The Houston Rockets got kicked down last night but will pull themselves up by the bootstraps.
The Houston Rockets got kicked down last night but will pull themselves up by the bootstraps.
There’s no doubt they’ll be ready to take on a healthy rival, the 26-19 Memphis Grizzlies.
What’s up next?
So who’s leading the charge for the Grizzlies?
Marc Gasolleads the team in scoring (19.8 PPG) and blocked shots (1.4 BPG).Zach Randolphis the top board-getter (8.2 BPG).Mike Conleyis the top assist man (6.2 APG),Tony Allenholds the torch in steals (1.8 SPG).
Let’s talk about what the Grizzlies do well.
They’re still the defensive juggernauts.The Grizzlies are ranked4thin defensive efficiency (allowing 104.9 points per 100 possessions).
They’re an excellent defensive rebounding team.The Grizzlies are4thin the NBA as far asdefensive rebound rate (78.7).
They don’t make too many mistakes with the basketball.The Grizzlies are tied for7th— with the Orlando Magic — in turnover ratio, with12.1 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
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Injuries:
Clint Capelacollided intoKarl-Anthony TownsDec. 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.Nenewill have some big shoes to fill as Capela heals but the Rockets can press on without him.
Capela traveled with the team on this past road trip and his first full practicewith the team went well Monday. It was pain-free so he did start in Tuesday’s game against Heat.
Capela is still on somewhat of a minutes-restriction but it remains to be seen if that will be the case tonight, he came off the bench Wednesday night withMontrezl HarrellandCorey Brewerbeing inserted into the lineup.
I’d expect this trend to continue until he feels acclimated to starting again.
Ryan Andersonhas been battling the flu the past few days but it was finally to a point to where he couldn’t suit up the past few games. His status, of course, is day-to-day and he’s OUT for tonight as he didn’t travel with the team.
He tried to give it go last night but it was clearly obvious he wasn’t quite well to play, only taking in nine minutes of action.
As for the Grizzlies,Troy Danielsinjured his knee earlier this week and has been ruled as a game-time decision for tonight.
Brandan Wrighthas suffered an ankle injury and is expected to be out at least another week.
Source(s): Houston Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, CSNBayArea.com
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Mike Conley
- Montrezl Harrellvs.JaMychal Green
- James Hardenvs.Tony Allen
- Clint Capela/Nene Hilariovs.Marc Gasol
Prediction:
111-107in aHouston Rockets’loss.
The Rockets 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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