Rockets Seek to Win Third Straight, Eye Getting Back to .500
Last season historically great regular season for the Rockets featured two early season losses to the Grizzlies, a team that would finish with only 22 wins last season. This season the tables are turned record-wise, but Houston aims to prove it can grind out wins and play at any pace like the elite teams. Sure, the Rockets prefer to play at a faster pace with more possessions for offense and scoring, but the FedEx Forum (aka the Grindhouse), has been a place where fans have witnessed many slow, grind-it-out, tough, physical battles… hence the nickname. Houston will have to prove it’s tougher than Memphis. In the Rockets previous game, they proved they weren’t scared of anybody, The Beard even snarled in the abstract direction of LeBron James (safe enough to avoid a taunting technical, calls that were hardly ever made in the 80’s and 90’s) as if to signify that this was a changing of the guard in terms of the “King James” title. LeBron’s career is one-of-a-kind. Right now, I’d take James Harden just about over anybody. The man has put the team on his back and is quietly putting together another MVP campaign, despite Houston’s losing record. It was as if the Beard said to himself prior to the dunk, “I’ve had enough. It’s time we get down to business and start winning games, no matter what it takes.” If Harden can get the rest of the Rockets to follow suit, and play with that tenacious mentality and sense of urgency, Houston as more than enough talent to grind out a win in Memphis. The Grizzlies are led by, their two aging veterans. Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol (as his battle with father time is visibly starting to show). James Harden has a chance to set the NBA record for free throws attempted if he drives to the basket on the slower, foul-prone Gasol, getting him into foul trouble early, resulting in more free throws for the Beard and the squad as a whole. Chris Paul vs. Mike Conley will be a matchup to watch at point guard. Conley has been one of the more vastly underrated players in the league for years now, and is having another efficient season. Paul will need to be better than average, or he risks being out-played by Conley. The other matchup to watch is in the paint, featuring Clint Capela vs. Marc Gasol. The Rising Star vs. a Fading Star. Clint should continue his double-double tear of a season and rise above Gasol and help the Rockets fade the Grizzlies even close to further out of the playoff picture. Eric Gordon is questionable with leg soreness, and James Ennis remains out for Houston with his recurring hamstring injury. Still, the Rockets proved on Saturday that as long as they play as a cohesive unit, they can beat anyone, and don’t necessarily need to be at full-strength every night, (although, against the Warriors, they will). The Grizzlies will prove to be a tough task, but an assignment the Rockets will be able to pull off, as they are still fueled by the best backcourt the NBA has to offer. Everyone else on the Rockets will just need to follow the leaders.
FedEx Forum – Memphis, Tennessee
Jersey Colors:
Memphis Grzzlies (16-12) – Gray
Houston Rockets (13-14) – Red
TV: 7 PM CT ATTSportsnet