Can Memphis Grizzlies take down Pelicans?
The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to play spoiler, as they travel to New Orleans to face the playoff-contending Pelicans. Can they pull off an upset?
The Memphis Grizzlies have five games left this season, and there’s both a bittersweet and confused feeling.
It’s painful to see the season end without extending their seven-year playoff streak. On the other hand, that means no more Grizzly basketball until October. …
*Remembers that the Grizzlies may have a top-five pick and that Summer League exists*
In addition, there’s the whole tanking thing. You want to finish strong for the young players’ sake, but you also want good lottery odds. It’s just been that way for Grizzlies’ fans this season.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are battling for playoff position in a crowded Western Conference. Right now, they’re seated at the eighth seed, and there are only three games separating the fourth and tenth seeds. Literally no team in that range can afford to lose in this final stretch; their playoff hopes depend on it.
The Memphis Grizzlies have played spoiler, giving Minnesota, Portland and Denver L’s in the past few weeks. Can they continue the trend in New Orleans?
Things to keep an eye on
- Marc Gasol’s minutes
It’s about time the Grizzlies cut down Gasol’s minutes. They’ve been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs for a while now and have played him 30+ minutes most games up until last Monday’s game against Minnesota. Over the past three games though, Gasol has averaged 21.3 minutes per game — significantly less than his 33.2 season average.
With Gasol’s age and his importance to next season’s success, it’s imperative for them to cut down his minutes.
Related Story: Grizzlies need to reduce Gasol's minutes
- Dillon Brooks
Last game, Dillon Brooks balled out and scored 28 points. He scored in a variety of ways: from deep, on the drive and off the dribble. Without Wayne Selden, MarShon Brooks (questionable), Tyreke Evans and Chandler Parsons this game, Brooks will be the team’s only source of perimeter scoring.
Can he carry his hot scoring into this game?
- Injury list = opportunity
As mentioned above, Selden, Brooks, Evans and Parsons aren’t playing … *in Billy Mays voice* but wait, there’s more! JaMychal Green, Mike Conley and Andrew Harrison are also out with injuries too.
So who is playing?
Well, Dillon Brooks and Ben McLemore will get a lot of scoring opportunities from the perimeter. Jarell Martin and Ivan Rabb will see plenty of minutes at the 4 with the absence of Parsons and Green. Without Conley and Harrison, Kobi Simmons and Marquis Teague will handle the point guard responsibilities.
This could be fun.
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies @ New Orleans Pelicans
WHEN: 7:00 PM ct
WHERE: Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast — or any online stream
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis