I went to write this preview I had managed to forget. The Grizzlies shot an abysmal 36.3% from the field and scored a season low 71 points. Despite that they were able to grind out the win on a Marc Gasol 3-point play. Of course, that game was not played in the Grindhouse and it was on a back to back. Since then the Grizzlies have truly hit their stride. The bench only shot 29% in that game vs. the average 42.6% they shot in their last two performances against the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks. What does that mean? Well, we certainly won’t be in for the same game.
The Charlotte Hornets come in to Friday’s game on a 2 game win streak. They have yet to surpass two consecutive wins this season. The Memphis Grizzlies are also on a 2 game win streak that is, more importantly, a resurgence of the home win record that was snapped with the loss to San Antonio last Friday.
This game’s key matchup: Marc Gasol (insert MVP chant) and Al Jefferson:
Marc Gasol and Al Jefferson were their team’s leading scorers in the first game of this series with Gasol outscoring Big Al 22-19. Expect these two to make paint play a deciding factor in Friday’s game as well. Al Jefferson is leading his team with an average 19.7 points per game and 8 rebounds. Marc Gasol leads the Memphis Grizzlies with 19.5 points per game and 8 rebounds. Both big men are posting high scoring games and will take this game right into the mud. Watching both of these talented centers is going to be a treat for Grizzlies fans. Be ready, it’s going to get gritty.
Some other tidbits:
Mike Conley and Kemba Walker will also be a matchup to keep your eye on. Both point guards are their team’s second highest scorers at 16.9 points per game for Conley and 14.5 for Walker. They rack up 1.2 (Conley) and 1.4 (Walker) steals per game. Conley is the better defender and should hold Walker to a low scoring game. This will allow the Grizzlies to maintain the offensive edge and move the home game win streak up to 3.
The Hornets scored 52 and 46 paint points in their wins against the Knicks and Celtics. The Grizzlies scored 40 and 52 points in the paint in their last two wins against the Heat and the Mavericks.
The Hornets allow 105.2 points per 100 possessions, while the Grizzlies are currently scoring 107.4. The Grizzlies should be able to take advantage of the Hornets lackluster defense, resulting in a strong offensive game.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is playing his second game after coming back from a stress reaction in his right foot. He scored 9 points and gathered 6 rebounds coming off the bench against the Celtics.
The game will tip at 7:00pm in FedEx Forum and will air on SportsSouth. Make your way down to the Grindhouse or tune in and cheer your Memphis Grizzlies on to their next win!
(Here’s where I insert some cool highlight from the last time we played the Hornets. Unfortunately, you will have to use your imagination. There is nothing I really want any of us to have to relive from that game. Except that we won.)
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- 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
