Foes' woes no Griz concern
by Ronald Tillery tillery@commercialappeal.com , The Commercial Appeal
Tonight likely will run that trend to nine when the Utah Jazz visit FedExForum with Carlos Boozer (strained quad) and Deron Williams (ankle) expected to sit.
But just as the Griz realize no team is beyond exploiting their youth, they won't complain about facing undermanned opponents.
"You've got to take advantage when people are shorthanded," Griz coach Marc Iavaroni said. "You've got to have your best effort, execute and win."
Utah has been tough to beat despite the lineup shuffle because of injuries, a trademark of Jerry Sloan-coached teams.
Still, the Jazz has been dealing with enough adversity to cripple five teams.
In addition to Boozer hyperextending his left leg Wednesday and Williams recovering from a left ankle sprain he suffered during the preseason, five other players are dealing with bumps and bruises.
Mehmet Okur is playing through lower back pain. Matt Harpring, recovering from offseason ankle surgery and a subsequent infection, isn't due to play in the second game of back-to-back sets. Kyle Korver is playing through tendinitis in his right wrist. Jarron Collins has played a total of eight minutes this season because of right elbow tendinitis, and Brevin Knight is bothered by a groin injury and hasn't been practicing.
"We have to be fair and honest about it. We're playing some guys that haven't played before," Sloan said. "When guys get hurt, it's part of the business. Somebody gets a chance to play.
"Some of these guys are put in different situations and I think it's good for them; hopefully it'll be good for our team moving forward."
Bang for the buck
Who says it's a bad economy when it comes to Basketball? If it's something you want, you buy it.
That apparently is how Cherry Blanton and Billie McKeehan felt when they had a chance to bid on the ultimate Grizzlies experience.
Blanton and McKeehan were the highest bidders during an auction held at the team's annual tip-off luncheon, and they earned the right to accompany the Grizzlies to Dallas.
For $1,450, they flew on the team plane, stayed at a lavish hotel near American Airlines Center and met the players and coaches. Of course, the package included a pair of tickets to the game and a ride home immediately after.
All proceeds from the auction went to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Memphis.
Season for giving
The Grizzlies are encouraging fans attending tonight's game to make a canned food donation at FedExForum, and receive ticket discounts for a future game.
Also, the first 5,000 fans will get a Rudy Gay bobblehead.
- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353
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