My Team - Grizzlies versus Minnesota

That four-games-in-five-days road trip is done, and Memphis survived. Monday night, they host the Timberwolves (who won at home Sunday night against New Orleans).

In watching the Grizz lately, a few things seem to stand out:

• One, Randolph and Gasol are showing some wear and tear. For Randolph, it shows on offense, where he's settling for that mid-range fade-away jumper from the right wing. For Gasol, it shows where he's not as quick to shuffle over to close down the lane on defense.

• Two, backcourt shot selection has been up and down. Conley took 18 shots in the last game against the Jazz. That same night, Bayless led the team in scoring while taking 14 shots. While Conley's shot has been more consistent this year (not counting the game against the Jazz), when the backcourt takes most of the shots the team offense bogs down. Others stop cutting hard to the hoop, and the team ends up forcing bad jump shots late in the shot clock. That adds up to too many unproductive possessions, which in turn makes a huge difference in the type of close game Memphis usually plays.

• Three, Allen's offense has fallen off lately. In February, he was successful in driving to the hoop (usually from the left wing). He'd then either hit the 12-foot jumper or get to the rim and hit the layup. Lately, he settles for a 17-foot jumper, which isn't his strength. His jump shot from that range is flat, and he has a late wrist snap or flex in his form that hinders accuracy. He's got to get back to being that opportunity scorer, picking up baskets when the game flow gets sloppy for both teams. Also, his turnovers are increasing - he's got to take better care of the ball.

• Four, post players off the bench are doing alright, but more will be needed of them down the stretch. Davis has played fairly well, but not having Arthur hurts. Arthur is the backup post player who can hold his own when the games get more physical, and is still nimble enough to score inside and out. The team needs him at full strength as soon as possible.

For Minnesota, their starting five is pretty good. Rubio-Ridnour-Pekovic-Williams-Kirilenko is a nice group with all sorts of skill. Williams got 28 against New Orleans, Rubio had 16 with 6 assists and Kirilenko blocked a shot late to help save the victory. Former Memphis player Dante Cunningham gives the team a lift off the bench, along with J.J. Berea.

My guess: Memphis 95, Minnesota 93. It's gonna be yet another difficult challenge for Memphis. Tonight, the home crowd's enthusiasm will make a difference. If those in attendance provide that energy from start to finish, the team will ride that wave of emotion to make key plays late. This will be a good matchup, as most are this time of year.

As always, my guessing isn't for gaming purposes, but for keeping my brain active.

After the Game: Memphis 92, Minnesota 77. Timberwolves had season lows in points, shooting percentage (33.7%) and assists (14). Minnesota had 29 field goals and 11 turnovers.

Memphis had 40 field goals, 19 assists and 13 turnovers. The Grizz also blocked 10 shots, 4 by Gasol.  Scoring was balanced, with Conley leading the way (20 pts, 6 assists). Gasol (16, 8 rebs), Bayless (15), Randolph (14, 10 rebs) and Prince (12, 14 rebs) all played well. The third quarter again was the difference, with Memphis winning it 29-14. The fourth quarter started out with backups on the floor, but Minnesota didn't quit. Memphis had starters on the floor until the 3-minute-remaining point.

The Timberwolves were led by Alexy Shved with 12. J.J. Barea and Mickael Gelabale scored 11 each. No Minnesota starter scored in double figures. Ridnour (2/12 FG/A) and Derrick Williams (3/12) in particular had off nights. Kevin Love and Chase Budinger  (both injured) would have made a huge difference in that rough third quarter for Minnesota.

Time for Memphis to rest up and prep for that home game against Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. Go, Grizz.