Game preview: Spurs vs. Grizzlies

San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies

AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
March 29, 2015, 6 PM Spurs Time
TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI

The Spurs avenged a loss against Dallas on Friday and are trying to make a push up the standings. If they have their eye on a high seed, this is the type of win they need to get. A victory would have them tied with the Trail Blazers for the fifth best record in the West and in prime position to make a run at an even higher spot. Not only would beating Memphis help in the standing but after beating the Thunder and Mavericks, it would also send a message to the league that the Spurs are truly back and their improved play isn't a mirage.

They are catching the Grizzlies on a low point after suffering a beatdown on Friday at the hands of the Warriors, which followed a rout by the Cavaliers on Wednesday. They were out-rebounded and out-hustled on both outings, which shows they are either displaying signs of exhaustion  -- be it mental or physical -- or they have just taken the foot off the gas pedal to conserve energy for the playoffs. Typically a home game against a team that is not clicking would be an almost guaranteed win for the version of the Spurs we've seen lately but Memphis gets up to play San Antonio.

The Grizzlies' addition of Jeff Green has not been the success they were hoping for and is probably at least partially to blame for their dip in production. The experiment of having him start at small forward with Tony Allen coming off the bench was put to bed after Green himself asked to go back to how things were before he arrived, which makes sense considering that starting unit was hemorrhaging points. Courtney Lee's slump certainly didn't help matters, as it exposed how much Memphis needs every bit of spacing it can get on offense to keep defenses honest.

The Spurs have arguably been the best team in the league in March, the slip against the Knicks notwithstanding. Provided Tiago Splitter continues his great run of play against Zach Randolph and the turnovers don't pile up, they should be favored to win at home, where they have been very good, boasting a 28-8 record. Unfortunately, there are still some issues with consistency that a smart team like the Grizzlies could pounce on, no matter how wounded they are right now. If the Spurs stop executing, expect Memphis to make a run and make it a game.

	vs.
Memphis Grizzlies (50-23)		San Antonio Spurs (46-26)
March 29, 2015
AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
6 PM CDT
TV: FSSW Radio: WOAI 1200AM
Starters
Mike Conley	PG	Tony Parker
Courtney Lee	SG	Danny Green
Tony Allen	SF	Kawhi Leonard
Zach Randolph	PF	Tiago Splitter
Marc Gasol	C	Tim Duncan

For the Grizzlies' perspective, visit Grizzly Bear Blues.

Game prediction: Spurs by 13.

As always Tony must dominate Fisher, and you can get your San Antonio Spurs tickets from Daniel Farias with Spurs Sports & Entertainment: Tel: 210-444-5607 | dfarias@attcenter.com