Grizz at Hornets- Keys to the Game

In my opinion, tonight is the breaking point of the season for our beloved Grizzlies. We are currently 30-30 and 4.5 games out of the playoffs in the Western Conference. The Grizz match up against the New Orleans Hornets who are in a similar slide out of the playoffs. NOLA is 1-4 in their last 5 games and are 31-30, 4 games out of the Western Conference playoffs. Tonight is a must win for both teams if they want to continue a push towards the playoffs. If the Grizz lose tonight, we will be under .500 and headed for another lottery pick. I hate to say it, but tonight is do or die for the Grizzlies.

NOLA is looking for its 10th straight home win versus the Grizzlies while the Grizz are looking to set a franchise record with its 5th straight road victory. The Hornets will be without Chris Paul tonight who has missed the last few weeks with a knee injury. Road wins have come easier than home wins for the Grizz lately, but tonight will be as tough as any. Here's how I think the Grizz get it done:

1. Collison vs Conley. Collison had to step in the fill some big shoes that CP3 left when he went down with an injury, but Collison has done quite well. He has averaged 20.5 ppg and 9.2 apg since Paul's injury. Pretty stout numbers for the Western Conference's February Rookie of the Month. Conley has been up and down all season and especially lately. He's gone multiple games without turnovers then he'll have a game like Monday's with 7 turnovers. The Grizz need to limit Collison, but it all depends on which Mike Conley shows up.

2. Marc Gasol. During the home losing skid, Marc has played much better on the road. He was just 2 assists shy of a triple double versus the Knicks on Saturday. Gasol will match up against Omeka Okafor who has struggled this season to guard Gasol. Marc will need to defend Okafor well because in the last meeting, Okafor went 10-14 from the field with most shot's being easy dunks.

3. Desire. The Grizzlies must show up tonight with desire to win and get back in the playoff race. I think we'll see very early whether or not the team is ready to call it quits for the season, and grind on. They'll need energy, focus, and most of all a desire to not give up tonight in order to get the W.

On another note, watch out for NOLA's bench tonight. James Posey had a game winner on us earlier this year, and we all know of what he's capable. Also, rookie out of LSU, Marcus Thornton has played well lately averaging 26.2 ppg on 53.8% shooting in the last 5 games.

Tonight is make or break for the Grizzlife. Let's Go Grizz!