Game day: Grizzlies v. Celtics (updated)

Tonight at the Grindhouse, the Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Boston Celtics at 7pm. Grizzlies are 6-0 at home this season, while the Celtics are 2-2 on the road.

Grizzlies had 7 players questionable for tonight’s game due to a wicked stomach virus that has taken down most of the team. Those players are Courtney Lee, Tony Allen, Kosta Koufos, Jon Leuer, Beno Udrih,  Quincy Pondexter and Jarnell Stokes.  Nick Calathes is still out due his suspension for violating the league’s drug policy; he is set to return in Sunday’s game against the LA Clippers.  So as of now, the Grizzlies only have Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Vince Carter, Tayshaun Prince and Jordan Adams available to play.

In the game against the Raptors, Grizzlies signed Kalin Lucas and  Hassan Whiteside for insurance; they were subsequently waived the next day.  I don’t know what the Grizzlies plans are if all the players on the injured list are unable to play. The NBA requires for 8 players to be active and dressed for a game.

Match-ups

Grizzlies front court should be able to dominate. Marc Gasol should have his way with Kelly Olynyk and Zach Randolph will probably have a tough battle with Jared Sullinger. But I expect Zbo to prevail and continue to be a bully on the block.

Most intriguing match-up: Conley vs. Rondo 

Which point guard will prevail? They both are very important to their teams. Rajon Rondo is averaging 11.8 assists per game and can do jaw dropping things unexpectedly. Mike Conley is averaging 17.1 points a game this season which is a career high and he also can take over a game when one least expect it. He’s pretty good at getting to the rim with some amazing plays and he’s capable of hitting the three. Both players are good defensively, Rondo has a slight edge on Conley in the steals department.

Most worrisome match-up: The small forward position

Jeff Green is having an awesome year, averaging 19 points per game. As of now, I don’t know who he will be matched up against. This will be a problem for Grizzlies. Will Tayshaun Prince guard him because of his length? How well can Vince Carter be effective against him?

Analysis: Who will win

I wish I could say flat out the Grizzlies will win this game but I honestly don’t know. I have no idea who will be starting, let alone playing in this game. Either way, it will not be a cake walk for either team. The Grizzlies are going to fight hard regardless of who they have on the floor. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph just need to take over and have a monster game from both.

****Note****

This article will be updated as news of the Grizzlies players on the injured players are made available.

Update

According to Ron Tillery of The Commercial Appeal: Most of the ill players are set to return to tonight’s game “Griz Game Day: Most ill players return; Pondexter doubtful.”

Courtney Lee, Beno Udrih, Jon Leuer and Kosta Koufus will play tonight. Tony Allen is still questionable. Jarnell Stokes is probable and Quincy Pondexter is doubtful. This is will change the complexity of the game and may very well be in the Grizzlies favor.