Grizzlies vs. Spurs Preview: Paw Versus Claw: Three Things To Look Faw
By Jake Finnen
The Grizzlies go into tonight’s contest looking to take a 3-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. To do that, there are three keys for a victory.
With the third game of the regular season series coming up, anything is possible as this point for the Grizzlies.
Gregg Popovich could decide to rest players on a whim. It’s hard to argue that it’s not an effective coaching strategy, but it also leaves little to be determined about the upcoming game. After watching the Grizzlies hand it to the Spurs last outing, it’s hard to see why they shouldn’t win again. Even Tony Allen had a great shooting night for his standards.
Anyway, here are three things to look for in tonight’s game.
Wayne Selden Jr. Take #2
What Pelicans game? Wayne Selden Jr. played the team he was just currently on, and it doesn’t count. It’s pretty obvious that they had all his moves memorized and that’s why he didn’t have a great debut… Jokes aside, he did have a poor shooting night that translated to an ugly stat line, which is not why the Grizzlies gave him the start.
The time ran out to experiment. The Grizzlies need results. By throwing him into the thick of the rotation, Fizdale is clearly going all-in on Selden for the time being. With time running out, it’s only a matter of time before Selden finds his rhythm, or finds the bench. He’s a scorer, but if he doesn’t translate that into points, he won’t last long.
Both Fizdale and fans have no problem going back to wanting Tony Allen as the primary wing scorer.
Oy.
Related Story: Present and Future Solutions at the SG Position
Kawhi So Fly
We all know what he can do and yadda yadda stats. What really matters is who wins in the end.
Kawhi Leonard is still the best player on the most tactical and deepest teams in the league. The Grizzlies need to rebound after the Pelicans loss and contain Kawhi Leonard.
Tony Parker, Patty Mills, and Danny Green all had substandard shooting nights, which is uncommon for the known consistency of Mills and Parker, but Green is always a toss-up. If Parker or Mills hit a few shots, this game can go either way.
Still. Keeping Kawhi Leonard and the borderline uncontrollable Spurs fans out of the game is going to make or break this game. If Kawhi scores over thirty, Grizzlies lose. Kawhi scores 20 or less, Grizzlies walk out with an easy, 15-point win.
The Z-Bo Show In San Antonio
Mic check, 1-2, 1-2 He went 3-for-11, and we still beat you. Mixtape on the way.
Looking for Zach Randolph to bounce back after two lackluster performance. Vintage Z-Bo on the way.
Next: Takeaways from Last Win Against Spurs
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs
WHEN: 7:30 PM – CT
WHERE: AT&T Center – San Antonio, TX
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis
BETTING ODDS: Spurs (-8.5); Over/Under (198.5)
Follow @BealeStBearsFS on Twitter for live updates on the game. #WeEnnis