About the Grizzlies: Memphis clinched a playoff berth Wednesday night with a 103-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.  Before Friday night’s games, the Grizzlies were in fifth place in the Western Conference, 1-1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers, and positioned to finish as high as third heading into the postseason. … Gay leads the NBA in dunks and is the only player in the league with at least 100 dunks and 40 three-pointers. … Before Friday night’s game at Charlotte, Conley ranked second in the NBA in steals (129). … Gasol is averaging career highs in points, rebounds and assists (3.2). Gasol earned his first All-Star game selection this season. He’s the third Memphis player to earn the honor, joining teammate Zach Randolph and brother Pau Gasol. … Randolph, the former Blazers forward, is now part of the second unit for the Grizzlies.  

Given their recent dominance at home, the Memphis Grizzlies know how valuable fourth place in the Western Conference would be.

A matchup with the slumping Portland Trail Blazers could help them inch closer to securing that spot.

Seeking a ninth consecutive win at FedExForum, Memphis squares off against a Portland team looking to snap its longest losing streak of the season Saturday night.

Winners of 11 of 14 overall, the Grizzlies (38-25) locked up no worse than the fifth seed Friday, concluding their road schedule with a 85-80 victory over Charlotte. Mike Conley posted team highs of 20 points and seven assists while Zach Randolph scored 14 off the bench for Memphis, which moved within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers, current owners of the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

“This was one we needed,” Conley said. “This was a big win for us. We locked up the fifth spot and now we have a shot at the fourth seed, so we needed this win.”

While the Clippers’ remaining schedule includes visits to Atlanta and New York, the Grizzlies could have a leg up with three in a row at home. Memphis, which hosts Cleveland and Orlando following this contest, hasn’t lost at home in more a month, winning eight in a row while limiting opponents to an average of 91.0 points.

Offensively, the Grizzlies are averaging 103.3 points on 49.8 percent shooting over their last three home games. They haven’t won nine straight on their own floor since a franchise-best 11-game run Dec. 18-Jan. 25, 2010.

Two nights after being officially eliminated from postseason contention with a 125-107 loss at Phoenix, Portland (28-35) suffered its fourth straight defeat Wednesday, falling 112-91 in its home finale to Utah.

“I’ll continue to say it. I believe it – we do have the best fans in the world,” interim coach Kaleb Canales told the Blazers’ official website. “It’s been a challenging season for us but we appreciate what they mean to us.”

Despite being assured of their first losing record since going 32-50 in 2006-07, the Blazers seem upbeat as they open a season-ending three-game road trip that also includes visits to San Antonio and Utah.

“To be honest with you, I’m really excited, because this is being thrown into the fire for our guys because we’re playing three teams that are battling for playoff positions,” Canales added. “It’s an exciting time for us.”

The Blazers, who last week shut down LaMarcus Aldridge for the rest of the season due to a right hip injury, will also be without Joel Przybilla (bronchitis) and Raymond Felton (personal reasons) in this one.

Portland had won eight straight at Memphis before falling 86-73 in its last visit Dec. 13, 2010. The Blazers have taken three straight overall matchups in this series – all at the Rose Garden.

Guard Lester Hudson was inactive Friday night after signing with the Grizzlies earlier in the day. His status for this game is unknown.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark late and Mike Conley provided it.

Conley scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Grizzlies came alive defensively, hanging on to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 85-80 on Friday night and avoiding a humiliating loss to the worst team in the league.

The win assures the Grizzlies no worse than the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a shot to still move up to fourth.

The Grizzlies overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit and a career-high-tying 32-point effort from Gerald Henderson of the Bobcats, who extended the franchise record with their 19th straight loss.

Conley admits it was ”much tougher” than expected.

”We knew they were playing for pride and we’ve been in that situation on the opposite end and we knew we were going to get their best effort,” Conley said.

For the Bobcats (7-55), the misery continues.

On the 25-year anniversary of Michael Jordan scoring a NBA playoff-record 63 points against the Boston Celtics, the team Jordan now owns took a step closer toward cementing a dubious spot in league history. If the Bobcats lose their final four games they will finish with the worst winning percentage in NBA history.

