Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans: What to watch for
The Memphis Grizzlies hope to extend their three-game winning streak against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.
And just like that, the wheels are falling off of the tank.
A week ago, everything was going right for the Memphis Grizzlies. The losses were piling up, and their chances of having a top draft pick were only increasing.
Trae Young was within my grasp!
However, times have changed (for now). The Memphis Grizzlies are now on their longest winning streak since the beginning of the season. Though it has been against bad competition, they have been solid on both ends of the floor.
The Grizzlies have had success against the New Orleans Pelicans this year, winning both of their previous match ups. Will that trend continue tonight?
What to Watch for
- Tyreke Evans versus Jrue Holiday
Marc Gasol versus DeMarcus Cousins is always a fun battle, but the game will likely be decided by the guards.
Jrue Holliday and Tyreke Evans have both recovered from poor injury histories and are having fantastic years. Their numbers are very similar, with Holliday averaging 18.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 5.1 APG and Evans averaging 19.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 4.9 APG.
In the Grizzlies’ victory on January 10th, Evans outplayed Holliday, scoring 28 to his 12. For the Grizzlies to win, that trend will have to continue.
- Anthony Davis (or Wilt Chamberlain?)
Recently, Anthony Davis has been the most statistically dominant player in the NBA. Against Kristaps Porzingis and the Knicks, he tallied 46 points and 17 rebounds. In the next game against the Celtics, he would have 45 points and 16 rebounds.
Not too shabby if I do say so myself.
Anthony Davis was absent from the last game against Memphis, and the Grizzlies were able to take advantage. If the Grizzlies are going to have a chance to slow him down, Jarell Martin and JaMychal Green will have to be at their defensive best.
Prediction
Truly, I am a man that knows what he wants. And what I want is for the Memphis Grizzlies to have a top pick in the 2018 draft. Of course, for that to become a reality, they will have to lose some games in the “process.”
The “process” should get back on track in New Orleans.
While the Grizzlies have won some games as of late, they will likely not win in New Orleans. With the return of Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans are a step up in competition compared to the teams they have recently played. The Pelicans are also due for a win against Memphis.
Pelicans -103, Grizzlies-97
Game Details
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans
WHERE: Smoothie King Center–New Orleans, Louisiana
WHEN: 6:00 PM CT
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN