Season Stats: New Jersey: PPG: 87.5 Opp PPG: 86.6 FG%: .425 Opp FG%: .428 RPG: 37.9 Opp RPG: 43.2 Memphis: PPG: 95.4 Opp PPG: 97.1 FG%: .426 Opp FG%: .451 RPG: 40.9 Opp RPG: 46.2 New Jersey's Concerns/ Memphis' Strengths: 1. Memphis is a high-scoring team. Can the Nets defense stop the Memphis juggernaut? 2. On the average, they are outrebounded by their opponents. They are only getting a few rebounds. This can be a problem since majority of their fastbreak comes from a defensive rebound. 3. Their poor first half is haunting them during the second half. More often than not, their rally comes up short. Memphis proved that they can light it up. If they don't stop them in the first half, they're in big trouble. 4. They have to be concerned about Memphis' balanced attack. They have 5 guys averaging in double figures. 5. Earl Watson. This guy can enter the game and provide a difference. Memphis' Concerns/ New Jersey's Strengths: 1. On the average, they are outscored by their opponents. They're giving away a lot of points and with a team like New Jersey, this poses a lot of trouble. 2. Just like New Jersey, they are giving away a lot of rebounds. 3. Rodney Rogers and Lucious Harris. They are solid contributors off the bench. They have to watch out for Rogers who scored 23 points against the Kings. 4. Kerry Kittles can shut Mike Miller down. 5. Jason Williams' injury. Key Match-up: Kenyon Martin: 17.1 ppg 8.7 rpg 2.3 apg Pau Gasol 18.1 ppg 8.3 rpg 2.0 apg Again at the forward position. Both can shut down one or the other. Pau can outplay K-Mart with his versatility but you can't forget K-Mart because he has Kidd. Providing that Kidd plays well, K-Mart can get the upper hand but otherwise, I have to go to Pau to do better in this match-up. Prediction: Memphis is giving away 14.8 turnovers per game. Watch this increase against a team like New Jersey who is forcing over 17 TO per game. The key for Memphis is to take care of the ball and prevent the Nets' fastbreak attack. This will be a close one. The game can go either way. It all depends on how New Jersey is feeling right now. I'm feeling that they are psyched right now and wanting a win badly especially on their home court. A win is due for New Jersey on this one. On a Side Note: Nets are 2 - 5 at home. They played well at home last season. Law of averages may soon catch up.
