Memphis Grizzlies Look to Seal 7th Seed Against Knicks
Now that the sixth seed is out of reach, the Memphis Grizzlies must win this game against the Knicks to clinch the seventh seed.
The Memphis Grizzlies have surprisingly not clinched the seventh seed yet. After losing to Oklahoma City, their chances of moving up to the sixth seed are officially gone. However, mathematically, they can still lose the seventh seed.
Right now, the Grizzlies are only three games ahead of the Blazers. If Memphis blunders and Portland surges, all of the sudden, the Grizzlies have to meet the red-hot Golden State Warriors for a first-round date. Even though they split the series, this would be a less than ideal scenario for the Grizzlies.
A win here against the tanking, triangle-heavy Knicks would give Memphis the seventh seed and a playoff match-up with the Spurs.
About the Knicks (30-49)
Let’s just break down the triangle of the Knicks.
At the top of the triangle are stars Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Both of the Knicks’ star players are on completely different ends of the spectrum. The former is a declining superstar stuck in a terrible situation. The ownership certainly wants him out, while he wants to stay. The latter is a basketball unicorn in his early 20’s and is the future cornerstone of this organization.
On one end of the triangle is dysfunction. Between the Melo Drama, the Charles Oakley fiasco and the terrible ownership, the Knicks have become a toxic organization – mainly because of Phil Jackson and James Dolan.
On the other end of the triangle is … hope? Willy Hernangomez has been considered the “next Marc Gasol” and could be a solid frontcourt piece next to Porzingis. Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose could be out the door in the offseason. They’re certainly going to have a high draft pick and could land a star point guard like Dennis Smith or De’Aaron Fox (or get lucky and end up with Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball).
The only thing hindering this hope: the triangle offense.
About the Grizzlies (42-37)
The Memphis Grizzlies have been on an absolute slump since the All-Star break, sporting a 8-13 record. Also, their defense looks broken. Since the midseason festivities, the Grizzlies have a defensive rating of 109.2. This isn’t a good sign for a team that prides themselves on the defensive end.
On the bright side: Mike Conley is on his “All-Star Snub Redemption” tour as he’s averaging 23.2 points and 6.8 assists since the break. However, no one else has helped much at all. Marc Gasol has posted season-low numbers. Zach Randolph has been a huge liability, sporting a net rating of -10.
If the Grizzlies want to last in the playoffs, they need their stars to come out and play, but their young guys – JaMychal Green, James Ennis and Troy Daniels – need to step up to the plate and contribute.
Matchup to Watch
Mike Conley vs. Ron Baker
Conley and Baker are two of the best in the game. This is truly a battle of the ages. Which elite “point god” will rise over the other? Stay tuned.
…
Tony Allen vs. Courtney Lee
Tonight, we’ll get to experience a little battle that probably happened many times in practice. If the Grizzlies want to pull away and take care of the Knicks easily, they need to keep Courtney Lee in check.
Porzingis and Melo will get their points, but if C-Lee gets hot, the Grizzlies’ night would be much more difficult. TA must be on his “Grit ‘n’ Grind” flow tonight so that his team can gain some momentum going into the playoffs.
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York Knicks
WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
WHEN: 7:00 PM – Central Time
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis
BETTING ODDS: Grizzlies (-13.5); Over/Under (195).
Tune in tonight and follow us on Twitter @BealeStBearsFS for live updates on the game. #WeEnnis #BelieveMemphis