Post by Spurs on Nov 13, 2007 12:25:09 GMT -5
Team Overviews
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies were a picture of balance this season. Each starting player averaged over double digits. Pau Gasol is the mainstay of this team with his 22.5 ppg and 11.2 rpg. Conley Jr. does a good job of running the offense with his 7+ apg. This is a relatively young team, no starter over 28, that should be good for many years to come.
San Antonio Spurs
There really isn't much balance on the Spurs team. The big 3 of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili carry the load and when one of them has a down night the Spurs have a down night. Parker has been injured the last 5 days with a broken finger and the Spurs lost the 3 games they played in that span. Parker is also out 2 more days so that is a huge hurdle for the Spurs to overcome.
Matchups
Center: Pau Gasol vs Fabricio Oberto
Gasol can do it all. Oberto can play D. Big advantage to Memphis
Power Forward: Hakim Warrick vs Tim Duncan
Duncan beats Warrick in every category. Big advantage to Spurs
Small Forward: Rudy Gay vs Charles Rhodes
Rudy has be a solid contributor for the Grizzlies the last 3 years. he has much better numbers and more experience than Rhodes. Charles just gets the call because the Spurs need the extra scoring and Bowen is starting to wear down. Advantage Memphis
Shooting Guard: OJ Mayo vs Manu Ginobili
This is a matchup of yourth vs experience. Mayo scores 2 ppg more, but Manu wins the matchup in rebounds and assists. Ginobili got the better of Mayo in their regular season matchups. I bet he continues. Advantage Spurs
Point Guard: Mike Conley Jr. vs Tony Parker/Bobby Jackson
This is another rookie vs experience. Conley has the advantage over Jackson due to his youth, quickness and ball skills. I think that Parker is what Conley can become if he adds some scoring ability. Conley is just not there yet. Parker should make most of the series so slight advantage to Spurs.
Bench
The Grizzlies have capable backups at every position and don't fall off much when one of their starters takes a breather. On the other hand, the Spurs don't have the best help off the bench. Big Shot Rob plays great D and rebounds, but hasn't been scoring. The same goes for Bowen. Marcus Williams just hasn't improved enough to be a great threat off the bench. Advantage Memphis
Outlook
The Grizzlies won the season series between the two teams 4-0. They were all close games with Memphis winning by an average of 4.5 pts. The series will depend on the help that the Big 3 get.
Prediction
Memphis in 5
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies were a picture of balance this season. Each starting player averaged over double digits. Pau Gasol is the mainstay of this team with his 22.5 ppg and 11.2 rpg. Conley Jr. does a good job of running the offense with his 7+ apg. This is a relatively young team, no starter over 28, that should be good for many years to come.
San Antonio Spurs
There really isn't much balance on the Spurs team. The big 3 of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili carry the load and when one of them has a down night the Spurs have a down night. Parker has been injured the last 5 days with a broken finger and the Spurs lost the 3 games they played in that span. Parker is also out 2 more days so that is a huge hurdle for the Spurs to overcome.
Matchups
Center: Pau Gasol vs Fabricio Oberto
Gasol can do it all. Oberto can play D. Big advantage to Memphis
Power Forward: Hakim Warrick vs Tim Duncan
Duncan beats Warrick in every category. Big advantage to Spurs
Small Forward: Rudy Gay vs Charles Rhodes
Rudy has be a solid contributor for the Grizzlies the last 3 years. he has much better numbers and more experience than Rhodes. Charles just gets the call because the Spurs need the extra scoring and Bowen is starting to wear down. Advantage Memphis
Shooting Guard: OJ Mayo vs Manu Ginobili
This is a matchup of yourth vs experience. Mayo scores 2 ppg more, but Manu wins the matchup in rebounds and assists. Ginobili got the better of Mayo in their regular season matchups. I bet he continues. Advantage Spurs
Point Guard: Mike Conley Jr. vs Tony Parker/Bobby Jackson
This is another rookie vs experience. Conley has the advantage over Jackson due to his youth, quickness and ball skills. I think that Parker is what Conley can become if he adds some scoring ability. Conley is just not there yet. Parker should make most of the series so slight advantage to Spurs.
Bench
The Grizzlies have capable backups at every position and don't fall off much when one of their starters takes a breather. On the other hand, the Spurs don't have the best help off the bench. Big Shot Rob plays great D and rebounds, but hasn't been scoring. The same goes for Bowen. Marcus Williams just hasn't improved enough to be a great threat off the bench. Advantage Memphis
Outlook
The Grizzlies won the season series between the two teams 4-0. They were all close games with Memphis winning by an average of 4.5 pts. The series will depend on the help that the Big 3 get.
Prediction
Memphis in 5
