Last night the Sixers traveled to Brooklyn and squandered an opportunity for a win verses a struggling Nets bunch. The Sixers found themselves in another close game after three quarters, only trailing the Nets by three, 63-60, but poor shooting in the fourth quarter plagued any chances the team had to win the game. Any time you only score 10 points in a quarter the results aren’t going to be positive. The Nets outscored the Sixers 25-10 in the quarter, running away with an 88-70 victory over the dismantled Sixers. Everyone, including Sixers Coach Brett Brown, seemed to be extremely frustrated after the fourth quarter debacle in Brooklyn, but they’ll be right back at it tonight, taking the floor against the 18-4 Memphis Grizzlies, who at the moment hold the second seed in the Western Conference.
Like the Sixers, the Grizzlies are also playing in their second game of a back-to-back, after defeating the Charlotte Hornets by a score of 113-107 last night in double overtime at home. Because Memphis is coming off a double overtime affair, the Sixers should look to capitalize early on in this game due to the possible fatigue on the Memphis sidelines. If they are able to do so successfully, this could very easily become a trap game for the Grizzlies.
As for the way the Grizzlies play, big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol carry the load for the Grizzlies as they rely on them to do as much damage as possible in the paint. Their stats this season have labeled them as legitimate candidates for the best low-post combination in the league. Their abilities were put on display last night as Zach Randolph led the team with a double-double, accumulating 20 points along with 11 rebounds. Marc Gasol also dominated as he finished with 19 points, 5 assists, and a staggering 6 blocks. This will be the first of two meetings this year for the teams, meaning the Sixers young big men, Nerlens Noel and Henry Sims, have yet to see how aggressive and powerful the two Memphis veterans will be, which could cause major problems for the Sixers and their continuous efforts to find their first win at the Wells Fargo Center this season.
For the Sixers, the three point shooting of Robert Covington has been the highlight as of late. Last night Covington was 6/10 shooting and all ten shots came from beyond the arc. He led the Sixers in scoring with 20 points and his recent success have been opening the eyes of many. If he can continue his success, he could work his way into a permanent role with the Sixers and become a promising piece in their future plans. The Sixers are also expected to see Tony Wroten back in action tonight after being sidelined for the past six games because of a sprained right knee injury. His return will allow the the Sixers to generate more opportunities around the basket because of his abilities to drive the lane, but the question is whether or not he’ll be able to finish with defensive forces Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph breathing down his neck. In tonight’s game the first quarter will be key. The Sixers could surprise Memphis if they get off to a fast start.
Game Notes
- Memphis is off to their best start in franchise history at 18-4.
- Marc Gasol has scored 20-plus points 11 times already this season, after doing it only 8 times in his past 59 appearances.
- Zach Randolph leads the NBA in second chance points, averaging 4.4 per night.
- The Sixers have lost the last three meetings with the Grizzlies and have lost the last four home meetings with the Grizzlies.
- Memphis is the 2nd ranked defense in the NBA going against a Sixers offense that is nowhere to be found.
Injuries
Memphis: No injuries to report
Sixers: Joel Embiid (foot) and Jason Richardson (knee/foot) are out indefinitely. KJ McDaniels (ankle) is out.
Projected Starters
Memphis:
PG- Mike Conley
SG- Courtney Lee
SF- Tony Allen
PF- Zach Randolph
C- Marc Gasol
Sixers:
PG- Michael Carter-Williams
SG- Hollis Thompson
SF- Robert Covington
PF- Luc Mbah a Moute
C- Nerlens Noel
Prediction: Sixers won’t have enough offensive production to sneak by Memphis’ defense. Gasol and Randolph will feast off the Sixers youth in the paint. 95-81 Grizzlies.
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