Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks: 5 Keys to a Grizzlies' Upset
In the Memphis Grizzlies' first game since the All-Star Break, the Southwest Division could see a major shift in momentum.
The Grizz host the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, who currently sit just one and a half games above the Grizzlies.
With only five games separating the highest and lowest contenders, the winner of this game would not only gain on or distance themselves from each other, but take one more step to catching the not-so-far San Antonio Spurs.
To pull this victory out, though, the Grizzlies will need everyone to step up.
5. Winning the Turnover Battle
1 of 5When the second-greatest steal artist in NBA history squares off against the best steal-man today, turnovers are certain to play a role in the outcome of a game.
Mike Conley is averaging 2.5 steals per game while Jason Kidd, despite playing just 28.3 minutes per contest, is averaging 1.8.
Neither turns the ball over very often themselves, but they will play a major role for their respective teams in creating offense out of defense.
4. Marc Gasol vs. Mavericks' Interior Defense
2 of 5Last night, Brook Lopez made his triumphant return to the NBA. He lit the Mavericks up for 38 points and led a shocking upset by the New Jersey Nets.
Tonight, Marc Gasol has the chance to do the exact same thing.
The first-time All-Star is a much more physical player than Lopez but still has the finesse to pull off what the former Stanford Cardinal was able to.
Watch Gasol closely as he battles with Brendan Haywood and Ian Mahinmi; it's hard to imagine either of them will impede him from duplicating Lopez's success.
3. Rudy Gay vs. Shawn Marion
3 of 5Rudy Gay has developed a reputation as one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Shawn Marion has long been one of the best defenders in the league.
When the two collide tonight, it will be a true test of both Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies as a unit.
Gay is the leader of this Grizzlies team. If he is able to shine against one of the best defenders in the league, thus leading the Grizzlies to a victory, it's a sign of how far this team can go.
If they can win in spite of a poor performance by Gay, that's another positive sign.
If Gay struggles and the Grizzlies lose, however, the calls for Zach Randolph's return will only grow louder...
2. Mareese Speights vs. Dirk Nowitzki
4 of 5Hidden beneath Brook Lopez's dominant performance is how efficient teammate Kris Humphries was at scoring the basketball.
Considering Humphries is so limited on the offensive end of the floor, it's only fair to expect something big out of Mareese Speights.
Speights has a great mid-range jumper and is aggressive in attacking the rim. Unfortunately, he has to play hard on both ends of the floor.
If he wants his offensive output to mean anything, Speights needs to give 110 percent as he defends perennial MVP contender Dirk Nowitzki.
1. Perimeter Showdown
5 of 5When Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and the rest of the Mavericks' deadly three-point shooters square off against Tony Allen and the elite perimeter defense of the Memphis Grizzlies, the game will be decided.
The Mavericks are seventh in the NBA in three-point field goals, connecting on greater than seven per contest. The Grizzlies are just as bad as the Mavs are good.
Tony Allen and company have kept their opponents from driving the lane in Zach Randolph's absence, but they're also 25th in three-point field goals allowed.
If they want to win, they must limit the Mavericks' outside efficiency.
