Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Orlando Magic

The regular season comes closer by the day. How should the Memphis Grizzlies do against the Orlando Magic? Any matchup issues?

The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic are two teams with totally different backgrounds and similar motives. The Grizzlies have reached the playoffs every year since 2011 and are fighting to keep the streak in a loaded Western Conference. On the other hand, the Magic hasn’t made the playoffs since they traded Dwight Howard. Their rebuild hasn’t gone too well, but they’re looking to strike in a weaker Eastern Conference.

The Magic have new management in the front office and are looking to form an identity in Orlando for the first time since the Dwight days. Their roster screams meh, but can they make the moves necessary to make the playoffs?

Starting Lineup

PG – Elfrid Payton

SG – Evan Fournier

SF – Terrence Ross

PF – Aaron Gordon

C – Bismack Biyombo

Can the Memphis Grizzlies take care of business against a bottom-feeder in the East?

Advantages for the Memphis Grizzlies

• Point guard play

The Orlando Magic don’t have any above-average guards on this roster. Elfrid Payton can fill up a stat sheet, but he can’t shoot from outside at all. DJ Augustin and Shelvin Mack are nice veterans, but they don’t do anything exceptionally well.

For the Memphis Grizzlies to easily put this one away, the point guards need to attack. Mike Conley can score at will against them as they’re low on perimeter stoppers. A healthy Mario Chalmers can outplay the Magic’s second unit floor generals. In addition, Harrison or Baldwin — pick your poison — have the size to bother Orlando on defense.

Orlando is beatable, but the point guard play will determine the difficulty of this series.

• Outside shooting

Through Terrence Ross, Evan Fournier and Aaron Affalo, the Magic have decent outside shooting. However, Payton or Gordon can’t space the floor, and it’s alarming if your point guard and power forward can’t shoot in today’s NBA.

If the Memphis Grizzlies get hot from deep, it’ll be difficult to see the Magic trading 3’s with 2’s and still winning. Chandler Parsons can surely bounce back from a career-worst year. JaMychal Green and Marc Gasol space the floor in the frontcourt. Then, just about every perimeter player on this team can space the floor.

Shoot your shot, Memphis. It can pay off against the shooting-deprived Magic.

Advantages for the Magic

• The open court

Don’t let this team have the open court. Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross are two of the best fast-break dunkers in the game. Elfird Payton can dish the rock. Then, they have Jonathon Simmons and Evan Fournier can run the floor from the perimeter as well.

The Grizzlies will be younger and faster this season, but the Magic have more dangerous fast-break weapons.

• Evan Fournier

Mr. “Don’t Google Me” can score the basketball fairly well. He can shoot, create his shot from mid-range and attack the basket. If he gets hot, it’ll keep the Magic in the game.

Shut him down, and it’ll be hard for them to find another go-to scorer.

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• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Closing Remarks

This matchup should be easy for the Memphis Grizzlies. Winning against teams like the Magic matter — especially if the West will be that much better.

If the Grizzlies struggle against bottom-feeders once again, they’ll become one, and their playoff streak will end.