Written by: Kevin Chan
Grizzlies Projected Starting Line-up
PG: Mike Conley
SG: O.J. Mayo
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Darrell Arthur
C: Marc Gasol
Key Reserves: Tony Allen, Sam Young, Hasheem Thabeet
Injuries: Zach Randolph
Tuesday night, the Lakers take on a young Grizzlies team – the oldest starter is fourth year player Rudy Gay. The young and eager Grizz have the quickest hands in the NBA, averaging a league high 13.7 steals per game. Conley racked up 7 steals in a recent win over the T-Wolves. He has shown growth in his junior year and continues to impress with his play at the point. Averaging career highs in points, Mayo and Gay have been beneficiaries of Conley’s solid play.
Darrell Arthur has filled in for starting PF Zach Randolph who is sidelined with pain in his tail bone – he will be a game time decision. Without him, the Grizz are undersized up front. After missing the first game of the season, Marc Gasol has provided the Grizz with a much needed inside force who can dominate the paint. For what it’s worth, older brother Pau quipped that he defeated Marc one on one over the summer.
Sixth man Tony Allen is a key reserve for the Grizz who can rebound, defend, and shoot threes. 2009 second overall draft pick, Thabeet has been ineffective and continues to underperform – no surprise here. While he is a physical freak, he might as well join the Ringley Brothers circus, since he lacks the coordination to perform post moves and canít seem to stay out of foul trouble.
Keys to Laker Victory:
This one is pretty simple folks: the Grizz will play aggressive on ball defense and look to turn the Lakers over. If the Lakers can take care of the ball, they should have no trouble dispatching the Grizzlies.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
7:30 PST
TV: FS West/NBA TV
Radio: 710/1330 AM ESPN