# Grizzlies, Nets continue playoff push

Dominick Wise

This is the second meeting between these two teams this season. The Grizzlies won first with 122-115 in double overtime. The Grizzlies had trailed the Cavaliers by 24 at halftime, then by 16 heading into the fourth quarter. 

18-year-old Lebron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in a game. 

These two teams are heading in two different directions. Almost a month ago, the Cavilers were in sixth place for the playoffs spot. They now stand three games back of the last playoff spot. Injuries have taken their toll on the Cavilers. 

The Cavilers have been missing their key guard Jeff McInnis, who has been on the injured reserve list with a bruised right shoulder. 

McInnis is scheduled to return for Tuesday’s game against the Raptors. 

After playing the Grizzlies, the Cavilers have four games remaining on their schedule. 

They need to win all four to stay alive for the playoffs. 

Can McInnis save the Cavilers season? We’ll see what he’s worth in the Cavilers next four games. 

At the beginning of the NBA season no one predicted the Grizzlies to be in competition for the playoffs or the Midwest division crown. 

The Grizzlies have won 50 games for the first time in franchise history. The team has nine games remaining. And they own the season tiebreaker over the second place San Antonio Spurs. 

They pushed forward without injured forward Bonzi Wells, who has played a key role in the Grizzlies’ season. 

I think the Grizzlies bench is more talented than the Cavilers. 

I know McInnis will be able to play in this game, but the question remains: How effective will he be? I think he needs to score big in this game if the Cavilers are to have a chance against a hungry Grizzlies team. 

The Grizzlies are the NBA’s hottest and scariest team. This team is just a couple of games away from clinching the Midwest division. I think they won’t let the Cavilers stand in their way. 

Lebron and company better bring their A-game for this contest. 

Prediction: Grizzlies 106 Cavilers 97 

New Jersey Nets at Milwaukee Bucks: Wednesday 7:30 

The Bucks lead this season series 2-1. They have a good chance of winning the season series against the Nets tonight. 

These teams have both been bitten by the injury bug as of the last month. Both teams could enter the playoffs without their point guards. 

The Nets are desperately missing Jason Kidd’s play at the point guard position. Kidd is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with an injured knee. 

Before Kidd’s injury the Nets were the best in the Eastern Conference. 

If the Nets are to advance in the playoffs, they need Kidd to be at full strength. Teammates will have to step up their game. 

However, Nets’ Kenyon Martin recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for a few games. 

The Bucks have been playing below .500 basketball, ever since T.J. Ford went down with a spinal cord injury. 

Bucks’ coach Terry Porter is in the race to be coach of the year. He has the Bucks believing that they are contenders in the East. 

But the Bucks need T.J. Ford off the injury list if they want to win their first round game. They also need Keith Van Horn’s ankle to heal. 

With Van Horn’s ankle limiting his playing time, I think the Nets will pound the ball inside and control the boards. 

Kerry Kittles and Luscious Harris will need a big game if the Nets want to tie up this season series. 

Michael Redd will also need a big game if the Bucks want to have a chance at winning. I think the Nets backcourt is better than the Bucks right now. 

Look for Keynon Martin to be a dominant force inside. 

Prediction: Nets 91 Bucks 84