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NBA, Tanner Horelick

Wednesday’s NBA Matchup to Watch (Spurs vs Grizzlies)

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San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies

(17-8)                           (20-4)

Start Time: 8:30 PM EST

TV Channel: Local/League Pass

Preview: In their second matchup of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies will look for revenge after being handed a loss from the Spurs in their first matchup back on December 5th. This is going to be a relatively difficult game for the Grizz as they have lost 10 straight games to the Spurs and are also coming into this one after just playing a hard-fought game versus Golden State last night. One perk for Memphis, however, is that Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard will be out tonight due to various injuries. It should also be noted that Manu Ginobili sat out on Monday due to a lower back injury which could force the Spurs to rest him again tonight. Tim Duncan, on the upside, looks ready to go tonight as he got a scheduled rest-day on Monday, which the 38 year old does receive regularly. This will be a very interesting one to watch because big players such as Mike Conley and Marc Gasol have been playing extraordinary so far this year but both did play 32+ hard-fought minutes just last night, which could factor into their stamina.

Prediction: I believe with the absence of Hall of Famer, Tony Paker, and reigning Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs could be in for tough loss as Memphis has looked very strong so far this year. The Grizzlies shouldn’t have a problem pounding the Spurs perimeter defense which, without Kawhi, will be very easy for Memphis sharp-shooters to take advantage of.

Points Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Marc Gasol (19.6 PPG) SAS – Tony Parker (16.0 PPG)

Rebounds Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Zach Randolph (11.0 RPG) SAS – Tim Duncan (10.8 RPG)

Assists Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Mike Conley (6.2 APG) SAS – Tony Parker (5.3 APG)

NBA, Tanner Horelick

Tuesday’s NBA Matchup to Watch (Warriors vs Grizzlies)

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors

(19-4)                               (21-2)

Start Time: 8:00 PM EST

TV Channel: ESPN

Preview: In what might as well be the greatest matchup so far this season, the 1st place Golden State Warriors will take on the 2nd place Memphis Grizzlies. Both of these teams have looked basically unstoppable and are combining for 40 wins in just 46 games so far this year. Golden State will be looking to improve their franchise best, 16 straight wins, as they take on a Memphis team who is just two games behind them for 1st place in the West (and in the NBA). One problem for the Warriors this season has been injuries as they have consistently been losing some high caliber players such as All-Star David Lee to a nagging hamstring injury and Andrew Bogut to a knee problem. The Warriors still have, however, been able to keep up this insane start to the season with help from former Michigan State standout, Draymond Green, who has been able to contribute 13.4 PPG and 8.0 RPG in what has been his first season with a consistent spot in the starting line-up due to the absence of David Lee. This is going to be a tough battle for the Warriors, though, because Memphis is very strong at home with their only loss coming by a defeat from the Defending Champs, San Antonio.

Prediction: I think the Warriors will continue their franchise-best win streak and pick up number 17 in-a-row tonight as they will edge out Memphis in a game which could see multiple overtimes. Both of these teams have Top-10 defenses and this one, I believe, is going to come down to which team has the better offense and the Warriors are the second highest scoring team in the NBA right now while the Grizz are 10th. Advantage: Warriors.

Points Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Marc Gasol (19.4 PPG) GSW – Stephen Curry (23.7 PPG)

Rebounds Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Zach Randolph (11.0 RPG) GSW – Andrew Bogut (9.3 RPG)

Assists Per Game Leaders:

MEM – Mike Conley (6.3 APG) GSW – Stephen Curry (7.7 APG)