Memphis Grizzlies host Mavericks, honor Martin Luther King

I had a chance to talk with Jay Knodell editor of The Smoking Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks FanSided site about the matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies today. Jay was kind enough to answer some questions for our readers to preview today’s game.

Getting to know the opponent: Dallas Mavericks

1. Memphis and Dallas played earlier this year, but neither had Rondo or Jeff Green. Who do you think will be a bigger impact down the stretch?

“Jeff Green was a great pickup for the Grizzlies. He’s another offensive weapon on a team that suddenly has no problems scoring, and has the tools to be a great defender when engaged. He’ll fit in perfectly. But I think Rondo has the bigger impact down the stretch just because he was needed “more”. The west is loaded with superb point guard play. So loaded that (one of my favorite players to watch) Mike Conley Jr. gets nowhere near the credit he deserves.

It seemed like every opposing point guard had a career day against the Mavericks when Jameer Nelson was starting and Rondo has already had a big impact on Dallas’ woeful perimeter defense. With him in the lineup opponent three-point percentage is down and defensive rating is improved.Without him winning a playoff series would have been extremely tough. With him they could make some noise. I think Memphis would have had a chance at the western conference crown with or without Green.”

2. Dallas seems to win the games they’re supposed to win, but struggle against the good teams in the west. At one point in the season, they were the only team in the top 8 in the west that didn’t have a win against the other top 7. How have they been able to get over the hump and start beating the best teams in the league?

“It’s a big area of concern. Obviously to reach their goals the Mavericks will have to go through those teams come playoff time. Now, it’s worth noting that they had the same issues against western conference playoff teams in 2011, the year they won the championship. Even so, a 1-8 record,with two losses to eighth-seed Phoenix, against the top seven out west isn’t a good sign. For them to reverse the trend they need to be better defensively.

Rondo will help in that regard. They also need some help up front, particularly when it comes to playing a team like the Grizzlies. There’s plenty of time to change their fortunes against the western conference elite, and a win in Memphis would be a good way to start.”

3. Since its MLK Day, what are your thoughts on how it affects this game?

“Other than tip-off time I’m not sure it directly affects the game, but it’s a great day for the predominantly African-American league to celebrate how far we’ve come as a nation. Martin Luther King Jr. helped pave the way for African-Americans to have better futures and society has evolved with the help of Dr. King and countless other civil rights leaders. Other than the Clippers situation last season the NBA has been a good example of the progress made.”

4. I have always been a big fan of Monta Ellis, but he struggled in the last matchup with memphis. Do you see him as a threat to the Grizzlies today?

“Is Tony Allen playing? Allen is one of the few in the league with the combination of length, foot speed, and smarts to really bother Monta Ellis. He’ll still be a threat, but The Grindfather will make life tough on him.”

5. Prediction for today’s game?

“A win at the FedExForum will be difficult for the Mavericks. Memphis is 16-4 at home and coming off an impressive win over the Portland Trailblazers. I’m going out on a limb here though, and predicting the Mavericks will win a close one. 101-99.”