Grizz at Knicks- Keys to the Game

Since the All-Star break, the roles of the Grizzlies have changed. After being dominant at the Forum, we've lost 6 straight at home. The first half of the season, the Grizz struggled on the road, but tonight they are looking for their 4th straight win on the road. The Grizzlies haven't won four straight away from home since Jan. 1-19, 2005. Losing 10 of the last 14 has dropped the Grizzlies into 11th place in the Western Conference, 3 1/2 games behind Portland for the eighth and final post season berth.

New York is 5-17 since Jan. 8, but thumped Memphis by a combined 49 points in last season's meetings, including a 108-88 victory at Madison Square Garden. New York seems to have decided to play for lottery position the rest of the season as Chris Duhon was sent to the end of the bench and Sergio Rodriquez was inserted in the starting lineup. Rodriguez averages only 9 ppg and 4.3 apg.

Even though the Grizz are a more talented team, a win on the road at MSG is no easy task. Here's how I think we get it done:

1. OJ vs T-Mac. The Knicks picked up McGrady's expiring contract right before the trade deadline in order to clear more cap for the LeBron sweepstakes. McGrady sat out in Houston, so now he has something to prove if he wants to get another contract this summer. Mayo has elevated his game on the offensive end lately and should continue to demand more time on the ball. T-Mac's defense should only continue that trend. OJ needs to match McGrady's scoring and win the other offensive categories.

2.Lee vs Gasol. Lee could provide match-up problems for Marc, and Marc will provide those same problems for Lee on the other end of the floor. Lee is quick PF who knows how to use his body to get rebounds against bigger players. Gasol's sweeping hook shot will drive Lee crazy so the Grizzlies should go to Gasol early.

Both my keys to the game are match-ups today, but I think those two are the most important. We obviously will need energy and bench production tonight. By the way, for the first time I've seen this year, 3SOB's preview of the game says the Grizzlies' bench has the advantage over the Knicks' bench. We'll see what happens.

Go Grizz! and don't forget to tune in to USA vs Canada in the gold medal hockey match tomorrow.