Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat Game Preview

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (41-26, 13-21 away) at Miami Heat (37-33, 23-13home)

WHEN: 6:30 PM CT

Where: Miami Dade Arena Miami, Florida

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: ESPN/Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out, RT Knee PCL Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Out, LT Achilles tear), Ja Morant (Out, Not With Team), Vince Williams Jr. (Out, Shoulder), Jake LaRavia (Out, Back Soreness)

Miami: Nikola Jovic (Out, G-League Assignment), Jamal Cain (Out, G-League Two Way), Kyle Lowry (Questionable, Knee), Orlando Robinson (Out, G-League Two Way), Cody Seller (Out, Nasal Fracture)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

Miami: Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, Bam Adebayo,

Memphis: Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman Sr.

Over the past six weeks, the Grizzlies have experienced their fair share of tough times. And while there are still plenty of questions as the season progresses, one other development has made things a bit easier to manage.

A three game winning streak.

Yes, the Grizzlies, for the first time in nearly two months, have a three-game winning steak. And despite their inconsistencies on offense, a big reason for the recent success is the fact that Memphis has been able to once again find their offense late in games. However, the main reason as to why Memphis has once again found success since the All-Star Break is due to their defense.

As the Grizzlies offense continues to find its consistency, the Grizzlies defense is back to being at the elite level it has been at for much of the season. And recently, the Grizzlies are finding different ways to effective defensively, from defending the three well to creating turnovers. This allows for the Grizzlies defense to feature different focuses based on what opposing offenses are struggling with each night. If the Grizzlies can find different ways to take over the game through their defense, it typically leads to opportunities to earn momentum and find ways to win.

The Grizzlies defense could once again be the reason they are able to find success tonight against the Miami Heat. The Heat are 5-5 since the All-Star Break, and are 23rd Offensive Rating over that time span. Seven of the Heat’s ten games have resulted in scores within five points of each other, so the Heat have had plenty of clutch moments over the past few weeks. Though the results have not always been positive, they could be an advantage for Miami in the case tonight turns out to be a close contest. Of course, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both healthy, the Heat are capable of playing elite defense with anyone and making life tough for opposing teams.

As a result, the Grizzlies certainly have another tough task ahead of them tonight. But there are a few ways in which they may be able to get another needed road win in a tough environment. Here are the areas to succeed:

Getting off to a Good Start

One big key for Memphis is continuing their success early in games. Since the All-Star Break, the Grizzlies +56 point differential in first quarters is the best in the NBA. The secret to their success, once again, is their defense. The Grizzlies have the best DEF RTG and have allowed the lowest OPP FG% in first quarters in the NBA since the All-Star Break. Meanwhile, Miami is 27th in DEF RTG and has allowed the highest OPP FG% in the NBA over the same time frame. Simply put, if the Grizzlies can lock in defensively early in the game, they should be able to find some good looks to grab an early lead. This is especially true if the Grizzlies can prevent the Heat from getting into a rhythm from three.

Extra Possessions

It is well documented that the Grizzlies have struggled mightily with rebounds with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Fortunately, the Heat are 29th in the NBA in rebounds since the All-Star Break. The Grizzlies may be able to limit extra possessions against Miami in an easier fashion than they have other teams in recent weeks.

Furthermore, the Heat are 24th in turnovers forced since the All-Star Break. The Grizzlies are 7th in the NBA over the same times frame in forcing turnovers, and also are the best in the NBA at committing turnovers. Simply put, if the Grizzlies can limit extra looks by the Heat on the boards while creating their own extra possessions through creating turnovers, they can create another avenue to offensive success. Especially with Miami routinely being among the NBA teams with slowest pace of play in the league, extra possessions will be more valuable if the Grizzlies can create them through causing turnovers.

It simply comes down to Memphis producing a complete team effort as they have over the past few games. If Memphis can set the tone defensively early and create good looks by moving the ball well, they can grab and maintain the lead early. Hopefully, the Grizzlies will get a big game from Jaren Jackson Jr. and continue to get excellent contributions from David Roddy and others. If Memphis plays their normal level of defense, they can earn another quality win on the road.

Final Score Prediction: Memphis 115, Miami 107