”Everyone knows what we’re playing for,” Henderson said. ”We don’t want to set that record. There was a little more sense of urgency in our play tonight.”

Conley credited the win to the team’s defense in the fourth quarter that forced seven turnovers.

Henderson’s 3-pointer got the Bobcats within three points with 20 seconds left, but he turned the ball over in the lane with 10.8 seconds left on the next possession. Conley was immediately fouled and hit two free throws the seal the victory.

”We gave it away,” Henderson said. ”We had some possessions where they just took the ball from us. That led to some fast break dunks. You know, against a team like that, you have to execute on offense and you can’t give them easy buckets coming down the stretch.”

Said Conley: ”Defensively we put a lot of pressure on them and made them take tough shots down the stretch.”

Zach Randolph added 14 points for Memphis (38-25).

It was a frustrating night for Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, who expected a little more from his team against a Bobcats team that has been beaten on average by nearly 14 points per game this season.

”I finally found a group that both had chemistry out on the court and played with a little bit of energy and a little bit of enthusiasm and wanted to just be out there and play,” Hollins said.

The Grizzlies outscored the Bobcats 28-15 in the fourth quarter, primarily in pick and rolls in the offensive set and run-outs.

”We didn’t even try to throw the ball in the post,” Hollins said. ”We just attacked them in the pick and roll, pick and roll, and we were able to get layups and dump offs. That was the key to the game. We did a much better job defensively as well in the fourth quarter of stopping their guys from scoring.”

The took a 17-4 lead behind 11 points by Henderson, leaving fans to wonder if the losing streak might finally come to an end. But the lead was short-lived as Marc Gasol scored six straight points and the Grizzlies led 39-37 at halftime.

Charlotte took a 65-57 lead into the fourth quarter, but it didn’t take long for the Grizzlies to erase that deficit.

Conley began driving to the hole and soon the game was tied at 71.

Ex-Bobcat Dante Cunningham had uncontested fastbreak dunks on consecutive possessions. Marreese Speights added another dunk off a feed from Conley with 5:25 left. Conley, who had seven assists, then hit another driving layup to push the lead to eight.

The pesky Bobcats cut the lead to three points on two occasions, but couldn’t get any closer.

”This was one we needed,” Conley said. ”This was a big win for us. We locked up the fifth spot and now we have a shot at the fourth seed, so we needed this win.”

Despite the loss, Bobcats coach Paul Silas was proud of how hard this team fought.

”This is the experience we need,” Silas said. ”We really are not an experienced team but any team that we play we have to believe we can be as tough as them and we were tonight. We didn’t back down. We didn’t give up. We just kept going at it.”

NOTES: Memphis’ Rudy Gay and Charlotte’s Bimack Biyombo had to be separated after coming face-to-face in the game’s final 45 seconds. Both were given technical fouls. … The teams combined for 40 turnovers. … Henderson has scored 20 or more points in four of his last seven games. … Conley is averaging 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds over his last three starts.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)

The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark late and Mike Conley provided it.

Conley scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter and the Grizzlies came alive defensively, hanging on to beat the Charlotte Bobcats 85-80 on Friday night and avoiding a humiliating loss to the worst team in the league.

The win assures the Grizzlies no worse than the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a shot to still move up to fourth.

The Grizzlies overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit and a career-high-tying 32-point effort from Gerald Henderson of the Bobcats, who extended the franchise record with their 19th straight loss.

Conley admits it was ”much tougher” than expected.

”We knew they were playing for pride and we’ve been in that situation on the opposite end and we knew we were going to get their best effort,” Conley said.

For the Bobcats (7-55), the misery continues.

On the 25-year anniversary of Michael Jordan scoring a NBA playoff-record 63 points against the Boston Celtics, the team Jordan now owns took a step closer toward cementing a dubious spot in league history. If the Bobcats lose their final four games they will finish with the worst winning percentage in NBA history.

”Everyone knows what we’re playing for,” Henderson said. ”We don’t want to set that record. There was a little more sense of urgency in our play tonight.”

