Pistons try to end Grizzlies’ four game winning streak tonight
Essentials
- Teams: Memphis Grizzlies at Detroit Pistons
- Date: Jan. 20, 2012
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
- Pistons: 3-12
- Grizzlies: 7-6
Probable starters
Pistons:
Grizzlies:
- Mike Conley
- Tony Allen
- Rudy Gay
- Mareese Speights
- Marc Gasol
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Pistons +4
Over/under: 180
Score: Grizzlies win, 92-88
Three things to watch
1. Rudy Gay getting back into form
After its frontcourt was dismantled by injuries to Zach Randolph and Darrell Arthur, the Grizzlies are starting to get things back together. They’ve won four straight games and a player who is himself bouncing back from a serious injury, Rudy Gay, is averaging 21.3 points per game over that stretch while shooting 56 percent from the field. The Pistons haven’t handled athletic wing players well this season, so Gay will prove to be a tough matchup. Hopefully, Tayshaun Prince keeps up his offensive pace of the past few games so Gay will at least have to work on defense.
2. Watch the turnovers
Opposing teams are turning it over 16.6 times per game against Memphis, third most in the league. The Grizzlies boast one of the league’s best perimeter defenders in Tony Allen and point guard Mike Conley is averaging 2.5 steals per game so far this season. Brandon Knight and Ben Gordon have both been turnover prone this season, so Memphis will likely try and take advantage of that sloppiness with the ball.
With Randolph and Arthur out, Memphis is heavily reliant on Marc Gasol. He’ll likely guard Greg Monroe and if Monroe can tire Gasol out (he’s playing 38 minutes per game, up seven per game from last season) or get him in foul trouble, the Grizzlies’ options behind Gasol are much more favorable for the Pistons.
Leave a Reply
Jan 20, 2012 • 5:46 pm
by Laser
A four point spread?? Jesus. The Pistons are actually making me want to start a sports betting habit. I don’t see how the Pistons could lose by less than 4 points. I’d probably be wise to bet everything I own on it. Decisions, decisions…
Jan 20, 2012 • 6:12 pm
by JB
Essentials
Teams: Detroit Pistons at Minnesota Timberwolves
WRONG
Jan 20, 2012 • 6:40 pm
by Dynamizer
Hehe, PH is that copy and paste fail number 2 in a row? Still enjoyed reading it
Jan 20, 2012 • 8:51 pm
by Patrick Hayes
Yessir. I brick game threads like they’re Austin Daye uncontested jumpers. Hey-o.
Jan 20, 2012 • 8:51 pm
by Patrick Hayes
You win this round, JB
Jan 20, 2012 • 8:13 pm
by Max
You should have bet Laser………and Vegas should realize they should prove the spread quite a bit when Stuck doesn’t play.
Jan 20, 2012 • 8:32 pm
by D_S_V
Score was like 41-23…
Kelser: “You get the feeling that the game isn’t far out of reach for the Pistons” (paraphrased I think)
…this is becoming quite pathetic. I feel bad for George and Greg for having to somehow act like the Pistons aren’t an atrocity every time they step out on the court. I have my reasons for watching (Monroe, Knight), but to a more general sports audience, I have no idea how you convince them that the Pistons are a worthy team to follow. And gosh… look at the Palace. I don’t know if there’s enough people in there to fill up a high school gym. OK, done venting.
Jan 20, 2012 • 8:52 pm
by Patrick Hayes
Haha, yeah, I LOLed at that too.
Jan 20, 2012 • 9:58 pm
by D_S_V
Most interesting sequence of the game:
The loose ball squabble with 40 seconds left between JJ and Josh Selby at halfcourt after (another) Pistons turnover. After JJ joined Selby on the floor, the ball caromed out to another Grizzly, meanwhile JJ and Selby (both lying on their back) had a momentary handfight that was quickly relieved by a ref yelling, “settle down guys!” culminating with JJ helping up Selby with a still grasped hand. And then about 20 seconds later Daye passed it (again) to the mysterious 6th Piston who plays from somewhere around the courtside seats.