Rockets Meet Grizzlies in Memphis, Aiming to Sweep Set
Part 2. Drive for Five. Road Replicate.
The Rockets battle the Grizzlies again, as these teams meet for the second time in as many games, this time in Memphis. Tonight’s matchup is the first of a three game road trip for Houston. The squad will travel to Milwaukee, and then Cleveland, on Sunday and Monday. The Rockets are seeking their fifth straight win, and only second road win on the campaign. Houston is 2-0 against Memphis this season after beating the Grizz in the previous two meetings at Toyota Center. Luckily for the Rockets, Ja Morant is still out for the Grizzlies, as he eyes a return next Tuesday, as his 25-game suspension is nearing an end. And Desmond Bane is also unlikely to play once again tonight for Memphis.
For now, Houston still has a handful to deal with on the court Friday night. It’s hard to beat the same team twice in a row in this league. Despite beating the Kings twice in a row earlier this year, both those games were at home. Tonight’s matchup is certainly a tougher test compared to those Sacramento matchups. Memphis may not have the most talent, but they play hard every night. And it’s hard to win on the road in the NBA, as evidenced by Houston’s 1-8 road record. However, the Rockets have the more talented squad on the floor tonight. If they can play harder for a full 48 minutes, Houston should be able to earn their second road win in Memphis.
Jaren Jackson Jr. almost single-handedly led a comeback charge for the Grizzlies in the previous meeting. JJJ finished with 44 points, with the majority coming in the third quarter. It was Jackson Jr.‘s second straight 40-point game. The Rockets need to do a better job on the Grizzlies star forward to keep their win streak alive. Memphis guard Desmond Bane missed Wednesday’s game with an illness, and his status is once again questionable for Friday’s tilt. Along with Triple J, Bane has been playing at an All-Star level during Morant’s absence. His availability for tonight’s contest is a major factor for the matchup. The Rockets will have another major advantage if Bane can’t play, despite the game being in Memphis.
Along with Morant, Marcus Smart is still out with a foot injury, another key piece for the Grizz. Nonetheless, Houston has enough firepower to come out of Memphis with a win regardless who’s on the court, for either team. Will Tari Eason make it 3 straight beastly performances in a row? Can Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun play hard enough to earn minutes down the stretch? Tune in tonight to find out, as the Rockets aim to sweep this two-game set in Memphis.
FedExForum: Memphis, Tennessee
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (12-9): White
Memphis Grizzlies (6-17): Blue
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass