Rockets vs. Grizzlies Pre-Game 12/13/23

Rockets Welcome Grizzlies, Seek Fourth Straight Win

Home and Home.    Big Question.    Bouncing Back.

The Rockets invite the Grizzlies into Toyota Center on Wednesday night, as the teams square off in a home-and-home. These two teams will do battle again on Friday night in Memphis. Tonight, Houston is seeking their fourth straight win overall, and their 11th straight home victory on the season. The Rockets haven’t been this hot at home in nearly five years. And they’ll look to keep the good times rolling at home as they host a Grizzlies squad that limps in with injuries. Stephen Adams has already been ruled out of the season. Ja Morant is approaching his return from suspension, Tuesday of next week, but he won’t be available to face the Rockets in either of these next two games.

Desmond Bane has been Memphis’ best player so far this season. With Morant sidelined, his usage has skyrocketed, and he’s taken full advantage. He even almost dropped 50 points, with a 49-point game earlier this season. However, he’s questionable tonight for the Grizz. And that’s a big question with Bane being their primary facilitator and scorer on offense with Morant sidelined. Nonetheless, the last game showed Houston that anything’s possible in an NBA game. Idf the Rockets are still building a brick house like they did in their previous survival win over the Spurs, they’re going to be in trouble tonight. Unlike San Antonio, Memphis isn’t on 17-game losing streak. They’re record of 6-16 doesn’t make any team quiver in their boots, but the Grizz still boast a group of tough, gritty professionals. And some talented pieces despite Morant’s absence. Jarrett Jackson Jr. exploded for 41 points in Memphis’ previous game, a loss to Dallas at home. This Grizzlies team isn’t a joke despite their missing pieces.

It’s not usual you hear the term “bounce back” after a win, but the Rockets need to bounce back from their terrible offensive performance on Monday night. It seemed like Houston couldn’t hit a shot from beyond the arc, and if they weren’t playing a team on the verge of losing a franchise-record 17 games, the Rockets likely would have lost. It’s hard to beea the same team twice in a row. Houston’s best chance is tonight, especially considering the discrepancies they’ve shown at home compared to on the road. Expect Ime Udoka to have Houston prepared to “bounce back”… and secure their fourth straight win tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Memphis Grizzlies (6-16):  “City Edition” Black

Houston Rockets (11-9):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass