San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies: Predictions, Key Matchups, Injuries, More
By Jay Desai
The San Antonio Spurs look to end their three game road losing streak on Tuesday night as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.
How will San Antonio fare against Memphis We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!
Recent Games
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs head into this game with a little confidence following their 110-106 home win against the Houston Rockets. The Spurs led by as many as 10 but were tested down the stretch as Houston was able to close the gap to two with 12 seconds remaining. Fortunately for San Antonio, Danny Green was able to hit his free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.
Overall, the Spurs have not fared well in the month of December. The team is currently 7-9 in this month and, with a loss, could be looking at its first losing December with Tim Duncan. A win tonight could do a lot to help keep confidence in San Antonio.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game looking to avoid returning to their recent downward spiral. After starting the season an impressive 21-4, the Grizzlies have struggled as of late, 1-4 in their last five.
Memphis was able to avoid a fifth straight loss on Saturday as they defeated the Heat 103-95 in Miami, their most recent game. With Zach Randolph listed as questionable, the Grizzlies could be in for another rough night if he misses his fifth consecutive game.
Injuries
San Antonio Spurs
Kawhi Leonard, Small Forward – Leonard is dealing with a bruised right hand and is listed as out. Look for Kyle and Anderson and Marco Belinelli to pick up the forward’s minutes.
Tony Parker, Point Guard – Parker continues to be hampered by a mild hamstring strain.He is listed as out for tonight’s game. Look for Cory Joseph to pick up another start in Parker’s place.
Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph, Power Forward – Randolph is suffering from a knee injury and is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. Look for Jon Leuer to pick up the start if Randolph is unable to go.
Key Matchups
Tonight’s key matchup is the exact same as the last time these two teams faced off. The San Antonio Spur Tim Duncan and the Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol will once again face off in a can’t miss matchup. The last time these two faced off Duncan got the better of Gasol but the Grizzlies came away with the victory. After splitting the first two matchups, both Duncan and Gasol will be looking to give their team the edge in this tightly contested Southwest Division series. Both teams are also looking to get back on track after recent struggles which should make for a very competitive matchup.
Prediction
Although the Spurs picked up a nice victory on Sunday night against a good Rockets team, there are still many issues in this roster, the majority of them stemming from injury.
Those issues will be apparent tonight as they take on one of the West’s best, the Memphis Grizzlies. Expect tonight to be a good defensive battle that finishes in regulation with Memphis picking up a double-digit win. After losing three straight at home the Grizzlies finally get a win for their home fans tonight.
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