Memphis Grizzlies vs Miami Heat preview
The Grizzlies are taking their talents to South Beach tonight, and will face off against the Miami Heat. The last time these teams met just a few short weeks ago in Memphis, the Grizzlies came out victorious, beating the Heat 103-87.
After last night’s disappointing loss to Houston, the Grizzlies are on a 4 game losing streak. One constant throughout all four of those losses has been the absence of Zach Randolph due to a knee injury. Randolph is not expected to play tonight as well, and we can only hope that the Grizzlies will be able to grind out a much needed win without him. Quincy Pondexter is also listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to a sprained ankle.
I assume that Jon Leuer will be starting at the PF position in Randolph’s absence, and that might work out well for the Grizzlies as Leuer was the team high scorer against the Heat on 12/7. If nothing else, that might give Jon some confidence going into the game tonight.
One thing that I believe will be key to the Grizzlies securing the win will be rebounding, we cannot get out rebounded the way that we have been the last few games. The fierce defensive style that has become a big part of our identity has been notably subdued in the most recent losses, and getting back to that is going to be of tremendous importance, not just tonight but going forward.
Other teams that we have faced recently have killed us with three point shooting. Courtney Lee has struggled from beyond the arc recently, so this would be a great time for Vince Carter to have another big game shooting the three ball.
The Heat are coming into this game more rested, with the Grizzlies being on the second night of a back to back, but they will likely again be without starting center Chris Bosh. Clearly the absence of Bosh did not prevent the Heat from defeating the Cavaliers on Christmas day, but Chris Andersen will be starting in his place, and Andersen is not what I would describe as a threat in the same way that Bosh would have been. However, I think we can expect Dwayne Wade to be a thorn in the Grizzlies side tonight.
Tip-off is at 6:30 pm CST, and local fans can catch the game on SportsSouth.
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Bluff City Born and Memphis Made
- Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Niele Ivey Named New Head Coach for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team - April 22, 2020
- Notes From Grizzlies Media Day 2019 - October 2, 2019
- Memphis Grizzlies 2019 Training Camp Roster - September 30, 2019
