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Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons: Opposition Intel with Duncan Smith

By Parker Fleming

Dec 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second quarter as Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) defends at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second quarter as Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) defends at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Memphis Grizzlies and the Detroit Pistons prepare for battle, I had the chance to preview the game with Duncan Smith from Piston Powered.

The seventh seed officially belongs to the Memphis Grizzlies. As they prepare for their first-round duel with the Spurs, they have two games to gain some rhythm and receive some rest.

As the Grizzlies take on the Pistons, only Zach Randolph is slated to rest. However, that doesn’t stop Fizdale from limiting Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Tony Allen’s minutes. If that’s the case, expect a lot of action from the youngsters in this game.

As the Grizzlies roll into this matchup, I had the chance to catch up with Duncan Smith from FanSided’s Piston Powered. Follow him on Twitter (@DuncanSmithNBA) for some of the best takes in basketball.

With the playoffs looking more and more unlikely, what should the Pistons’ focus be in this final week?

The Pistons should focus entirely on expanding the rotation, giving Henry Ellenson some playing time, extending the leash on Stanley Johnson and force-feeding Tobias Harris. He’s the best offensive player on this team by a long shot, and this final stretch should be an audition to see if he can carry the Pistons.

How must the Pistons attack the Grizzlies?

The Pistons have one effective method of scoring. They need to get stops and get out in transition at every opportunity. They don’t have the personnel to score in the halfcourt, so running off stops will be essential. There’s no other way for the Pistons to get points reliably against a great halfcourt defense like the Grizzlies.

What’s the main match-up in this game?

Marc Gasol against Jon Leuer or Andre Drummond will be the main matchup to watch. Gasol destroyed the Pistons inside and outside for a career-high 38 points back in December, and if he goes off it’s going to be an ugly night indeed.

Should the Grizzlies look foolish for giving up on Ish Smith so quickly?

The Grizzlies are just one of many teams to give up on Ish Smith. He never seems to get credit from any team he stops with until after he’s gone, which is really unfortunate. His shooting shortcomings aside, he’s a highly effective facilitator, doesn’t make mistakes often and gets his guys playing hard and running. You can do much worse than Ish Smith as your backup point guard.

Prediction on the game

Grizzlies win, probably by a lot.

Thank you, Duncan, for taking your time to answer our questions.

Game Info

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons

WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

WHEN: 5:00 PM – Central Time

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis

BETTING ODDS: Memphis (-7); Over/Under (196).

Follow us on Twitter at @BealeStBearsFS for live coverage from yours truly.

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