Wizards 14-20 vs Grizzlies 16-16
When: Wednesday, March 10th, at 8p.m.
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
TV: NBCSWA, NBA League Pass / Radio: WFED 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: Thomas Bryant (Out/ Left ACL Surgery), Ish Smith (Out/ Quad)
Grizzlies: Grayson Allen (Out/ Concussion Protocol), Jaren Jackson (Out/ Knee)
Wizards -
114.8 - points per game
119.1 - points against
46.0 - Field Goal %
Grizzlies -
111.6 - points per game
110.8 - points against
46.4 - Field Goal %
Keep an eye on:
Limiting Turnovers: is a big deal against Memphis who is one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. The Grizzlies get into you, they're tough and they're VERY active getting steals by getting into the passing lanes and on dig downs on opposing teams looking to score in the paint. Memphis is first in the NBA in steals, averaging 10.1 a game. They have seven players who average a steal or more. Washington comes in averaging 14.2 turnovers a game which puts them 17th in the league. To put things in perspective about how potent Memphis is at forcing turnovers, in the first game between the Wizards and Grizzlies, Memphis turned Washington over 22 times, scoring 32 points, while Russell Westbrook and Brad Beal combined turned it over 14 times between them. This is something to keep a close eye on tonight, ESPECIALLY, coming off the all star break where rust will be present.
Keep a Body: on Memphis at all times when shots are attempted. The Grizzlies are fourth in the NBA in offensive rebounding pulling down 11.1 offensive boards a game. Washington in their first match-up with Memphis earlier this month, lost the rebounding battle 54-46 and Memphis starting center Jonas Valanciunas despite being in foul trouble, pulled down a game high 16 rebounds, four of which were offensive. Memphis is physical and relentless on the boards. Washington has to match that to return the favor and hand the Grizzlies a loss at their place.