Conley credited the win to the team’s defense in the fourth quarter that forced seven turnovers.

Henderson’s 3-pointer got the Bobcats within three points with 20 seconds left, but he turned the ball over in the lane with 10.8 seconds left on the next possession. Conley was immediately fouled and hit two free throws the seal the victory.

”We gave it away,” Henderson said. ”We had some possessions where they just took the ball from us. That led to some fast break dunks. You know, against a team like that, you have to execute on offense and you can’t give them easy buckets coming down the stretch.”

Said Conley: ”Defensively we put a lot of pressure on them and made them take tough shots down the stretch.”

Zach Randolph added 14 points for Memphis (38-25).

It was a frustrating night for Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, who expected a little more from his team against a Bobcats team that has been beaten on average by nearly 14 points per game this season.

”I finally found a group that both had chemistry out on the court and played with a little bit of energy and a little bit of enthusiasm and wanted to just be out there and play,” Hollins said.

The Grizzlies outscored the Bobcats 28-15 in the fourth quarter, primarily in pick and rolls in the offensive set and run-outs.

”We didn’t even try to throw the ball in the post,” Hollins said. ”We just attacked them in the pick and roll, pick and roll, and we were able to get layups and dump offs. That was the key to the game. We did a much better job defensively as well in the fourth quarter of stopping their guys from scoring.”

The took a 17-4 lead behind 11 points by Henderson, leaving fans to wonder if the losing streak might finally come to an end. But the lead was short-lived as Marc Gasol scored six straight points and the Grizzlies led 39-37 at halftime.

Charlotte took a 65-57 lead into the fourth quarter, but it didn’t take long for the Grizzlies to erase that deficit.

Conley began driving to the hole and soon the game was tied at 71.

Ex-Bobcat Dante Cunningham had uncontested fastbreak dunks on consecutive possessions. Marreese Speights added another dunk off a feed from Conley with 5:25 left. Conley, who had seven assists, then hit another driving layup to push the lead to eight.

The pesky Bobcats cut the lead to three points on two occasions, but couldn’t get any closer.

”This was one we needed,” Conley said. ”This was a big win for us. We locked up the fifth spot and now we have a shot at the fourth seed, so we needed this win.”

Despite the loss, Bobcats coach Paul Silas was proud of how hard this team fought.

”This is the experience we need,” Silas said. ”We really are not an experienced team but any team that we play we have to believe we can be as tough as them and we were tonight. We didn’t back down. We didn’t give up. We just kept going at it.”

Notes: Memphis’ Rudy Gay and Charlotte’s Bimack Biyombo had to be separated after coming face-to-face in the game’s final 45 seconds. Both were given technical fouls. … The teams combined for 40 turnovers. … Henderson has scored 20 or more points in four of his last seven games. … Conley is averaging 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds over his last three starts.

Gay was on 9 of 14 from the field and Conley hit 8 of 11 as the Grizzlies shot 51 percent overall. O.J. Mayo scored 15 points and Zach Randolph added 10 for Memphis, which won for the 10th time in 13 games.

Rookie Jerome Dyson led the Hornets with a career-high 24 points, while Carl Landry finished with 16, hitting all four of his shots from the field and going 8 of 9 from the line. Marco Belinelli matched Landry’s 16 points, and Jason Smith finished with 12.

The loss snapped New Orleans’ four-game winning streak.

With the victory, Memphis maintained its hold on the fifth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies’ start was hardly representative of a team trying to clinch a playoff berth. They struggled and seemed content to ignore their offensive plans, relying more on a one-on-one mentality.

Only a ramped-up defensive approach in the closing minutes of the first half kept Memphis close.

Memphis opened the third quarter on a 20-4 run, hitting its first nine shots in the period. Meanwhile, the defense forced six turnovers and allowed New Orleans only five shots in the first 6 minutes of the quarter.

The rally gave Memphis a 67-52 lead midway through the third quarter. The Grizzlies would continue to build the lead to as many as 24 points as they outscored the Hornets 37-12. Gay had 13 in the quarter, and the Grizzlies forced 11 turnovers in the third alone.

