HEAT host Grizzlies, look for 13th straight win

It’s not rare to have two really good teams face each other on national television, but it’s not always the case that they are the two hottest teams in the Association. And that’s exactly what we get tonight when the Memphis Grizzlies come to South Beach to take on the Miami HEAT.

The HEAT have reeled off 12 straight victories and haven’t lost a game in a month. But the Grizzlies are next in line, with the second longest winning streak in the NBA at eight in a row.

Miami is looking to avoid a season sweep by the Grizzlies. Early this season, the Grizzlies put a 104-86 beat down on HEAT in Memphis to give the them their second defeat of the season back on November 11. It was a game that saw Wayne Ellington knock down a career high 7 three-pointers off the bench. Rudy Gay lead the starters with 21. The HEAT struggled as they shot only 38% and Dwyane Wade chipped in only 8 points.

Unfortunately for Memphis, Rudy Gay and Wayne Ellington have both been traded away. But that hasn’t slowed them down. Powered by their bigs of Marc Gasol and All-Star Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies have the 5th best record in the NBA. It’s no surprise the HEAT have noticed.

"We're paying attention, we know how well they're playing. It's a reason they're one of the best teams in the West" said LeBron James.

Coach Spoelstra also added, "We know what to expect. They're a physical team and they're going to be coming at us. We're ready."

The Grizzlies defense is what make them a difficult matchup for the HEAT. They allow a NBA-best, 87.9 PPG. Memphis has won 3 of the past 4 meetings with Miami. But Miami is a far better team than it was in November, and the HEAT are on a mission to be on top of the NBA.

The HEAT are 41-14 and the Grizzlies hold a 38-18 record.

The game tips off at 8pm and you can see it on ESPN.

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