Grizz at Bulls- LJ's Keys to the Game

The Grizz have another back to back series and this one could be the most difficult they have faced since the All-Star game. New Orleans and Chicago are both fighting for their playoff lives right now and Memphis will have to give a maximum effort to avoid losing in front of our beloved owner Michael Heisley who still owns front row seats to the Bulls games. The win in New Orleans ended a long drought there and the Grizzlies are now looking to sweep back to back games for the first time since the 2004-05 season when both games were on the road. The Bulls have won their last five meetings with the Grizzlies (31-30) at the United Center, and the home team has taken the last nine games in this series

The Bulls have lost two straight games but are 12-11 against the Western Conference. The Bulls will be without Joakim Noah and could also be without Luol Deng and Derrick Rose, both with ailing knees. Rose has battled minor injuries all season and was held out of practice on Wednesday but is expected to play.

Last night was a huge win, but every night from here until the end of the season is an extremely important game. Needless to say, tonight is a must win. Here's how we get it done:

1. Rudy vs Deng. Deng is alot like Rudy. He averages 18.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg. He's an athletic freak with a long body that somehow doesn't translate into a good defensive player although the skills are there to be better. Rudy and Deng are very similar players in size and stats. The Grizz need Rudy to win the points battle with Deng tonight.

2. Confidence. After setting the franchise record for consecutive road wins, the Grizzlies look to extend that record tonight. They have an extremely high confidence on the road right now, and that confidence needs to continue and translate to the home floor where they face the Spurs this weekend. The Grizz think they can beat anyone on the road right now, and they can. They'll need that confidence to continue tonight to get the win.

If the the Bulls are without Noah, Deng, and/or Rose, the Grizzlies will have a large advantage. The Grizzlies need another huge road win tonight, and I'll believe they'll get it.

Grizz Straight!