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Bobcats aim for first win over vulnerable Grizzlies

Nov 3, 2006 - 2:44 PM Charlotte (0-1) at Memphis (0-1) 8:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) - The Charlotte Bobcats never have beaten the Memphis Grizzlies. Now might be their best chance.

Playing their first road game of the season, the Bobcats visit the Grizzlies on Friday.

In four meetings over two seasons with Memphis, Charlotte has come away with nothing more than disappointment. But that could be a thing of the past since the Grizzlies are without the closest asset they have to a franchise player in Pau Gasol. The 7-foot forward-center will be sidelined until January due to a broken foot suffered this summer in the World Championships.

The Bobcats had their home opener spoiled after absorbing a 106-99 setback to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Proving he is fully recovered from an ankle injury, Emeka Okafor collected 19 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.

Brevin Knight had 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and rookie Adam Morrison added 14 points for Charlotte, which committed 22 turnovers.

Memphis also failed to start the year with a win following a 118-117 triple-overtime shortcoming to New York on Wednesday. Chucky Atkins scored 25 points, Hakim Warrick added 22 and 12 boards and rookie Rudy Gay contributed 21, eight and four blocks in his NBA debut.

Mike Miller netted 18 points for the Grizzlies, who rallied to erase a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit, but missed 27-of-45 foul shots.