The Sixers (15-50) came close to snapping their losing streak last night against the Eastern Conference powerhouse Indiana Pacers. In the end, they lost their 19th in a row and it doesn't get any easier tonight as the Memphis Grizzlies (38-27) come to town. The Grizzlies are currently 6-2 in the month of March, but are coming off of a loss at the hands of the Toronto Raptors last night. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 PM on Comcast Sportsnet.
The Sixers will have their work cut out for them tonight with big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol patrolling the paint for Memphis. Randolph averages a double-double per night with 17 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Marc Gasol puts up 13.8 points and grabs 6.7 rebounds per game. Michael Carter-Williams will have a tough assignment for the game against speedy guard Mike Conley. Conley is the Grizzlies leading scorer with 17.1 points and six assists per game.
With both teams coming off a loss last night, it will be interesting to see how they respond. The Sixers showed plenty of fight against the Pacers, erasing various double-digit deficit's throughout the game to pull within three in the final minutes. Thaddeus Young had himself a night, scoring 25 points (10-31 FG) and dishing out a career-high 10 assists. Rookie of the Year Candidate Michael Carter-Williams finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Game Notes:
- After last night's loss, the Sixers made it 15 straight without a 'W' at home, a franchise-record.
- The Grizzlies have won three straight against the Sixers in Philadelphia.
- In two games against the Sixers last season, Marc Gasol averaged 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
- Thaddeus Young averaged 18 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in the teams two meetings last season.
Starting Lineups:
Sixers Starters
PG Michael Carter-Williams
SG James Anderson
SF Hollis Thompson
PF Thaddeus Young
C Henry Sims
Grizzlies Starters
PG Mike Conley
SG Courtney Lee
SF Tayshaun Prince
PF Zach Randolph
C Marc Gasol
Injuries:
Sixers: Brandon Davies (finger), Nerlens Noel and Jason Richardson (knee injuries) will not play.
Grizzlies: No injuries
Prediction:
After hanging tough against Indiana, I see the Sixers coming out of the gates strong, but falling in the second half. I'll take Memphis, 104-92.
Brandon Apter is a writer for Sixerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
