Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies: Preseason Preview
Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies
Dec. 26, 2010; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) at Conseco Fieldhouse. Memphis defeated Indiana 104-90. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE
Memphis Grizzlies Off Season Recap
The Grizzlies did as much as they could to continue their trend of contending in the Western Conference. So many years, you wouldn’t think this team had a shot of going far in the playoffs, but after a couple of playoff runs, that’s almost expected. They have a deep plethora of players that they’ve added to with the signing of Jerryd Bayless, who will prove to be a reliable back up for Mike Conley. They took care of their own free agents by bringing back Marreese Speights and Darrell Arthur. This ensures there is depth in the front court of the team. Some big men are always nice to have around in case someone goes down. Another big man that Memphis added was Hamed Haddadi. This gives ample back up to Marc Gasol at the center position.
The Grizzlies bowed out in the first round last post season after expectations of a long playoff run. Can they get back to the playoffs with the team they have? I believe so, as this team has some good chemistry and plays the best way they can. But what can they do in the playoffs? That’s always the true sign of a team. How far they go in the playoffs. If the Grizzlies go out in the first round again, what changes do they make. The West is loaded at the top with Oklahoma City and Los Angeles Lakers, so Memphis will have to take them out to prove themselves.
Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies Match up
Another match up for two teams that don’t have that “true” superstar. Zach Randolph is a good player like Danny Granger. But both guys are probably under that elite and top level of players. They’re good in their own right, but can’t quite get that jump into superstar level. That’s why this match up is great between Memphis and Indiana. It’s two times out there trying to prove you can win the team way.
You have a good center battle going on with Roy Hibbert and Marc Gasol. Two guys coming into their own around the same time. Two guys that want to be those top tiered centers. Both guys are right there, and can just use another good season to show themselves.
Mike Conley is proving himself to be a big time player for the Grizzlies as well. The Pacers will have to step up and stop him from doing what he wants to do. I’m most interested in the battle of the big men though. I want to see what Hibbert can do against Gasol. That should be a match up that determines who wins the game.
It should be a fun physical match up to watch, and both teams are out to prove they’re for real. Both teams want to go far in the playoffs, and who knows maybe we’ll see both teams in the NBA Finals?