Will the Grizzlies keep their momentum against the Pelicans?

The Grizzlies have won eight of their last 10 games. The Pelicans are fighting for the eight seed in the west. The Grizzlies lead the season series 2-0. The Grizzlies look to extend their streak of 100 or more points for the ninth straight game.

In their last meeting, the Grizzlies defeated the Pelicans 101-99. Matt Barnes scored 12 points in the fourth quarter of that game. Anthony Davis added 21 points, eight rebound and three blocks for the Pelicans.

 

Keys to the game

1. Which Jeff Green will show up? Green has been aggressive, confident and has been playing some of his best basketball since returning to the bench. He’s averaging 20 points and shooting 54.9 percent from the field. The Grizzlies could benefit from Uncle Jeff being this productive in every game. The Grindfather, Tony Allen himself said after Jeff’s 30 point performance against the Orlando Magic:

“When Jeff Green plays like that, it is big for our team. We are going to need him to continue to play like that for the remainder of the season. It just makes us a better team. We are unstoppable when he is playing like that. He is the X-factor. If we can get him playing like that more consistently, it is going to be tough for a lot of teams.”

 

 

 

2. Marc Gasol must be dominant again. Gasol is averaging 27 points and 11.5 rebounds against the Pelicans this season. In December, Gasol had a career high 38 points against the Pelicans. Mike Conley said after Gasol’s career-high 38 point game:

“He was just aggressive. I think every opportunity he got with the ball, he looked to score first before making a play. He is aggressive like that and we saw what he is capable of doing.”

 

 

 

3. Maintain the first quarter play! The Grizzlies have been moving the ball extremely well on offense and their shots have really been falling in the first quarter of games. They must do this consistently and not let up on teams. It seems as if they become complacent for 36 minutes. Coach Joerger comments after the Kings win:

“We kind of relaxed defensively, fell in love with the jump shot a little bit and our defensive toughness kind of—they scored 40 points in the fourth quarter. That happens when you’re playing desperate offensively, trying to get to the basket and you just run in there. It was closer than it should’ve been with the lead that we had.”

 

 

 

4. Stay focused for 48 minutes!! They must have what is necessary to compete and win. When the Grizzlies are focused and engaged especially on the defensive end, they are hard to beat. Allowing the Kings to score 40 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday was a slap in the face to a defensive minded team. Tony Allen on defense being the key:

“Not in the second quarter and not down the stretch. We lost focus and didn’t respect those guys down the stretch. Coach warned us that they were going to keep fighting and were going to keep coming. I thought we had out guard down. With that being said, we have to be better and just play hard for 48 minutes.”

 

 

 

In conclusion

Jeff Green and Marc Gasol must maintain their dominance and consistency. The Grizzlies have to remain focused for 48 minutes on both end of the floor. The Pelicans is a tough match up for them. How well will the Grizzlies respond?

 

 

Tip Off

Where: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA

When: 7pm CST

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Southeast/92.9 ESPN

 

*****Stats via ESPN*****