NBA 2K21 simulation for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently on a three-game losing streak and their playoff hopes look dimmer than before the break. Even so, they have a chance to turn things around with a big-time matchup against the 22-18 Miami Heat.

The Grizzlies’ most recent loss came Monday night against the Phoenix Suns. Nothing went right for Memphis as Phoenix just couldn’t miss. Double-double machine Jonas Valanciunas got little to no help.

Ja Morant was quiet, which didn’t help the grizzlies at all. This would lead to a loss in ugly fashion.

What does NBA 2K21 have in store for Wednesday’s Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat game?

Starting with tonight’s game against the Heat, I will be doing a series where I simulate the game on NBA 2K21 to see what the game predicts will happen.

Here’s how things went down against the Miami Heat.

In the first quarter, the Heat came firing out the gates and jumped out to an early 27-15 lead. Free throws were a big part of that as they were 6/7 from the line in the first. They also were very active defensively, recording five steals in the first 12 minutes.

As for the Grizzlies, they shot only 6/17 and turned the ball over seven times.

At the half, Memphis did a little bit of catching up and pulled to within seven, as the Heat led 60-53. This small comeback came as a result of fast break and second-chance points. However, the Heat were simply defending better and still forcing some turnovers, keeping them in the lead.

In the third quarter, it looked quite similar to the first, as the Heat extended the lead to 92-74. As far as similarities to the first, the Heat took advantage of Grizzly turnovers and success at the charity stripe. This, along with hitting 4/8 of threes in the third, led to the Heat making things harder for Memphis to come back from.

After the third, Miami never looked back and took the win in Memphis, 122-92. The Heat shot 50% from the field, 44% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line, which is pretty difficult to beat. They won in almost every statistical category, from points in the paint to rebounds, all the way to time of possession.

Here are some of the key statlines from the simulation:

Memphis Grizzlies (92 points, 41 rebounds, 24 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 46% FG, 22% 3PT, 90% FT)

• Dillon Brooks (29 minutes) – 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 6/15 FG, 3/10 3PT
• Ja Morant (32 minutes)  – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 7/15 FG, 1/6 3PT
• Jonas Valanciunas (33 minutes) – 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 5/13 FG
• Brandon Clarke (23 minutes) – 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 5/6 FG
• Tyus Jones (15 minutes) – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/10 FG, 0/1 3PT
• De’Anthony Melton (15 minutes) – 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3/4 FG, 1/2 3PT
• Desmond Bane (24 minutes) – 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1/5 FG, 0/2 3PT, 4/4 FT

Miami Heat (122 points, 44 rebounds, 25 assists, 14 steals, 2 blocks, 50% FG, 40% 3PT, 80% FT)

• Bam Adebayo (35 minutes) – 31 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 13/20 FG, 5/6 FT
• Kelly Olynyk (28 minutes) – 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 9/15 FG, 5/8 3PT
• Goran Dragic (20 minutes) – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 5/10 FG, 2/6 3PT
• Jimmy Butler (34 minutes) – 13 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 5/15 FG, 1/4 3PT
• Kendrick Nunn (29 minutes) – 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 5/13 FG, 1/3 3PT
• Tyler Herro (24 minutes) – 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 4/7 FG, 2/3 3PT

If this simulation is anything like what’s going to happen, you may not want to tune in to the game tonight. Luckily, this is just a simulation and it most likely will not mirror actual events, hopefully.