Grizzlies Face Familiar Foe

As if one game against Tim Duncan and his supporting cast isn't enough, the Memphis Grizzlies will face off against Duncan's San Antonio Spurs tonight for the second time in five days. The teams squared off Monday, with the Spurs using their bench to handle the Grizzlies 94-81.  After tonight, the Grizzlies won't have to deal with the Spurs until the end of December.  As the schedule worked out this season the teams will meet in San Antonio on Dec. 27 and in Memphis on Jan. 2 to close out the season series.  If the Grizzlies can make it through tonight's game, they have Oklahoma City (1-14) coming to town tomorrow.

It was the Spurs' reserves who hurt the Grizzlies on Monday, which makes their defensive plan more complicated.  They obviously need to stick with their assignments on guarding Duncan in the post, but they also have to account for rookie George Hill, who had a breakout game on Monday, as well as a healthy Manu Ginobili, whose availability was questionable entering the last meeting but who proved to be close to his old form.

The Grizzlies are allowing 52 percent shooting in their last three games, which is a number they need to get back into the 40s or 30s if they can.  They started out the season playing stingy defense, but they have struggled to rotate and get into good defensive sets in recent games.  Some of their troubles seem to stem from a lack of communication or a sense of not being on the same page.  That is something you really can't afford on this level.

The Grizzlies have had several offensive contributors in the past week, which is a good sign.  That has to continue if they are going to knock off the Spurs.  Mike Conley needs to see if he can get on a roll after a better performance on Wednesday.  The starters need to get going early to avoid playing from behind.

Rudy Gay scored 27 against Utah after managing only 13 against the Spurs.  He needs to be closer to 27 than 13 tonight.  As usual, the Grizzlies need to get as many easy points as possible in transition and at the free throw line.  They also need to come out of the halftime break with a good rhythm.

Most importantly, the Grizzlies need to find at least one or two consistent shooters.  They will not win by shooting under 40 percent, and 50 percent may be necessary on the road.  O.J. Mayo has been great, but other guys need to give him some help.