That was enough for the smiles to emerge from the Memphis bench, and the reserves to get extended minutes, playing the bulk of the fourth quarter.

Belinelli’s 3-pointer with just over a second left in the half gave him 14 points and the Hornets a 48-47 lead.

Belinelli connected on 6 of 11 shots in the half, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range, part of the Hornets shooting 54 percent.

Memphis, which has a reputation as one of the league’s strongest inside teams, decided to rely on long-range shooting, hitting only one of its eight shots from outside the arc. Still, Memphis had a 34-18 advantage in the paint, and the Hornets were hindered by nine turnovers.

Memphis ended the game outscoring the Hornets 56-34 in the paint, and New Orleans committed 24 turnovers.

Notes: The Hornets defeated Memphis 88-75 on Sunday in New Orleans. .Memphis reserve G Gilbert Arenas sat out the game with an injured finger on his shooting hand. .The Hornets announced before the game that C Chris Kaman likely will miss the rest of the season with a bruised left tibia. G Jarrett Jack already is out with a right foot stress fracture and C Emeka Okafor is likely gone for the last four games with a sore left knee. .The Hornets signed 6-foot-11 C Darryl Watkins to a 10-day contract Wednesday. Watkins had two points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots against Memphis.

The Memphis Grizzlies are back in the playoffs, but they want to advance further than they did last season.

The bar is set much lower in Charlotte.

Memphis’ push for home-court advantage in the opening round of the postseason continues Friday night when the Bobcats try to end a franchise-record 18-game losing streak with their fifth straight home win in this series.

After making the playoffs last season for the first time since 2006 and winning their first-ever postseason series, the Grizzlies (37-25) clinched another playoff spot Wednesday with a 103-91 victory over Western Conference-worst New Orleans.

Memphis, though, is not satisfied with just being one of the top eight teams in the West. The Grizzlies have their eyes on a bigger prize after knocking out San Antonio in the West quarterfinals last season before pushing Oklahoma City to seven games in the next round.

“We have high expectations for ourselves,” guard O.J. Mayo said Wednesday after scoring 15 points. “It’s obviously the highest of expectations is to win a ring. Last year, we could just be happy to be there. This year, we definitely have a different focus. And we feel like we’re supposed to be there.”

The question now is where Memphis, which has won 12 of 16, will open the postseason. Currently fifth in the West, the Grizzlies have an outside chance to move up a spot if the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers fall.

While the Grizzlies prepare for what they hope is a deep playoff run, the lowly Bobcats’ only hope is to win one of their final five games to avoid the worst winning percentage in NBA history.

If Charlotte (7-54) can’t win another game, it will finish with a winning percentage of .106. The 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers went 9-73 for a .110 winning percentage.

“We don’t want to set that record,” guard Gerald Henderson said after the Bobcats lost an 18th straight game Wednesday – 100-68 to Chicago. “That’s something that we’re thinking about and we’ve talked about. We just want to win. That’s my sole goal.”

But if the Bobcats are going to avoid that dubious distinction, they’ll likely have to start shooting with more accuracy. They shot a season-low 29.8 percent against the Bulls, surpassing a mark set two nights earlier (30.3 percent) in a 75-67 loss to the Hornets.

“That’s been our problem all year,” said Bobcats coach Paul Silas, whose team is converting a league-worst 41.4 percent.

Charlotte, though, has hit 48.8 percent while winning six of eight against Memphis.

The Bobcats won 96-82 in the Grizzlies’ last visit to Time Warner Cable Arena on Jan. 10, 2011.

Memphis forward Rudy Gay, who finished with 13 points in that defeat, is scoring 24.5 per game – 5.4 more than his season average – over the last eight contests overall.

“I’m going to keep going out there and being aggressive,” Gay said. “That’s what I do. I’m a scorer by heart, and you can’t score without shooting.”

Memphis, 14-18 away from home, closes the road portion of its schedule Friday.

The Bobcats have dropped 11 in a row at home since a 107-103 victory over Toronto on March 17. That was also Charlotte’s last win anywhere.

Stats that stand out from the New Orleans Hornets’ 103-91 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.

1.3. Total shots made by the Hornets in the third quarter, all from forward Jason Smith.

2.14-16. Free throws made and attempted by backup point guard Jerome Dyson, who scored a team-high 24 points.

3.24. Turnovers committed by the Hornets.

4.28. Minutes played by Darryl Watkins, who was acquired on the day of the game.

5. 56. Points scored in the post by the Grizzlies.

 +/- rating for every Hornet player

Landry +4

Thomas -1

Vasquez -25

Henry -4

Belinelli -17

Aminu -3

Smith -16

Ayon -4

Dyson +13

FIRST QUARTER BREAKDOWN

Quarter score: Grizzlies 23,  Hornets 21

Hornets points in the paint: six.

Grizzlies points in the paint: 16.

Hornets second chance points: two.

Grizzlies second chance points: six.

Hornets fast-break points: four.

Grizzlies fast-break points: two.

Hornets biggest lead: two.

Grizzlies biggest lead: four.

Times tied: seven.

Hornets leading scorer: Marco Belinelli, six.

Grizzlies leading scorer: Rudy Gay, nine.

SECOND QUARTER BREAKDOWN

Quarter score: Hornets 27, Grizzlies 24

Hornets points in the paint: 12.

Grizzlies points in the paint: 18.

Hornets second chance points: four.

Grizzlies second chance points: two.

Hornets fast-break points: zero.

Grizzlies fast-break points: four.

Hornets biggest lead: six.

Grizzlies biggest lead: three.

Times tied: three.

Hornets leading scorer: Belinelli, eight.

Grizzlies leading scorer: Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, six.

THIRD QUARTER BREAKDOWN

Quarter score: Grizzlies 37, Hornets 12

Hornets points in the paint: four.

Grizzlies points in the paint: 16.

Hornets second chance points: two.

Grizzlies second chance points: four.

Hornets fast-break points: two.

Grizzlies fast-break points: four.

Hornets biggest lead: one.

Grizzlies biggest lead: 24.

Times tied: one.

Hornets leading scorer: Jason Smith, six.

Grizzlies leading scorer: Rudy Gay, 13.

FOURTH QUARTER BREAKDOWN

Quarter score: Hornets 31, Grizzlies 19

Hornets points in the paint: 12.

Grizzlies points in the paint: six.

Hornets second chance points: nine.

Grizzlies second chance points: five.

Hornets fast-break points: six.

Grizzlies fast-break points: zero.

Hornets biggest lead: zero.

Grizzlies biggest lead: 24.

Times tied: zero.

Hornets leading scorer:  Jerome Dyson, 13.

Grizzlies leading scorer: O.J. Mayo, seven.

The Utah Jazz (31-30) and the Memphis Grizzlies (35-24) locked horns in an intense, back-and-forth game Saturday night. Behind a dominant 33-22 fourth quarter, it was Memphis who emerged victorious, 103-98.

Guards: Utah’s starting backcourt of Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward played dramatically better Saturday, and it stemmed from aggressiveness and energy. Harris set the tone, scoring Utah’s first eight points en route to 20 total points and six assists. Hayward produced another all-around performance with 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. That said, they struggled defensively as Memphis guards Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo combined for 37 points themselves, including some dagger 3-pointers by Mayo down the stretch. GRADE: B

Forwards: Paul Millsap continues to give it his all, despite a lingering wrist injury. Playing more minutes at small forward, he put up 17 points and seven rebounds. Derrick Favors turned in his third consecutive double-double, totaling 10 points and 14 rebounds. The Utah forwards, however, had no answer for Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay, who paced Memphis with 26 points and 12 boards. GRADE: B+

Centers: Al Jefferson was very active offensively, shooting a stellar 10-of-17 from the field for 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists. He also did a decent job against all-star Marc Gasol, who still rattled off 17 points and nine boards. Enes Kanter had just two points. GRADE: B

Bench: Utah head coach Tyrone Corbin relied heavily on his starters, and as a result, the reserves other than Favors played just 41 minutes. They were not much of a factor, whereas Memphis’ bench was huge. The Grizzlies’ reserves scored 33 points. Blake Ahearn made his Utah Jazz debut, playing solid in a five-minute cameo. GRADE: C

Overall: There was a huge free-throw disparity in the Grizzlies’ favor, but the Jazz shot themselves in the foot with some costly errors in the fourth quarter — clanked free throws, missed defensive rotations and tough turnovers. Utah was so high just 30 hours ago. Disheartening back-to-back loses brought them back down. GRADE: B-

David Smith is providing instant analysis for Deseret News’ Utah Jazz coverage this season. He works for LDS Philanthropies and also blogs for the Utah Jazz 360 website. He can be reached at mechakucha1@gmail.com or on Twitter at davidjsmith1232.

Memphis, Tenn. »

QUARTER-BY-QUARTER ANALYSIS

The First: Jazz 30, Grizzlies 28

Devin Harris scores Utah’s first eight points but Memphis point guard Mike Conley is just as sharp. The Jazz take a 24-19 lead, withstand a Grizzlies charge, and take momentum into the second.

The Second: Jazz 51, Grizzlies 50

Blake Ahearn makes his Utah debut as the Jazz go small with their second unit. Utah keeps attacking, taking a 40-34 advantage. Marc Gasol pounds Utah inside and Memphis climbs back.

The Third: Jazz 76, Grizzlies 70

Memphis digs in. Zach Randolph starts the period, and the Grizzlies grab a 66-63 lead. Utah rolls off a 9-0 run, though, led by Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson, and Millsap drills a 3-pointer before the buzzer.

The Fourth: Grizzlies 103, Jazz 98

Two 3s by O.J. Mayo make it 82-80 Grizzlies. Both offenses slow down and Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin makes moves like Utah’s season is on the line. Memphis jumps ahead 98-94 late after a Mayo 3.

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Shortly after losing a fourth and final regular-season meeting with the Western Conference elite San Antonio Spurs, the Grizzlies returned home to prepare for a matchup against another team they haven’t beaten this season.

The Griz, however, don’t seem fazed by series results. They insisted that there is no apprehension about any potential playoff matchup following Thursday’s 107-97 loss at San Antonio.

“Obviously, we haven’t beaten San Antonio this year,” forward Rudy Gay said, “but I still feel like we can match up with them and anybody.”

Zach Randolph sounded dismissive of unfavorable series results, citing the Grizzlies’ seasonlong battle with injuries. Randolph said if you want to a good gauge on the Griz and where they are headed, then look at the past three weeks.

Memphis won nine of 12 games during that time and earned victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Dallas.

“We’re playing good basketball. We’ve gone through some good tests,” said Randolph, who will try to help the Griz avoid being swept by the Utah Jazz tonight in FedExForum. “I’m not where I was last year at this time, but we’re prepared pretty good right now for the playoffs. We’re ready.”

Although the Jazz enter this game out of the playoff standings, the Griz look at this meeting as a must-win for two reasons. Utah is in ninth place and still battling for the eighth seed. Plus, the Jazz beat the Griz in two meetings earlier this season.

“We’ve just got to keep battling and playing,” Griz coach Lionel Hollins said.

Utah is in a desperation mode. similar to how Phoenix was Wednesday when it invaded FedExForum. Hollins continues to preach that this is no time to coast even though the schedule looks easy to finish the season.

Only two of the Grizzlies’ remaining games are against teams with a winning record. The Griz want to take each game seriously because they still can earn home-court advantage in the first round by passing the Clippers for the fourth seed.

The Griz are 11/2 games behind the Clippers and two games behind the third-place Lakers.

“I feel like this team has grown,” point guard Mike Conley said. “We’ve learned from last year’s experience so we tend to handle these situations better.”

Allen’s return imminent?

Guard Tony Allen appears on pace to return to action tonight after missing five games with a severe facial laceration. Allen recently had roughly 14 stitches removed from his mouth and cheek. He resumed light workouts earlier this week and appeared to go through his normal pre-game routine before the Griz played at San Antonio. It is unclear whether Allen will start right away. His understudy, Quincy Pondexter, has played admirably in Allen’s absence. Allen’s conditioning might be a short-term issue as is the case with all players who miss several games.

Steals race