Catching up with...the Memphis Grizzlies

The Mavs will face the Grizzlies tonight for the fourth and final time this season. The Mavs have used the Grizzlies as a punching bag this year and have won all three of their meetings so far by an average of 11 points. The Mavs have now beat the Grizzlies in 10 straight regular-season games.

It's pretty much over
Not much was expected of the Grizzlies this year, and they have roundly delivered on those expectations. They have spent the last month dumping what salary they can and acquiring draft picks and youngsters when possible. They have lost 9 of their last 10 and the lottery drawing can't come fast enough. They are still one of the worst defensive teams in the league and have allowed under 100 points in only 2 of their last 13 games.

Bigs not doing much
The Grizzlies didn't trade for Kwame Brown with the expectation that he would be a great player, but he has been a complete non-factor thus far. Meanwhile, Memphis probably expected Darko Milicic to thrive under the expanded workload and absence of Pau Gasol. That has also been fruitless. In his last three games, Darko has averaged a mere 2 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Warrick thriving
With Gasol out of the picture, Hakim Warrick has made the best of the situation. He's really come alive lately and is averaging 20.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 57.3 percent from the floor in his last five games. If he can continue to play with gusto, he could join Rudy Gay as another one of the pieces the Grizzlies plan to build around for the future.

Burning question
Will Mike Miller be dealt on draft day for a higher pick? (My bold prediction says yes.)

-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd