Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies vs New York Knicks Game Preview

By Stacy Elliott

Mar 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 103 - 82. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 103 - 82. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the New York Knicks tonight in the first matchup of the season between the two teams. At FedExForum, tipoff is set for 7:00 PM CST.

Having heartlessly snatched victory away from the Detroit Pistons thanks to some late-game heroics for the second time this season, the Grizzlies (22-19) enter this game riding the momentum of a thrilling 103-101 win. The Knicks (20-21) visit the Bluff City bringing hopes of bouncing back from a tough 104-110 loss to their neighboring-borough rivals, the Brooklyn Nets.

The Grizzlies, currently sixth place in the West, need to string some wins together if they hope to have any chance of making a push for a higher seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile the Knicks, currently vying for a postseason spot against several teams within a game or two of eighth place, would like to score a victory against a quality opponent and start to distance themselves from the pack of Eastern Conference hopefuls on the fringes of the playoff picture.

Injury Report: Who’s Out for the Grizzlies?

Point guard Mike Conley, who has missed the past several games because of an achilles injury, is doubtful for tonight’s game, Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal reports.

Reserve guard Jordan Adams, who underwent arthroscopic surgery this week, will not play.

Who’s Out for the Knicks?

Rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis is questionable for tonight’s matchup with the Grizzlies because of a sore shoulder, Stefan Bondy of Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Carmelo Anthony is questionable, as reported by Stefan Bondy.

Tuning In

TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass

Radio: WMFS 92.9 Memphis

Game Time: 7:00 PM Central/8:00 PM Eastern

More from Beale Street Bears

Keys for the guys in Beale Street Blue

Mario Chalmers has been a godsend to the Grizzlies in Mike Conley’s absence. Chalmers has provided upwards of 40 minutes in multiple contests and has been a serious scoring threat at the point for the Grizzlies. Following 25-point performance that included a game winning shot off a scramble following a near turnover, the Grizzlies could use anything Chalmers can offer to help secure another win.

The Grizzlies bench will be key in this game and most every game, especially when mainstays like Mike Conley are sidelined. Zach Randolph has been successful against Robin Lopez in the past, look no further than the Grizzlies’ first round series against Lopez and the Portland Trail Blazers last spring, and a lift from the Grizzlies’ super sixth-man would go a long way in ensuring a Memphis victory.

Matt Barnes hit a perfect 6-of-6 from long-range to help the Grizzlies survive a close game against Detroit, and if he decides to go off for another six straight three-point makes against the Knicks, that would certainly improve the Grizzlies chances of beating the Knicks.

After struggling for a few games, Marc Gasol fared better in the most recent win over the Pistons. Lately Grizzlies fans have begged Gasol to utilize his immense talents to dominate a game. Gasol is overdue for huge game, and it seems it is only a matter of time before he goes off on somebody. Marc needs to channel his inner Rage Against the Machine because at the season’s halfway point, what better place than here, what better time than now?

Keys for the other guys

Presented with the possibility of having to play without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony, and without Rookie of the Year candidate Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks will need huge contributions from bench players and secondary scoring options like Derrick Williams. In a losing effort against the Nets on Wednesday, Williams erupted for 31 points off the bench. Williams may need to come up big again to pick up the slack left by injured stars.

Considering the Grizzlies’ woeful inability to defend the three point shot, the Knicks should look to get outside shooting opportunities from perimeter scorers, players like  Arron Afflalo, Langston Galloway, Lance Thomas and Jose Calderon. Hitting the Grizzlies with a barrage of three-pointers is one of the best ways for the injury-laden Knicks, or really for any team, to beat the Grizz.

For more on the opposition, be sure to check out our Fansided affiliate at Daily Knicks.

Home/Grizzlies News