Spurs, Grizzlies face-off in possible first round preview

Tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at AT&T Center

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandan Wright, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

SAN ANTONIO – When the San Antonio Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night at the AT&T Center it will be the fourth and final time these to teams will meet in the regular season, but it may not be the last time they see each other this spring.

If positions in the Western Conference standings hold true, Spurs at No. 2 and the Grizzlies at No.7, these two teams will meet the first round of the playoffs with the Spurs having home court advantage.  

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Pau Gasol said he actually takes a look at the standings.

"Looks like Memphis could be our matchup," said Gasol. "Seems like especially the Spurs run into them every other season, if we do its going to be a tough battle, a team that regardless we have to move past."

The Spurs beat the Grizzlies the last time they met, 97-90. LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 and Kawhi Leonard scored 19. The Grizzlies lead the season series 2-1.

Even with a win the Grizzlies always give the Spus fits mostly because of their physical play, and that is something the Spurs are going to have to deal with and learn to adjust too especially if they are going to see them in the first round of a seven game series.

"We just have to execute we have to come out ready we have be the aggressor we have to be physical we have to meet that physicality we've got to take the initiative," said Gasol.

The Spurs are on their final stretch to the playoffs. They have only six games left.

They would like to take advantage of the remaining games for final preps for the playoffs.

"Take advantage of the opportunity, go through these games, get better as a team and then when playoffs start be ready for it," Gasol said.

Jonathon Simmons is one of those looking for some playoff playing time this year and for the young guy, the postseason can't get here soon enough. 

"Ready to get these last couple of games out of the way get ready, got down to money time," Simmons said. 

"We just have to execute we have to come out ready we have be the aggressor we have to be physical we have to meet that physicality we've got to take the initiative.," said Gasol.


About the Author:

David Sears, a native San Antonian, has been at KSAT for more than 20 years.