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Grizzlies, Please don’t lose to the Nets

By Parker Fleming

Feb 10, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) reacts after a three point shot in front of Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) and Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) reacts after a three point shot in front of Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) and Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Grizzlies (33-23) travel to Brooklyn to battle the Nets (9-45). While the Nets’ record is tragic, never take any NBA team lightly.

The Grizzlies have an interesting battle ahead.

The Brooklyn Nets are the most unfortunate team in basketball. Their best players are Brook Lopez and Bojan Bogdonovic, which isn’t a winning recipe. Yeah, their record is terrible, and that means they have high draft picks!

Well, uh, about that.

For the past several years, the Boston Celtics have received their first-round draft picks thanks to Billy King’s eagerness for a title. For the price of three unprotected first-round picks (2014, 2016, 2018), a pick swap this year and a slew of role players, the Nets got Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry.

So, the starting-five of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez won multiple titles, correct?

Nope.

Almost four years after the trade, the Nets are dwelling at the bottom of the NBA totem pole, while the Celtics may make the Eastern Conference Finals and possess the number one pick (*orders Lonzo Ball Celtics jersey*).

Easy win, right?

On paper, the win is written in stone. Their best player plays the same position as All-NBA center Marc Gasol. Mike Conley is Michael Jordan compared to an inexperienced Isaiah Whitehead. Heck, Andrew Harrison can start on this team!

Throughout all this, the Grizzlies can’t let up.

The Nets launch 32.2 three-pointers a game, good for fourth in the league. If they knock down like 10-15 triples, this game would be unnecessarily difficult for the Grizz.

The Grizzlies can’t get complacent with a lead. If they’re up 10, increase it to 20. If that’s not good enough, keep pounding and go for a 30-point lead.

Keys to the game

1. Star explosion

If Marc Gasol and Mike Conley can go off, it’ll put the Grizzlies in perfect position to win. Aside from Brook Lopez, the Nets don’t have the firepower to hang with Conley or Gasol.

2. Help from role players

This game would be a nice game for Gasol and Conley to take it easy. As they’re facing the Nets, it’d be a great time for Troy Daniels to go all supernova.

3. Don’t take the Nets lightly

Do you really want to be the team that gives the Nets their 10th win?

Next: Best/Worst of the Week 2/5-2/11

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