OK, this should be my last super short preview. Finals are finally over, but I have to leave for Houston early in the morning.
For commentary on the Grizzlies, check out the interview I did with Chip Crain. It's so awesome to get to talk to other bloggers around the web, and I was really glad Chip reached out to me. I now feel like a Grizzlies expert for someone who isn't a Grizzlies fan.
Onto the matchups...
Matchups:
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Mike Conley:
15/7/3/2? I never thought Conley would be that kind of point guard. He's still not worth $9 million per year, but he's at least getting closer.
I wrote that last time, and it still holds. Conley is doing better, and really has stepped up. I'm calling this even.
Advantage: Even
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Xavier Henry:
OJ Mayo got off to a slow start to the season, so Lionel Hollins made him the sixth man to help him get through the problems. Since the last time these two teams played, Mayo has been playing much better and makes the Grizzlies' second unit much more dangerous.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Shane Battier vs. Rudy Gay:
Rudy Gay is really good. He averages 21 points per game and is pretty streaky.
Last time, I gave Shane the advantage and I was blasted. That's fine. Rudy is better than Shane. I was just rewarding the Dukie for playing better. Remember, he had just outplayed Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
Advantage: Grizzlies
PF: Luis Scola vs. Zach Randolph:
Here's where Chip and I disagree. I think Luis is better. He favors Z-Bo. Both are playing well.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Chuck Hayes vs. Marc Gasol:
I think we can all agree that Marc Gasol is the better all-around player.
Advantage: Grizzlies
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Bench:
Grizz: OJ Mayo, Greivis Vasquez, Sam Young, Darrell Arthur, Hasheem Thabeet, Tony Allen, Sam Young
Rockets: Ish Smith, Courtney Lee, Brad Miller, Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Chase Budinger, Terrence Williams
Advantage: Rockets
Injuries:
Grizz: None
Rockets: Brooks out, Yao out
Prediction: Rockets
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