Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (12/09): Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies look to avenge last night’s loss with home matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Can they avoid a three-game losings streak?
Things looked good for the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. They came out the gates hot, but they couldn’t sustain it. Tonight, they look to rally back against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder have started the season kind of slow, not exactly meeting everyone’s expectations. The trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony haven’t gelled yet, and they don’t have the supporting cast to really help much either. They’re currently 11-13, just barely outside the playoff pressure.
Without Mike Conley, the Grizzlies have struggled mightily. Since their 5-1 start, they’re 3-16. YIKES! After sitting atop the Western Conference for a hot minute, only a game separate them from the conference’s worst team (Dallas Mavericks).
As they endure yet another game without Conley, how do they handle the dynamo that is Russell Westbrook?
Andrew Harrison will more than likely guard Westbrook in this matchup. Over the past few games, he’s played solid two-way basketball. As a 6’6″ guard, he poses a different matchup for most point guards. While it may not matter for Westbrook, Harrison is the most capable of guarding him.
Perimeter players such as Dillon Brooks, James Ennis and Tyreke Evans will have runs at guarding him as well, but with Paul George on the wing, it might not be a wise idea.
For the Grizzlies to win this game, they have to win the bench battle. The Oklahoma City bench is depleted, lacking a true go-to scorer. With Chandler Parsons leading the second unit, they have a reliable shot-maker and playmaker. In addition, Deyonta Davis has been a nice force around the paint, capitalizing on easy buckets and corralling rebounds. However, they need the rest of the bench crew to not be negative impacts on the court.
Finally, the Grizzlies need All-Star Marc Gasol. It’s obvious that he’s frustrated — you can tell in his play and in his comments in the postgame. He must put his money where his mouth is and lead the team to victory.
Game Info
Who: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Where: FedEx Forum — Memphis, TN
When: 8:00 pm – ct
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast
How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis