Memphis Grizzlies Face Sixers in Philly

Apr 11, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) steals the ball from Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, December 13, 2014, the Memphis Grizzlies will travel to Philadelphia to take on the struggling 76ers. Memphis will be looking to keep their winning streak alive while improve upon their 18-4 record.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been unbelievably bad this season, going 17 games before receiving their first win. Yes, that was 17 straight losses to begin their season until they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in game number 18.

The Sixers are a young team still in the developing stages. They also have a key injury to Joel Embiid that is hurting their chances even more for the time being. Plus, there is very little veteran leadership. Another factor, except for two or three players, is that their roster simply is below average.

Below you can find all of the information that you need to know before your Memphis Grizzlies take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Matchup Trends

Philly was bad last season. The sad part? They are probably even worse this season. However, you should never underestimate an NBA team, especially one that is desperate for any single victory.

Last season, the Grizzlies won the series 2-0 against the Sixers– both games being complete blowouts. This could quite possibly be a reoccurring trend this season.

Starting Fives (subject to change)

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Mike Conley (point guard), Courtney Lee (shooting guard), Tony Allen (small forward), Zach Randolph (power forward), Marc Gasol (center)

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Michael Carter-Williams (point guard), Hollis Thompson (shooting guard), Robert Covington (small forward), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (power forward), Nerlens Noel (center)

Things to Watch

• Points in the paint
• Transition baskets
• Will the Sixers compete?
• Fatigued Grizzlies
• X-factors

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Determining Factors

• Philadelphia should not be able to keep up with the Grizzlies in the paint. Philly’s Nerlens Noel may wind up being a stud in the future, but he is not yet ready for Memphis’ bruisers. Noel prides himself on playing athletic defense, but is not yet an offensive threat in any manner. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will have a lot of fun as they pad their stats on Saturday.
• If there is anything that may give the Sixers a chance at winning this game, it will probably come from pushing the tempo and scoring in transition. Michael Carter-Williams and Tony Wroten love to run and this may be Philadelphia’s best, or only, chance to score against the tenacious Grizzly defense.
• Will this game even be competitive? The Sixers have been accused of tanking already and at times the accusations seem quite believable. They will already have difficulty putting up points against Memphis, so if the Grizz get off to a fast start, will the Philadelphia 76ers even put up a fight? Only time will tell.
• The Grizzlies are coming off of a double-overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets, in which Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, and Tony Allen ALL played more than 40 minutes each. The starters may become tired early against the youthful Sixers, so the Grizzly bench needs to be ready to contribute in a major way and perhaps play more minutes than usual. Rookie big man Jarnell Stokes and second-year guard Nick Calathes may both see some decent minutes on Saturday night.
• This game is a classic example when a bench player could come up big for the Grizz and turn out to be the X-factor. If starters get tired early and/or a stable lead is built, Quincy Pondexter, Vince Carter, Beno Udrih, or even Jon Leuer could fill up the stat sheet and finish with a big night.

Key Game Notes

• Former Grizzly Tony Wroten has been averaging better than 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds per game this season.
• The Grizzlies are now ranked first in points allowed per game, fourth in field goal percentage, and eighth in field goal percentage allowed.
• The 76ers are ranked 30th in points per game and 29th in field goal percentage.
• Memphis currently owns the NBA’s second-best record, trailing only 19-2 Golden State.
• Philadelphia is currently the league’s worst team (2-20).

Injury Report

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently reporting no known injuries. Rookie Jordan Adams is away from the team on an NBDL assignment with the Iowa Energy, a Grizzlies’ affiliate.

The Philadelphia 76ers are listing Joel Embiid and Jason Richardson as being out due to injuries. Tony Wroten is listed as being day-to-day with a sore knee, but he did play 22 minutes in their loss last night versus Brooklyn.

Personal Prediction

I believe this contest will end as a dougle-digit victory for the Memphis Grizz. Even though the Sixers have been upping their efforts a little in recent games, I do not see them being able to withstand the grit and the grind that the Grizzlies are bringing with them from Memphis. Will the Sixers even score 76 points?!

This should be an easy win for the Grizz before they head into a rough stretch of the schedule. Hopefully for Grizz fans this game will not pull heartstrings as did last night’s battle on the hardwood!

Game Time

This matchup on the hardwood tips off at 6:30 P.M. and can be seen on SportSouth television or heard on WMFS radio. The teams will be playing at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Go Grizz!