Rockets Aim to Bounce Back from Opener, Welcome Grizzlies
Hyping Down. Back at Ja. Roaring Return.
Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets are back in action Friday night, as they welcome Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies to town. The Rockets are coming off an embarrassing Opening Night loss to the Charlotte Hornets, 110-105, as they blew an 18-point lead in front of the home fans. The Grizzlies beat the Jazz, 126-124, in their opener on the road in Utah on Wednesday night.
Houston will try to bounce back Friday night, as Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams face their former team. Adams is listed as day-to-day on the injury report, and is questionable for tonight’s matchup. The Rockets could really use the veteran big man as they face a tougher opponent in the Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Since acquiring Brooks from Memphis prior to last season, the Rockets are 3-1 against the Grizz. And after coming off a disappointing 2-point performance on Opening Night, expect Brooks to have a big game against his former team tonight.
Ja Morant is returning for Memphis after missing the majority of last season, and the young superstar had a solid performance in his first game back, with 22 points and 10 assists. The Rockets defense needs to also be aware of Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama, who also had solid performances in Memphis’ first game. Aldama led their team with 27 points, and Bane scored 24 for the Grizz in their opening night win. The trio presents a potential triple threat for Houston’s defense. The Grizzlies also have defensive stalwart, and Univeristy of Texas alum, Marcus Smart, who remains one of the league’s best perimeter defenders.
If the Rockets can string four quarters of solid basketball together, they’re more than capable of beating the Grizzlies tonight. Look for Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks to have bounce-back performances. The pair of starters combined for only 10 points in Houston’s Opening Night loss. For now, it’s time to tone down the hype train, as the Rockets need to put some wins on the board before the discussion of the playoffs arises. Can Houston make a roaring return on Friday night? After this matchup, the squad hits the road for a three game Texas style road trip. Tonight’s contest may be the best chance for this young Houston team to get their first win of the season… expect the squad to be ready for Ja. and company tonight as the Rockets host another tilt at Toyota Center on Friday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Memphis Grizzlies (1-0): Blue
Houston Rockets (0-1): Red
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass