Memphis at Indiana 5 p.m. (2/13)

Versus




Memphis is a 3 point dog in this game.

Stromile Swift has a bad bruise to his right knee, and J-Will has, what the commercial appeal calls, "Sore Feet". With Posey and Gasol continuing to ride the injured list, this could spell disaster for the Grizzlies. The upside is that the Pacers will be without Jamal Tinsley, Jonathan Bender, and of course Ron Artest. The downside is that they still have Stephen Jackson, Reggie Miller, and Jermaine O'Neal.

Memphis is boasting a 12-12 road record this year, truly amazing for a franchise that has never been anywhere NEAR .500 on the road for a season. They are also actually playing better basketball on the road, where they give up fewer points, and score more.

Tonight, Lorenzen Wright and Stromile are going to have to figure out a way to keep O'neal from getting his 26 ppg average, and a victory must be keyed on the defensive end of the floor. I think you can be certain that Memphis remembers the 85-86 victory that Indiana stole from the Grizzlies on their home floor in January, and would really like to go up to Indy and return the favor.

Dallas has to travel to Seattle, and Houston will host the same Blazers that gave Memphis trouble on Friday. San Antonio is going to visit Miami in about 15 minutes, and this could be a Championship preview. Memphis would love to squeeze out a win on a day they could potentially gain a game on the entire division. (Oh, New Orleans is playing in Orlando, which got spanked by A.I. last night! 60 points!)

I'll say, Memphis covers, may not win.

Season (1-0) *


*since 2/10/05