Nuggets at Grizzlies
THE STORY: The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to keep their
heads above water until Zach Randolph returns. The Grizzlies, who are
two games out of playoff position, host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
Memphis is coming off its fourth straight loss – 83-73 to the San
Antonio Spurs on Monday – and won’t have its star forward back until
after the All-Star break. Randolph played only four games before
slightly tearing his right MCL. The Nuggets, meanwhile, have won five
straight on the road, and their seven victories away from home trail
only Chicago and Oklahoma City. Denver is coming off a 109-105 loss to
the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday which snapped its six-game winning
streak, but still owns the second-best record in the West. The Nuggets,
who lead the NBA at 105.8 points per game, have won four of the last
five meetings, and 12 of the last 14.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude 2 (Denver), SportSouth (Memphis)
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (14-6): Point guard Ty Lawson injured his ankle
against Sacramento on Wednesday and thought he could play Sunday, but
determined he could not during pre-game warm-ups. So Andre Miller
started his second straight game and provided his fourth straight
double-double. Miller, who turns 36 on March 19, averaged 39 minutes in
his last four games, well above his 30.6 season mark. Denver has six
players averaging double figures in scoring.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (10-10):
Point guard Mike Conley’s biggest effect on whether Memphis wins or
loses can be found in the scoring column. He is averaging 16.2 points
per win but just over half that (8.8) per loss. O.J. Mayo provided a
spark off the bench Monday with 17 points and is averaging 11.9 this
season. After a three-game road trip beginning Thursday in Atlanta,
Memphis plays eight of its final 10 games before the All-Star break at
home.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Memphis is 5-0 this season
when scoring 100 points but 0-2 when its opponent reaches the century
mark. Denver has scored 100 points 13 times, which shares the NBA lead
with Miami.
2. Denver is 22-5 in its last 27 road games against the spread.