The Other Side: Memphis Grizzlies

I got it. I got it. Oh wait. I don't got it. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Even in better times, the Washington Wizards have had trouble with the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis has won five of the past seven games between the two teams -- including a 113-97 rout at Verizon Center on Feb. 2 -- and has a 13-12 all-time record against the Wizards. The Grizzlies have gone just 8-22 since Lionel Hollins replaced Marc Iavaroni, who was fired after starting the season 11-30.

Memphis has won two of its past three games, including a 114-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Here's what else you should know about the Grizzlies as they prepare to host the Wizards tonight at FedEx Forum:

1. Lionel Hollins Is a Realist
This is the year of the interim coach, with eight teams firing their head coaches this season. Lionel Hollins is no interim, though. He is the only coach who was hired and given a full-time position. Hollins is allowed to see the long view, which means he doesn't have to sugarcoat anything.

2. O.J. Mayo Is Cooling Off
O.J. Mayo started out the season on fire, averaging 22 points through his first 17 games, and was pushing Derrick Rose for the rookie of year award. He had 33 points the last time he faced the Wizards, and scored 32 points the next night against Houston. But Mayo has been in a prolonged slump. He averaged just 14.7 points in March.

3. Mike Conley Is Getting His Shot
The Grizzlies have had to wait some time for 2007 No. 4 overall pick Mike Conley to take the reigns as starting point guard. He battled with Kyle Lowry for awhile, but he has more freedom since Hollins took over and with Lowry now in Houston. He has had two games with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the past three.