Grizzlies v. Spurs, Part 2

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The Grizzlies are coming off a huge victory (105-98) in the Grindhouse against the Golden State Warriors on last night. Tonight, the Grizzlies (20-4) will be in San Antonio to face the Spurs (17-8) at 7:30 p.m. in the AT&T Center. Reportedly the Spurs will be without Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. The Grizzlies also may be without Tony Allen who suffered a corneal abrasion Tuesday in the game against the Warriors; he was poked in the eye. He will be questionable for the game but said he will try to give it a go.

This will be a tough outing for the Grizzlies even without Parker and Leonard. The Spurs is the one team that has been a thorn in the Grizzlies side. The Grizzlies have only beaten them twice in the last 17 meetings. Will the Spurs dominance against them continue tonight in San Antonio?

Analysis

Once again, both the Grizzlies starters and bench players will have their hands full tonight. This game will not be easy. Like last night’s game, there’s little room for error. It will cost them dearly with careless mistakes against the Spurs. Grizzlies need to play Grizzlies basketball once again and click on all cylinders. The bench needs to step up like they did against the Warriors at the Grindhouse even though it might be difficult. If Tony Allen can’t play, maybe Tayshaun Prince or Quincy Pondexter will start. Tayshaun had a breakout game against the Spurs earlier in the month.

The Grizzlies need to fight hard for rebounds on both the offensive and defensive end. They need to have man to man coverage with little help defense as possible. Last outing, the Spurs hit 14 three point shots. The Grizzlies can’t afford this to happen again. They need to run the shooters off the line and they need have rim protection from Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos.

Zach Randolph needs to step up big in order for the Grizzlies to win. He needs to come out of his funk against this team. The Spurs have been handling him since he went off on them during the 2011 Conference Semifinals. Somehow, they have Zbo’s number.

I know this may be a scheduled loss, but I think the Grizzlies will pull off the victory tonight in San Antonio. Many are worried about a beat-down, but I am not.  Mike Conley and company will guide the Grizzlies to victory. This will get the monkey off of their backs in regards to the Spurs. It won’t be pretty but it will be gritty!! Go Grizzlies!

Sharon Brown
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