<div align="center"> @ <font color="Navy">New Jersey Nets </font> (7-14) @ <font color="DeepSkyBlue">Memphis Grizzlies</font> (9-15) Time: December. 17, 2004; 8:00pm Arena: <font color="DeepSkyBlue">FedEx Forum, Memphis.Tenn</font> TV: Yes Network</div> <div align="center"><u>Preview </u> </div> *The Nets and Grizzlies are both coming off losses. The Grizzlies dropped a home game to the Chicago Bulls 96-88. While the Nets struggled at home losing to the Knicks 87-79 *The Grizzlies are 4-4 since Mike Fratello took over as Grizzlies Head Coach, for Hubie Brown who stepped down as Coach earlier this month. *The Nets 3-2 since Jason Kidd return to the lineup December 6th against the Raptors after missing the 1st month of the season due to offseason Knee surgery. Injury Report: Grizzlies Swingman Shane Battier questionable with an ankle injury Nets Point Guard Travis Best questionable with a groin injury. And Nets starting Center Alonzo Mourning doubtful, sitting out due to need of rest. ---------- <u>Projected Starting 5 </u> <font color="Navy">Nets:</font> PG: Jason Kidd SG: Richard Jefferson SF: Eric Williams PF: Brian Scalabrine C: Jason Collins <font color="DeepSkyBlue">Grizzlies:</font> PG: Jason Williams SG: Mike Miller SF: James Posey PF: Pau Gasol C: Lorenzen Wright <div align="center"><u>Key Matchup</u> <font color="Navy">Jason Collins(Nets) </font> / <font color="DeepSkyBlue">Pau Gasol (Grizz)</font> </div> Jason Collins will start the game at the Center position with Alonzo Mourning out, but expect to see Collins trying to defend Gasol often in the Nets/Griz matchup. Collins despite not scoring much in the Nets last game vs the Knicks, he really asserted himself on the backboards recording 15 rebounds. And Collins has begun to turnaround his season, which got off to a horrible start. Collins has begun to find his shot in the mid range area. And his offensive rebounding has allowed him to contribute on the offensive end. But the biggest change in Collins over the past 5 games, has been his defense. He has made some key defensive plays as a help defender. And has also done a solid job as an on-ball defender against Chris Bosh in the Raptors game. But a matchup against Gasol is a difficult matchup for Collins. Collins will struggle against Gasol. Gasol ablity to step away from the post area and consistently make the 18 foot jumper. And also have the ablity to put the ball on the floor from different spots will put pressure on Collin's lack of laterial quickness. Jason Collins main problem will be finding away to stay out of foul trouble, which often occurs in these type of matchups against quicker bigs. -------------- Game Notes Point Guard Play: Jason Williams has had an up & down season. But tonight's matchup is crucial that he be effective, with Kidd minutes limited to 20-25 or less by doctors. And Travis Best probably missing the game with an injury suffered against the Knicks, that means most of Jersey's minutes at point will fall on the shoulders of Jacque Vaughn. A matchup against Vaughn for most of the night, is one that should be favorable for Jason Williams and Earl Watson. Frontcourt Battle: With Alonzo Mourning out, the Nets are going to have to really work hard to contain Swift, Pau, & Wright, especially on the backboards. Keeping the Grizz off the offensive boads will be key for Jersey. The team rebounding approach is the method the Nets must enforce. Battle for Tempo : When Jason Kidd is in the game the Nets need to try to force tempo out in the opencourt. But when Jason Kidd is out of the game is when the Grizzlies need to force an uptempo style. The Grizzlies must be smart in picking their spots to turn the game into an opencourt style because if the look to do it to much while Kidd is in the game, tempo will then start to sway the way of Jersey. Bench play: Nets have to find away to get production from their slim injury deplited bench. Rodney Buford and Nenad Krstic will play a big role for Jersey, along with a much needed strong game from Vaughn. The Grizzlies definately have the bench edge going into the match. Bonzi Wells, Stromile Swift will both be tough covers for the Nets when they are in the game Keep all game discussion in this thread, thanks enjoy the game.
The only comment I on this game, was that Scalabrine is better than I thought. Observe the box-score: http://www.nba.com/games/20041217/NJNMEM/boxscore.html
