Game #56: Miami Heat (28-27) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (27-26)

Use this post for your Open Game Thread

It feels like ages since the Heat last played, no?  Tonight they will play against Memphis who has been struggling quite a bit lately.  Granted, they are coming off of a big win in Toronto on Wednesday, but before that the Grizz had lost 5 straight and 7 of 8.  They are fighting hard for a playoff spot in the very tough Western Conference and currently sit 3½ games back of 8^th place Portland. 

The Heat are going to have to dig especially deep over the next 48 hours because they are pretty banged up.  We got a big scare when D-Wade pulled up lame after grabbing a routine rebound in New Jersey on Wednesday, but he is going to be ok.  However, Wade will not be in the lineup tonight as I'm sure the Heat are playing on the side of caution.  Also out tonight is point guard Rafer Alston with a hand injury, so starting in their places will be Carlos Arroyo and Daequan Cook.

Mario Chalmers will return to the lineup, and has been having some great practices in anticipation of getting back into the rotation.  It's no secret that he is not happy with being demoted from the starting lineup.  Rio has been out for the last nine games and is chomping at the bit to get back out there.

GAME NOTES

• The Heat have lost 4 of the last 5 against Memphis, including their last two visits to the FedEx Forum. 
• The Grizz have lost 3 straight games at home. 
• Look out for James Jones to get some non-garbage minutes tonight.  You know that makes me happy :o)
• Memphis has gone 25-18 since waiving guard Allen Iverson.

Tipoff from Memphis is set for 8pm.  When these teams met in Miami earlier this season, the Grizzlies won behind 41 points from Rudy Gay, as well as 16 points and 15 boards from Marc Gasol. 

I'll leave you with a quote from Pat Riley, speaking about his ultimate decision to keep this team together for the remainder of the season.

"We're a playoff team.  We can be very competitive. This team might be a better playoff team than it is during the regular season if everybody's healthy."