Rockets Visit Grizzlies in Final Game Before Break
Shooting for a Sweep. Containing Juniors. Rolling Break.
The Houston Rockets battle the Memphis Grizzlies for the final time on Wednesday night. Tonight’s game in Memphis is also Houston’s last game before the All-Star break, when the team will get a nice week off before their next game, on February 22nd. The Rockets are 3-0 against the Grizz this season, and one of their five road wins also came in Memphis earlier this season in Dillon Brooks’ best game, which coincided with his return to his former team’s arena. Tonight, Houston aims for a sweep over a Grizzlies team riding a ten-game losing streak. The Rockets are coming a close, yet controversial, win over the New York Knicks on Monday night. It would be nice for the squad to string two wins together before the break, something they haven’t done since early January.
If Houston wants to get their sixth road win tonight, they need to focus on containing the juniors. These include Memphis’ best player on the court, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Vince Williams Jr., who’s been playing very well since the Grizz became even more decimated by injuries. GG Jackson has also performed well for Memphis this season, as well as big man Santi Aldama. This Grizzlies team is currently the most injury-riddled squad in the NBA (with the likes of Ja Morant and Desomond Bane out for the remainder of the season).
Ime Udoka should have the Rockets fired up to achieve their first winning streak since early in the calendar year. As long as Houston’s players aren’t already thinking about vacation, a problem that can plague some teams in their final game before the break. The Grizz will host the Bucks back here in Memphis tomorrow night, so this isn’t their final game. As long as the Rockets stay in the moment, and don’t look ahead, they should be able to beat this Grizzlies team tonight.
FedExForum: Memphis, Tennissee
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (24-29): Red
Memphis Grizzlies (18-36): Navy
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass