5 first round NBA playoff matchups we’re dying to see
By Noah Torr
5. Spurs – Grizzlies
If the playoffs started today, the Spurs would be playing the Grizzlies in a heated matchup that has always caused sparks to fly.
Last year, the Spurs swept the Grizzlies 4-0 in their playoff series. This year could be different, though. The heart of the Spurs — Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Tony Parker — is mostly the same, but the Spurs bench has drastically changed. Their two big rookies, Davis Bertans and Dejounte Murray have proven their worth to the Spurs this season. They acquired David Lee, Dewayne Dedmon, and Pau Gasol in the offseason who have added depth at the center position after Duncan retired. The energizer bunny, Patty Mills, is now splitting minutes with the aging Tony Parker. The Spurs are very different than last year.
The Grizzlies have also changed. They fired Dave Joerger and hired Miami Heat assistant coach, David Fizdale. The Grizzlies signed Mike Conley to the biggest contract in NBA history over the summer. They also signed Chandler Parsons, who has underperformed and will be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing a meniscectomy. Marc Gasol is attempting more 3-pointers this season, and has become one of the best stretch bigs in the league.
The only thing that remained constant for these two teams since they met in the playoffs last season was their logos. This will be one matchup to look out for.