NLL | NBA | WNBA | NBA 2k19 | NLSC
Username :
Password:


(0 - 0)

Expert Pick


(0 - 0)

March Madness!

I was excited to write about this game because I love the Memphis rookies.  They are like twin towers up front when they get to play together.  Sadly, Big Papa is out this week so we don't get to see the exciting match-up of Whiteside vs. Papa.  Memphis is outgunned in this game with all of their injuries, but they find a way to make every game competitive, so I think this one will be closer than people think.  I thought it might be fun to see some of these guys in their college colors during this time of year.  Let's have a look at the starting lineups for these two teams.

Center:  Hassan Whiteside vs. Aaron Baynes


Whiteside is the better player here, but he has a tendency to disappear at times during games.  Baynes is one of those hustle players who out-muscles you and is super annoying.  I expect these two to have more similar numbers than their talent level would show.  Whiteside could put up 20 points, but I have a feeling both of these players will be around 12 points and 12 boards apiece.

Advantage:  Houston with Whiteside






Power Forward:  Jonas Jerebko vs. Marquese Chriss

This is a match-up of a classic stretch four vs. a super athletic and talented new-age big man.  Jerebko can hurt you from deep, but other than that he's not a big factor.  Chriss can also shoot the long ball but he can hurt you in a lot of other ways too.  He's a prolific leaper and can put down a good alley-oop.  He's a good rebounder and will probably be the leading rebounder for the Grizzlies in the game.  If he can have a big game, and I mean BIG, Memphis might have a chance here.

Advantage:  Memphis with Chriss





Small Forward:  Gordon Hayward vs. Corey Brewer

Hayward has been moving back and forth between shooting guard and small forward all season.  He's a natural 3, but the Rockets like to run their offense through him, so he will play whatever position they want.  Brewer is known as a pesky defender, but his best days are behind him.  Look for Hayward to take advantage here and be the leading scorer in the game.

Advantage:  Houston with Gordon





Shooting Guard:  DeAndre Liggins vs. Troy Daniels?

As of the writing of this, the Memphis lineup hasn't been set, but Troy looks like he is the likely starter at this position.  Troy Daniels is a 3-point gunner, and that will be his hob this game.  Liggins is in there for defense and to provide some athleticism to the starting lineup in Houston.  This one could go either way, so it's hard to predict who will be the boost to their team.

Advantage:  Draw





Point Guard:  Tim Frazier? vs. Dante Exum

Exum is a much better 2k player than NBA player.  Frazier will likely get the start with IT out for the week with an injury.  This is gonna be a match-up of playmakers.  I'm not sure who will be better for their team, but Exum historically can put up some sick assist numbers.

Advantage:  Memphis with Exum





Bench:

Sadly, Memphis is only gonna have 2 guys playing off the bench with Sauce Castillo and CJ Watson.  Houston will have still one of the best benches with Waiters, Big Al, Afflalo, and Yogi Ferrell.  This isn't really even close, and this is where the game could get out of hand for the Grizzlies.  Look for Houston to go to it's bench early and often to take over.

Advantage:  Houston





So after looking at injuries and likely lineups, it doesn't look like Memphis will be able to hang.  If they had Papa and Rashad healthy, they could keep up and possibly pull the upset, but without enough healthy bodies, this may be too far out of reach for the upstart Grizzlies.



Star

Tim Frazier

Frazier will be the likely starter with Thomas out.  He went from a relative unknown out of Penn State to a starter in the NBA and NLL.  He is a crafty scorer and has started to be a better playmaker for his team too.  His defense has always been suspect, but many young players aren't great defenders.  Frazier needs to be a great facilitator this game to keep his offense flowing.

 
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
FPG
TPG

 
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
FPG
TPG

Star

Marquese Chriss

Chriss is going to be the best player for Memphis and needs to have a big game as a rookie to help his team win.  Marquese is one of the most athletic bigs in the game right now and has a shot to boot.  Let's see if Memphis goes to him early and often to put the Houston bigs in foul trouble.

X-Factor
Dante Exum of Memphis will be the guy that can really turn this game in Memphis's favor.  He is prone to turnovers, and shoots too many 3-pointers, but if he can keep his weaknesses hidden this game, he will keep Memphis close.  Exum needs to get in the double-digit assists, and keep his assist/turnover ratio at closer to 3:1.  This will enable Memphis to have some quality possessions and he can be the floor general that Memphis wants him to be.