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With the Rockets heading to Memphis tonight to take on the Grizzlies, I sat down with Grizzly Bear Blues senior writer Brandon Abraham to get a better insight on how the Grizzlies have performed this season, how the team has turned it around, and what we can expect tonight in a Rockets-Grizzlies showdown.
Thank you Brandon for taking part. Follow him on Twitter @bcabraham.
1. What has been the biggest key behind the Grizzlies’ success this season?
Brandon Abraham: The biggest reason has to be the health of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies are simply a good team as long as they are healthy.
2. How has former Rockets interim head coach JB Bickerstaff performed as head coach for the Grizzlies in his second season?
Brandon Abraham: J.B. has done pretty well this season, his first without the interim tag. He struggles with his rotation decisions and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s minutes but overall he’s been pretty good for the Grizzlies. He makes plenty of mistakes, but seems to learn from them as the season has progressed.
3. Who has been the biggest surprise for the Grizzlies this season?
Brandon Abraham: The biggest surprise is how Jaren Jackson Jr. has seemed “NBA ready” from day one. Most Grizz fans weren’t excited with the pick at first, due to JJJ being more of a “project” and “raw”. His play so far this season has given Grizzlies fans a reason for optimistic in a post Conley/Gasol era.
4. What will be the biggest key for the Grizzlies to beat the Rockets tonight?
Brandon Abraham: The biggest key for the Grizzlies tonight will be containing the Rockets 3-point attempts. Obviously the Rockets are going to shoot a good number of 3’s, but it’ll be important for the Grizz to limit the Rockets attempts from beyond the arc
5. What is your bold prediction for tonight’s game?
Brandon Abraham: My bold prediction for tonight is that the Marc Gasol dominates Clint Capela on the defense end and makes him a non-factor. Similar to how Marc has played well against other great centers this year