SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs take on the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs.
The Spurs went 4-0 against Memphis during the regular season. Here's a look at the individual head-to-head matchups.
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Point Guard: Tony Parker vs. Jordan Farmar
Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is not expected to play in this series. Parker's numbers were down this season, but he should be able to handle Farmar or any other point guard Memphis throws his way. ADVANTAGE: Parker.
Tony Parker vs Jordan Farmar | PointAfter
Shooting Guard: Danny Green vs. Tony Allen
Allen has been hampered by injury, but is a solid defender who will also guard Kawhi Leonard at times. Green has struggled this season finding his shooting touch. If Allen is healthy, he remains the bigger factor in this series. ADVANTAGE: Allen.
Danny Green vs Tony Allen | PointAfter
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard vs. Matt Barnes
No analysis needed here. Leonard is an All-Pro who should have no problem defending or scoring against Barnes. A Leonard vs. Allen matchup is more appealing, but again, neither one is at Leonard's level. ADVANTAGE: Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard vs Matt Barnes | PointAfter
Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Zach Randolph
Three years ago, this would have been a premier power forward matchup, but Randolph's game has slipped while Aldridge has only gotten better as the season as gone along. Randolph will still put up decent numbers, but Aldridge averaged 27 PPG against the Grizz this season. ADVANTAGE: Aldridge.
LaMarcus Aldridge vs Zach Randolph | PointAfter
Center: Tim Duncan vs. Chris Andersen
The Birdman landed on Memphis' roster after Marc Gasol's season ending injury. He's serviceable, but Duncan should have the upper hand if he chooses to be a bigger part of the offense. Duncan is still as efficient as ever, but takes a back seat to LMA and Kawhi. ADVANTAGE: Duncan.
Tim Duncan vs Chris Andersen | PointAfter
Key Bench Player: Manu Ginobili vs. Lance Stephenson
Stephenson was a midseason acquisition who was forced to play big minutes for Memphis. Stephenson has been solid for the Grizz down the stretch. Ginobili leads the best bench in the league and is a playmaker during key moments of a game. ADVANTAGE: Ginobili.
Manu Ginobili vs Lance Stephenson | PointAfter
Team comparison and prediction:
With Gasol and Conley out, the Spurs should have no problem with a gritty Memphis team. This should be a mere tune-up for the Spurs as OKC looms large in the next round. Spurs in 5.