The Memphis Grizzlies Search For A Spark Against the Pacers
The Memphis Grizzlies have failed to muster a single victory in their 4 game road trip. Could a win against the Pacers end their sorrows?
This matchup features probably the two most inconsistent teams in the league. The Memphis Grizzlies have had a rollercoaster month, losing five consecutive before winning four in a row. That streak was followed by their current four-game slump. The Pacers are a .500 team who alternate between hot/cold.
This game should be a fight. Both teams are clawing for playoff position, so expect an exciting contest tonight.
About the Indiana Pacers (37-37)
The Pacers come into this game after a close loss to the Timberwolves. Paul George is perfoming at a superstar level, averaging 22.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. He carries his team night in and night out.
Point guard Jeff Teague is quietly putting together a solid season, scoring 15.4 points and dishing out 7.8 assists per game. Thaddeus Young and Myles Turner are the X-Factors in this game. Long, athletic players tend to give the Grizzlies fits.
About the Memphis Grizzlies (40-34)
Mike Conley seems to be the only consistent source of offense recently. He’s having a career year across the board, but he needs help.
Marc Gasol has sat out the last few games with a foot injury. Brandan Wright has filled in nicely but doesn’t possess the same offensive talent as Gasol. Besides Z-Bo and occasionally Vince Carter, no one has consistently produced.
Keys To The Game
1) Defensive Execution
The defense should be bread and butter the Grizzlies. For some reason, players have failed to maintain focus and intensity throughout an entire game. Paul George will get his buckets, but the defense needs to be on a string to prevent him from completely taking over.
2) Be Aggressive.
Somebody other than Mike has to be aggressive and score the basketball. James Ennis and Tony Allen are good at attacking the rim. Shots haven’t fallen lately for this team, so
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attack the rim and try to draw fouls. Putting their bigs in early foul trouble will definitely relieve some pressure.
3) Lets kids play.
Rookies around the league have played better as the season has progressed. The current rotation is lacking athletcism and playmaking. Deyonta Davis is still raw but has played well when called upon. Wade Baldwin is an intriguing prospect. He hasn’t produced much, but his D-League stint could’ve helped. Find a small role in the rotation – maybe 10 minutes each – and see how they perform. The Grizzlies need a spark somewhere.
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Indiana Pacers
WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
WHEN: 7:00 PM – Central Time
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis
BETTING ODDS: Memphis (-5); Over/Under (196)
TWITTER: @BealeStBearsFS