The Houston Rockets got right back on track with their 125-111 tail-whipping of the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.
TheHouston Rocketsgot right back on track with their 125-111 tail-whipping of the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.
With solid performances from just about anybody you could name, they did their thing and proved that the 102-100 loss to the San Antonio Spurs was just a lapse in defensive judgement.
But the Rockets will take on the 19-12 Memphis Grizzlies tonight and they’ll be tangling with the best defensive team in the Association.
It won’t be easy but this team still has the tools to succeed as the Grizzlies are ranked 29th in offense (99.2 points per 100 possessions).
They can’t score as efficiently as we can so they’re going to get down-and-dirty with us and try to take the three-point line away.
It remains to be seen if that will be happen but this will be one of the better matchups to watch thus far this season.
So who’s leading the charge for the Grizzlies?
Marc Gasolleads the team in scoring (20.1 PPG) and is the top shot-blocker (1.4 BPG).JaMychal Greenleads in rebounds (8.1 RPG),Mike Conleyin dimes (5.7 APG) andTony Allenin steals (1.8 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Grizzlies do well.
They’re the defensive champs.The Grizzlies are1stin the NBA as far as defensive efficiency, allowing a paltry99.4 points per 100 possessions, a full point more than the runner-up, the Golden State Warriors.
They’re an excellent rebounding team.The Grizzlies are ranked6thin the NBA as far as rebound rate,pulling down 51 percent of missed shots.
Next: Eric Gordon's Campaign For 6th Man
Injuries:
Clint Capelacollided intoKarl-Anthony Townsin Saturday’s action against the T-Wolves. He seemed to be in tremendous pain and could not walk on his own power to locker room.
It’s apparent that he has a minor fracture of his fibula and is expected to be out at least four weeks.Nenewill have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
It would be nice for the Rockets to make a deal for his replacement but I think the depth of our bench could fill his void.
As for the Grizzlies, free-agent acquisitionChandler Parsonsreturned to the lineup after missing considerable time tending to a knee injury.He returned Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons in the starting lineup — he scored two points, two rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes of action.
He seems to be on a minutes restriction to test the knee out which was similar toPatrick Beverley‘s injury. Parsons has only partaken in seven games this season so far. And because of that, I still have the urge to boo him for stealing money everywhere he goes!
Source(s): Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Mike Conley
- James Hardenvs.Tony Allen
- Nene/Montrezl Harrellvs.Marc Gasol
- Trevor Arizavs.Chandler Parsons
Prediction:
103-100in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets have hit the road to take on theGrizzliesatFedEx Forum.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM Internet 890andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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