Houston Rockets Vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Game 42: Sneak Peek Analysis
For the first time in several weeks and for 2017, the Houston Rockets actually lost a game.
For the first time in several weeks and for 2017, the Houston Rockets actually lost a game.
It certainly will happen and this was just one of those games this team wasn’t quite on and it didn’t help that Eric Gordon wasn’t available.
The Rockets almost lost to them in their last meeting in December and needed overtime to grind it out for the win.
I’m not worried one bit as this was their first loss in 11 games, far outpacing the performance they had in 2015-16.
Things won’t get any easier tonight as they take on the fierce, 24-17 Memphis Grizzlies, one of the teams that has handed them one of their 10 losses in the column.
I always enjoying watching these match ups and it should be no different tonight.
No word yet on if Gordon will be available tonight.
So who’s leading the charge for the Grizzlies?
Marc Gasol leads the team in scoring (19.4 PPG) and is the premier shot-blocker (1.4 BPG). Zach Randolph is the top board-getter (7.8 RPG). Mike Conley is in charge of the dimes (6.0 APG) and Tony Allen holds the torch in steals (1.8 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Grizzlies do well.
They’re highly defensive-minded. The Grizzlies are 3rd in defensive efficiency, allowing just 101.5 points per 100 possessions.
They’re an excellent defensive rebounding team. The T-Wolves are 4th in the NBA as far as defensive rebound rate (78.4).
They don’t make to many mistakes with the basketball. The Grizzlies are 7th in turnover ratio, with 12 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
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Injuries:
Clint Capela collided into Karl-Anthony Towns Dec. 17th 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. Nene will have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
Capela has resumed on-court activities and is still on track to return within the estimated four- to six-week window that started Dec. 19.
He should be re-examined within the week or so.
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.
Eric Gordon sprained his left big toe against the Raptors Sunday night and has missed two games as a result. I’d likely deem him as QUESTIONABLE for tonight but his status remains day-to-day.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverley vs. Mike Conley
- James Harden vs. Tony Allen
- Nene Hilario/Montrezl Harrell vs. Marc Gasol
- Ryan Anderson vs. JaMychal Green
- Trevor Ariza vs. Chandler Parsons
Prediction:
107-101 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets have returned home to take on the Grizzlies at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 215 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!