The Pre-Funk: Grizzlies vs. Blazers 1/5

The all day coverage you need to go into tonight's contest. We're just making sure you're prepared to drop that extra knowledge on the brosephs to get you another smidgen of respect.

Party Attendees...

Memphis cruised into town last night to take down the Acropolis while the Blazers were down in L.A. taking a nap on a basketball court. Weren't the Grizzlies just in town? We're seriously not even half way through the season and it's already starting to feel like Portland is playing the same teams over and over again. We either get the Clippers, T-Wolves, Grizzlies or Rockets. Hooray for balanced scheduling!

The last time Zach and his posse rolled in, Memphis had their way with Portland. In fact, the Blazers failed to slow down every single decent player on their roster. Effort! And now that Sir Randolph is getting all sorts of national approvals, he'll be ready to drop 40 on his former lover. Speaking of his newly found fame...does anyone realize that the Grizzlies still suck? How about the fact that they started out 1-8? Hot streaks or not, their jerseys still say "Memphis" across the chest.

They have just 2 wins when scoring less than 100 points with both coming against...wait for it...Minnesota. So with Portland's specialty of holding opponents under that number, you might be able to lean to a certain local side tonight.

On a semi-side note, can someone finally explain where the nickname "Z-Bo" comes from? I understand "A-Rod," "K-Rod," and "B-Roy," but where the hell does the "Bo" come from? In my mind, he'll always be "Z-Ra!"

On Tap...

A fantastic statistical look from Ben on Brandon Roy's streak. [BlazersEdge]
Casinos supporting the kids, Blazers and Haarlow. [Casino City Times]
Added security tonight at the arena. Go Early! [Joe Freeman]
Zach Randolph as most improved! [Ball Don't Lie]
Full game preview from Dave. [BlazersEdge]
Enemy coverage #1. [3 Shades of Blue]

Cheap Shots...

I may have used this before, but it's just awesome.

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