Grizzlies’ Regular Season Ready to Begin
May 1, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Joerger talks with forward
Zach Randolph(50) and guard
Beno Udrih(19) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies 104 – 84. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
With the Grizzlies’ latest preseason roster cuts of Patrick Christopher and Kalin Lucas, their roster now stands at 14 players being under contract. This leaves one roster spot open for the duration of the regular season, so perhaps a veteran can be signed later this year if the Grizz should need an addition. Thus, the regular season begins in just three days at the FedEx Forum, known to the Grizz faithful as The Grindhouse, versus Andrew Wiggins and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The key for the Grizz is a fast start to the season. Looking at their 2014-15 regular season schedule, the Grizzlies have 17 total games from October 28th through November 30th, with eight of them being at home and nine of them being on the road.
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The road games, featuring matchups with potential playoff teams Oklahoma City, Portland, and Phoenix, will be critical for the Grizz in the always-tough Western Conference. These matchups could be the games that push Memphis into the playoffs or into a higher seed by the time March and April rolls around.
The home games during this stretch, including many non-playoff teams from this past season, do not look to be as difficult for Memphis; however, the last home game in November features a duel against the Grizzlies’ biggest foe, the Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis will most definitely consider this game to be a must-win. It is always an instant classic when Zach “Z-Bo” Randolph wrestles with Blake Griffin in the paint.
There are some questions regarding the Grizz when the season tips off, such as how well Tayshaun Prince will produce and if Z-Bo can continue to play like the All-Star that he has been for so many years. Will Vince Carter be able to provide enough scoring? Can Mike Conley become a first-time NBA All-Star?
The answers will be revealed as the season plays itself out over the coming months, but this Grizzlies’ team seems to be improved from last season. This is especially true in terms of youth, with draftees Jordan Adams and Jarnell Stokes now on the roster, adding scoring ability– along with the free agent signing of Vince Carter. Head coach Dave Joerger will appreciate the continuity and leadership from the starters, which is a recipe for success when the Grizzlies are paired against young and talented, rising teams.
One thing that can be expected in Memphis is this: The Grizzlies are prepared to Grit ‘N’ Grind for 82 full games, through thick and thin, to earn another shot at the Western Conference Finals.
Grizz Nation, are YOU ready?
My name is Christian Dudley and this is my first initial post as a staff writer for FanSided’s BealeStreetBears.com. I will be writing posts from time to time covering all news aspects of the Memphis Grizzlies. I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Southern Indiana, majoring in Sport Management. I am also a die-hard NBA fanatic, especially of the Grit ‘N’ Grind Memphis Grizzlies. I am excited to begin my tenure as a writer for FanSided!