Memphis Grizzlies in Detroit: Facing Prince, Pistons Tonight

Nov 15, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The 47-20 Memphis Grizzlies will attempt to earn their third-straight victory when they take on the Detroit Pistons in the Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday evening.

The Memphis Grizzlies head to Michigan today to play the 23-43 Detroit Pistons. Detroit is pretty much out of luck when it comes to earning a ticket to the postseason, but they are still a scrappy team that can be poisonous against teams that need all the wins they can get, such as the Grizz.

This season, these two teams have only faced each other one other time–before Detroit dumped their big-money chip, Josh Smith. Since that move, the Pistons have been a somewhat dangerous team. Their only downfall has been that they had an awful record when Smith remained on the roster. Next season could be a brilliant one for the Detroit Pistons, but 2014-15 has been a lost cause for them.

Nov 15, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) fouls Detroit Pistons forward Kyle Singler (25) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat the Detroit Pistons 95 – 85. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

In the Memphis Grizzlies’ previous meeting with the Pistons in November, Memphis won by a score of 95-88. Another close game should be expected tonight because the Pistons fight in all of their games since their Smith era, plus, Grizz Nation knows that their beloved team likes to make each contest a grit-‘n’-grind affair and pull on their fans’ heartstrings.

Tonight, the Grizzlies must keep Pistons’ center Andre Drummond off of the glass. He is a rebounding beast, although he does not look to be a huge scoring threat. This means that Memphis must lock up on defense around the perimeter and in transition. Detroit has many shooters that can get hot quickly–such as Anthony Tolliver, Jodie Meeks, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Caron Butler.

Nov 7, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) attempts a shot in front of Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The most dangerous player the Grizzlies will see tonight? That just may be Reggie Jackson, whom has been problematic for the Grizzlies in past seasons when Jackson was suiting up for the OKC Thunder. He is a slasher and a solid defender. Memphis’ Tony Allen will have his hands full, but he is surely up to the challenge as always.

There is some slight significance to tonight’s matchup with Detroit other than the Memphis Grizzlies needing to round up another win. The Pistons acquired Tayshaun Prince–whom was with the Grizzlies early in the season–by making another trade at the NBA’s Trade Deadline. That was the second time Prince was traded this season.

Below, you can find all of the in-depth details that you should know before the Grizz duel against the Pistons.

Starting Fives (subject to change)

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Beno Udrih (point guard), Courtney Lee (shooting guard), Jeff Green (small forward), Zach Randolph (power forward), Marc Gasol (center)

DETROIT PISTONS: Reggie Jackson (point guard), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (shooting guard), Caron Butler (small forward), Tayshaun Prince (power forward), Andre Drummond (center)

Key Game Notes

Memphis will be facing former Grizzly Tayshaun Prince, whom spent parts of three seasons with the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies still own the NBA’s best defense by allowing just 95.5 points per game.
The Pistons are 28th in the NBA field goal percentage (43%) while the Grizz are 10th (46%).
Detroit is 25th in the league by allowing their opponents to shoot 46% from the field while Memphis is 11th (44%).
Zach Randolph is coming off of a 21-point, 16-rebound performance against Denver.
Detroit’s Andre Drummond is averaging 13.2 rebounds per game.
The Pistons are currently riding a 10-game losing streak.
In Memphis’ last meeting with Detroit, Marc Gasol led all players in scoring with 23 points and Zach Randolph led all players in rebounding with 22 boards.

Determining Factors

Grab rebounds!
Contest All of Detroit’s perimeter shots
Bench production
Ball movement–share the rock!
Feed Memphis’ bigs
Defense is everything

Injury Report

The Memphis Grizzlies have been listing Mike Conley as day-to-day with his current ankle injury. He has missed three straight games thus far, but he is gaining some much-needed rest so that he can be fully healthy and well-rested by the time the NBA Playoffs arrive. The Grizz report no other known injuries.

The Detroit Pistons are reporting Brandon Jennings as being out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. They also list Greg Monroe as being out for tonight’s battle due to a knee injury.

Personal Prediction

Nov 15, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) goes to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat the Detroit Pistons 95 – 85. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

I believe that the Memphis Grizzlies will earn their third-consecutive win tonight against Detroit by seven points. Memphis is playing the second game of a back-to-back, so they will not have a lot of extra energy built up to exert against a young Pistons team; however, Memphis’ defense has been lethal and their veteran leadership should push them over the top tonight. With Detroit being without Monroe, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will only have to worry about one player on the boards–Andre Drummond. That will make life only slightly easier for the Grizzlies in the paint.

Game Time

To watch the Memphis Grizzlies as they face the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, tune to SportSouth television for a 6:30 P.M. tip time (Central/Memphis time). The game can also be heard on the radio on 92.9FM ESPN Radio in Memphis.

Go Grizz!

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