Memphis Grizzlies host the New Orleans Pelicans

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies will take on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in a game that is absolutely crucial for both teams. The Grizzlies are trying to catch the Houston Rockets for the 2nd seed and the Pelicans are trying to hang on to the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. While I would say that this game means more to the Pelicans since the Grizzlies have at least clinched a playoff spot, the Grizzlies should be playing with just as much urgency.

At the moment, the Grizzlies are slotted to face the white-hot San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, something that they should try to avoid at all costs. A win tonight would help ensure that they don’t face the Spurs, but a loss would make that nightmare scenario seem like a real possibility. The Grizzlies have to treat tonight’s game like a must win game and also hope that the San Antonio Spurs can do them a favor by knocking off the Rockets in San Antonio.

If all goes as it should, the Grizzlies will win this game and the Spurs will defeat the Rockets, which would tie the Grizzlies and Rockets back up for the 2nd seed and also tie the Spurs and Clippers up for the 5th seed. So, as painful as this is to say, Grizzlies fans have to become Spurs fans tonight and for the rest of the regular season.

Now, if the Grizzlies want to ensure that they do their part and win tonight, there are three things they need to do. The first thing they need to do is keep Anthony Davis as quiet as possible. Last night against the Warriors, Davis had 29 points and 10 rebounds, killing the Warriors in the paint. The Grizzlies need play well inside so that Davis doesn’t have a big game. Also, if Zach Randolph isn’t able to go tonight, Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos will have to pick up the slack. If they can get the job done and be efficient inside, with or without Randolph, things will look very good for the Grizzlies.

The second thing the Grizzlies need to do is knock down some perimeter shots. They usually need to do this every night, but it will really help them excel in the paint against Davis if they are getting some outside shots to drop. Vince Carter, Mike Conley, and Courtney Lee will need to do their part to knock down some threes and stretch the floor.

Third, the Grizzlies need to make sure nobody on the Pelicans not named “Anthony Davis” has a huge night. Against the Warriors last night, Quincy Pondexter scored 20 points, 13 points higher than his season average of 7.2 points per game. The Grizzlies have to make sure that nothing like that happens tonight. If a guy like Quincy Pondexter, Norris Cole, or Tyreke Evans has a huge night, that would be really bad for the Grizzlies.

Overall, I think the Grizzlies will win this game. They are playing at home and the Pelicans played last night. The fact that the Grizzlies are extra rested should help, but all the same they need to do the three things I said if they want to get the win. Go Grizzlies!