Grizzlies vs. Jazz

Before we get into the preview for tonight’s matchup between the Grizz and the Jazz, there are some Grindhouse-keeping issues to discuss. We’ve entered into the second half of the season, in the push for the play-offs. We’re past the trading that resulted in Jeff Green’s arrival to our roster. We passed the trade deadline that could’ve picked up a free agent, and entered into a three year contract with JyMichal Green. So let’s get honest my fellow Grizzlians.  I like Jeff Green. I like that he’s aggressive, stands his ground, and the potential he adds to the depth at the perimeter. However, I’ve said before, and I’ll repeat it now, that I feel that his placement in the starting line-up should fluctuate dependent on the opponent, and in rotation with Tony Allen, or Courtney Lee. The All-Star Break took its toll, and our last 4 outings, have been atrocious, aside from our bench play. If you’re an analytics person, the stats were just plain better with Allen in the starting 5. Green has stated before that he prefers to come from the bench, rather than shoulder the leadership position from the starting whistle. Teams that have forced him into that position have been disappointed in his performance.  There are times that Green seems to need a shepherd, as he wanders the floor. Aside from being able to successfully take it aggressively to the basket, his shot his the three from the baseline, put him anywhere else and his shot is unsure. He’s just not a jump shooter. He’s had difficulty finding the lane to the basket. Mike Conley is adept at finding the small lanes, and slipping through them acrobatically behind the screens of Gasol and Randolph. Green is 6 foot 9, and needs a wider berth. Dave Joerger has played with the line-up quite a bit this season, it will be interesting to see if he makes changes for tonight’s match against the Jazz. Tip is at 7 o’clock at The Grindhouse.

The last meeting between the two teams resulted in a win for the Grizzlies. While we are usually successful against the Jazz, the offensive decline of the Grizz, and defensive improvement of the Jazz could prove difficult. Both teams enjoy a slow pace ball-game, and are evenly matched in that regard. Of interesting note, the Grizz roster is the oldest in the league, and the Jazz is the youngest with 7 rookies.

We should see a battle in the paint between Big Spain and Utah’s rising star Gobert. Gobert replaces Enes Kanter who was traded to OKC, in the Utah starting line. Hopefully our starting 5 will return to offensive form. Courtney Lee, one of the best three shooter’s in the league has been taking the jump shot, or deferring the ball altogether. Mike Conley is still coming off of multiple injuries sustained before the break, and last game battled swelling over the eye. There’s the possibility of Vince Carter returning to uniform in limited minutes tonight, after being out several weeks with a left foot tendon injury. We like you commentating Vinsanity, we like you better on the floor. Zach Randolph, whose impressive return from a swollen knee, has tapered. Let’s look to our starting 5 to take the floor with a renewed sense of purpose. Our bench has proven so deep they’ll put an opponents ass to sleep. See you at The Forum.