NBA Playoffs 2013: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview
The San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies series won’t be your typical Western Conference series. It’s going to be a physical, grind-it-out series that we’re used to seeing out in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs are one of the most decorated team in the NBA, but will it be enough to combat the stronger, younger inside presence of the Grizzlies?
Let’s take a look at each of the matchups.
Likely Starting Lineups
Point Guard
Tony Parker (SAS) vs. Mike Conley Jr. (MEM)
Will Parker get the better of Conley? Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
Parker has been very good throughout the playoffs so far, with his 22.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 4.7 fouls drawn per game. Conley has been the Grizzlies’ savior late in games, his 17.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 5.2 fouls drawn. This matchup will be key for both teams, as Conley needs to improve upon his 38.5 percent shooting and Parker needs to shake off a bad shooting performance in Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors.
Advantage: Push
Shooting Guard
Danny Green (SAS) vs. Tony Allen (MEM)
There’s no better perimeter defender these days than Allen. In addition to his defensive responsibilities and impressive 2.3 steals per game, he’s chipping in with 5.8 rebounds. He’ll have to crash the glass to help out the bigs. Green has been a key component of the Spurs’ 3-pt shooting success, as he’s at 41.7 percent for the playoffs. However, he’s the ONLY Spur that is posting a negative plus/minus at -1.8 per game.
Advantage: Memphis Grizzlies
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard (SAS) vs. Tayshaun Prince (MEM)
The dunk that Prince put down against the Oklahoma City Thunder had us flashing back to 2003-04, but that’s not who Prince is anymore. He certainly won’t get the better of the athletic matchup with Leonard. Prince is only shooting 35.4 percent, while Leonard has been terrific at 55.6 percent. Prince will need to keep Leonard off the glass, as he’s averaging 8.4 boards per game. Memphis can’t afford to get beat badly in this matchup.
Advantage: San Antonio Spurs
Power Forward
Tim Duncan (SAS) vs. Zach Randolph (MEM)
The good news is that Duncan doesn’t have to face an athletic big, but the bad news is that Randolph is a bruiser who will wear on Duncan as the series wears on. Luckily for the Spurs, Duncan is a terrific passer for a big and can impact the game in different ways, even when tired. If Duncan takes the facilitator role out of the post, he’ll be in better shape and will have more energy to defend Randolph on the other end. It’s a broken record, but Duncan will need to keep a body on Randolph and keep him away from the offensive glass.
Advantage: Push
Center
Tiago Splitter (SAS) vs. Marc Gasol (MEM)
Marc Gasol anchors the best defense in the West.
Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule, Flickr.com
Splitter is certainly one of the most underrated centers in the league, but that could have been said about Gasol recently as well. Gasol won the Defensive Player of the Year and is one of the best passing centers in the NBA. There’s no chance that Splitter outplay Gasol in this series, but if he can neutralize him to some extent, the Spurs will be thrilled. Don’t hold your breath, though.
Advantage: Memphis Grizzlies
Sixth Man/Bench
Manu Ginobili (SAS) vs. Quincy Pondexter (MEM)
Neither bench is extremely deep, but Ginobili is a yearly Sixth Man of the Year candidate, despite his rough shooting so far (37.7 percent). The Grizzlies have been happy with Pondexter coming out of his shell, with his 42.9 percent shooting from the three. Boris Diaw provides solid minutes for the Spurs, as does Matt Bonner and Gary Neal. The Spurs are deeper here and could survive and injury, whereas the Grizzlies are not as fortunate.
Advantage: San Antonio Spurs
Coaching
Gregg Popovich (SAS) vs. Lionel Hollins (MEM)
It’s hardly worth going through the reasons why Popovich is a major favorite over Hollins. Pop is one of the best coaches in the history of the NBA and is still at the top of his game. Hollins has come under intense scrutiny for many of his personnel and rotation decisions and might be the most disliked coach by his own fans this side of Vinny Del Negro.
Advantage: San Antonio Spurs
Key Matchup
Tony Parker vs. Mike Conley Jr.
Parker has been much more aggressive offensively, and the fruits of those labors have been obvious. He’s going to shoot over pick-and-rolls much more often than he has in the past, and the Spurs are much better for it. The Grizzlies like to play out of the post more, which means Conley won’t have as many of those situations, but he’s been spotting up a lot more as of late. Can Conley and his terrific defense shut down Parker?
San Antonio Will Win If…
…Green and Leonard win their matchups.
Memphis Will Win If…
…Gasol and Randolph control the glass and the pace of the game.
Prediction:
San Antonio Spurs defeat Memphis Grizzlies 4-2.