Southern Hospitality: Grizzlies vs. Hawks
The Memphis Grizzlies will be facing the Atlanta Hawks tonight in Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. This is the first meeting of the two teams during the regular season. The two teams did meet during preseason, and the Grizzlies were victorious during that meeting. To the surprise of many, the Atlanta Hawks are leading the Eastern Conference with a 26-8 record and have won 9 of their last 10 games. They are currently 9-2 against Western Conference opponents. The Grizzlies look to make that 9-3 and end the Hawks current 5 game win streak. The Grizzlies swept the series between the two teams last season, with Zach Randolph being a major contributor in both games racking up a total of 38 points and 18 rebounds in the series. Though his style is remarkably impeccable, most Grizzlies fans I’m sure are hoping to see him in the number 50 and not another well-tailored suit (if his knee will allow it).
Don’t look for Al Horford and Paul Millsap to take pity on the Grizzlies because Marc Gasol’s brother in the paint, Zach Randolph, is questionable. After all, Horford was missing from their lineup when the Grizzlies beat them twice last year. Whoever joins Gasol can expect a battle with Horford and Millsap; together they’re averaging a total of 32 points and 14 rebounds.
Courtney Lee, ranked 3rd in the league in 3 point shooting (50%) should expect a shoot-out with the league’s 2nd ranked 3 point shooter Kyle Korver (51.3%). Lee needs to imagine hearing Rick Trotter’s voice saying “Courtney Lee for 3”, and shoot them with accuracy and confidence tonight. Defensively, Lee should stop Korver from improving his percentage. Lee, think about going from 3rd to 2nd.
Both point guards control their team’s offense pretty well. Jeff Teague is leading the Hawks in points and assists per game with 17 and 7, respectively. Mike Conley is playing his best basketball and is averaging 18 points and 6 assists per game for the Grizzlies. A few threes from Conley, who’s shooting them at 44% currently, are welcomed as well.
It goes without saying that the bench’s role is important. Offensively and defensively the bench needs to show up and outplay the Hawks’ bench. Defensively, the Hawks are a good team, about as good as the Grizzlies; so, there’s little room for error. Energy is needed from all players to get this victory and start this short road trip off right.
Remember the Hawks are on EST. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. CST. Don’t miss a minute of what’s bound to be an exciting game. Go Grizz!
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
