By Michael Wallace
Grind City Media
SAN ANTONIO – Tony Allen played a critical role in containing MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard in last week’s win over the Spurs.
As the Grizzlies prepare for Thursday’s game in San Antonio, they’re hoping to have Allen back on the court after dealing with left knee soreness the past few days.
Allen, who sat out of Tuesday’s loss in New Orleans, is a game-time decision entering the second showdown in six days against the Spurs. He hasn’t played since he limited Leonard to a 6-for-15 shooting night from the field and three turnovers in Saturday’s 104-96 win in Memphis.
Allen spoke with Grind City Media earlier Thursday about his progress from the knee soreness and his prospects for Thursday’s game.
Grind City’s NBA Power Index
Golden State Warriors
San Antonio Spurs
Houston Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers
Boston Celtics
Utah
Los Angeles Clippers
Washington Wizards
Toronto Raptors
Oklahoma City Thunder
News that Kevin Durant is progressing through knee rehab and is starting to increase his workload to light shooting drills certainly seemed to boost the Warriors’ spirit. Golden State has won five in a row entering the weekend. Last Week: 2
The rest-or-push dilemma will come to a head for the Spurs, who must decide over the next few games whether to push for the No. 1 seed or prioritize rest for a supporting cast that seems to be running on fumes right now. Last Week: 1
James Harden is keeping his name firmly in the MVP race with a prolific stretch that included 40-point triple-doubles on a back-to-back set last weekend. He has an NBA record seven 40-point triple-doubles this season. Last Week: 3
The sound you hear blowing in off the lake in Cleveland are not exactly the winds of panic. But LeBron is calling out his team for its lack of toughness after the defending champs have dropped six of their past 10 games as tensions rise. Last Week: 4
The No. 1 seed in the East is certainly within striking distance for the feisty Celtics, who trail the Cavs by just one game with 10 remaining. That includes seven home games and one more huge showdown with LeBron and Co. Last Week: 7
Utah’s 11-2 record when George Hill, Rodney Hood Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are the starters speaks to the potential of this team in the playoffs. Keeping that group healthy has been the major challenge. Last Week: 1
Amid speculation this appears more and more likely to be the last run for the Clippers as currently constructed, Lob City responded with a three-game winning streak, albeit aided heavily by a win over the Big 3-less Cavs. Last Week: 8
John Wall is providing everything his team needs to remain a legit threat in the East hunt. He set a career high with 20 assists in a recent win. Now, if he can just get some consistent help from the supporting cast, look out. Last Week: 5
Now isn’t the ideal time to lose a frontline player to suspension for fighting. But the Raptors were fortunate the league levied only a one-game ban on Serge Ibaka for his role in a fight with Bulls center Robin Lopez this week. Last Week: 10
The triple-doubles keep coming for Russell Westbrook, who became the first player in NBA history with a perfect one by making all six field goals and all six free-throws for 18 points, 14 assists and 11 boards in Wednesday’s win over the Sixers. Last Week: 9
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