Peachtree Hoops: Preview and Game Thread #19: Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks

[Hawksquawk]

 

Atlanta Hawks 10-11 Season Game  #19
	@
8-10		11-7
Phillips Arena
December 1, 2010, 8:00 PM
SportSouth, 99X FM, Pre and Post Game Show 680 The Fan, NBA Audio League Pass
Probable starters:
Mike Conley	PG	Mike Bibby
Xavier Henry	SG	Joe Johnson
Rudy Gay	SF	Marvin Williams
Zach Randolph	PF	Josh Smith
Marc Gasol	C	Al Horford

 

Hawks Injury Report:

Grizzlies Injury Report:

SB Nation Grizzlies Blog: Straight Outta Vancouver

Game Preview: 

This is a different looking Grizzlies team than the one the Hawks defeated on opening night. For starters Marc Gasol is back from injury and will play against the Hawks tonight. In an effort to shore up a second unit that has been lacking in production, Memphis has been bringing O.J. Mayo off the bench in a sixth man role while rookie Xavier Henry started last night against the Lakers. Speaking of the Lakers, these Grizzlies defeated them last night in Memphis 98-96 behind 28 points from point guard Mike Conley. 

Keys to the Game:

Conley had a good game against the Hawks in the first meeting and they will have to try and control him. At the same time, the Hawks will have to hold their own against a talented Grizzlies front line of Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol and use their superior athleticism to gain an advantage on the boards. The Grizzlies have match up problems with Joe Johnson and the Hawks ran him to the post numerous times in the first meeting. That might not be a bad idea (provided Johnson plays) to do again as neither Henry nor Mayo have the size to defend Joe. Also Josh Smith should have a quickness advantage over Randolph and should be able to exploit that off the dribble. Despite being 8-10, this Grizzlies team is talented enough to cause problems for anyone as their victory over the Lakers shows.  

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