The Memphis Grizzlies are having a tough mini road trip facing both teams from last year\u2019s NBA Finals back to back. <\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies (30-23) vs Miami Heat (39-14) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Memphis<\/strong><\/p>\n Against Dallas Wednesday night they had the lead heading into the fourth but couldn\u2019t hold on, stopping a streak of three in a row. \u00a0They haven\u2019t played the Heat in over a year but their visit last season was an embarrassment – a 33 point loss that was over by halftime.<\/p>\n At least they will have a day off after playing three nights in a row.<\/p>\n For Memphis the rest should be good for point guard Mike Conley who just came back from injury and looked sluggish in losing to the Mavs Wednesday. \u00a0Shooting guard O.J. Mayo had another solid game, shooting it will from deep range. \u00a0They will have to increase his minutes even though his defense can be a liability.<\/p>\n Defense is important against the Heat but sometimes Tony Allen is too one dimensional. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Miami<\/strong><\/p>\n The Miami Heat came up with a strong effort in a statement game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night. \u00a0They allowed Kevin Durant to score 30 points but also forced him to turn the ball over 9 times. \u00a0That is an awful lot for someone who is going to shoot it more often than not.<\/p>\n Lebron James led the way with 34 points of his own, tacking on 10 assists as well. \u00a0Miami really won the game at the arc and at the line.<\/p>\n James has been fantastic the last two games averaging 37+ points and making a late run for the MVP award.<\/p>\n The Heat are so reliant on their big three that is worth noting when somebody else make a significant contribution. \u00a0That somebody of late has been point guard Mario Chalmers who has scored more than 12 points in 5 of his last 6 games.<\/p>\n His play will be important in the playoffs when defenses clamp down that much more.<\/p>\n
\nFriday April 6
\nAmerican Airlines Arena – Miami, FL
\n7:30PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0No money line currently listed.
\nSpread: \u00a0Miami -8
\nO\/U: \u00a0189<\/strong><\/p>\n