Knicks Travel to Memphis to Take on a Menacing Grizzlies Team

Coming off a divisional win against the 76ers in which the Knicks struggled more than anticipated. The Knicks look to make a statement here against a Grizzlies team who has succeeded expectations tremendously this season and are currently sitting at second place in the West. Aside from the Thunder, New York has impressed against the top teams in the Western Conference this year having convincing wins against the Nuggets, Rockets, and Grizzlies earlier in the season. The Knicks are currently up 1-0 in the season series as they beat the Grizzlies by nearly forty points the last time they played. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Knicks play with the same passion they played with earlier in the season coming off the back of some tough losses.

Game Insight

A really important element to note heading into this game is that three centers on the Knicks are confirmed out or have a chance to miss this game. Ariel Hukporti has been confirmed out for this game after he tore his meniscus Wednesday evening, Karl-Anthony Towns is a game-time decision with a knee injury after he missed the last game, and of course, Mitchell Robinson has been out all season but there are some talks that he could be ready to suit up but for now, he is also listed as a game-time decision. Obviously, these injuries impact the matchup enormously and this is the moment the Knicks desperately need Robinson to step in and contribute. The Grizzlies are coming off an overtime win against the Suns in which they scored 151 points so we can anticipate some exhaustion from their top players. I think this game is a toss-up currently and will be decided by who is healthy and who is able to bring more enthusiasm to the plate.  

Key Matchup 

I think the important matchup here is definitely an unorthodox one between two purified scorers who can always step up when needed. That is the matchup between Mikal Bridges and Desmond Bane. These sharpshooters are considered a threat from anywhere beyond the arc as well as innovative paint scorers. When it comes to scoring the basketball they can essentially do it all. Not only can they contribute tremendous offensive skills they are both established defenders with the ability to guard at any spot on the court. I think this matchup is evenly balanced and will be the catalyst to which team gains the upper hand.