Rockets vs. Grizzlies Pre-Game 2/4/21

Rockets Look to Bounce Back in Memphis in Second Game in as Many Nights

Role Swap.    Back in a Flash.    Come at Ja.

 

It’s hard to beat an NBA team back-to-back, as the Rockets have learned twice this season, their latest in Wednesday night’s blowout loss in OKC. Houston doesn’t have to wait long. It’s even harder to beat a better, talented team, on the second night of a back-to-back. The Grizzlies aren’t a powerhouse, but they have one of the best young point guards in basketball, Ja Morant. John Wall sat out yesterday so he can try and slow Ja down tonight, as they will likely be matched up with each other frequently on the court. Victor Oladipo will be resting tonight, as he played in Wall’s spot as the primary ball-handler in last night’s loss.

Despite the poor performance in their last game, the Rockets can get back on track with an impressive win. A road victory on the second night of a back-to-back is always a positive sign, regardless of the opponent, rather for building chemistry. It’s Houston’s third game in four nights, and the Rockets are bound to have tired legs. Wall rested yesterday, so he should have more energy, and hopefully put on an inspiring performance against one of the NBA’s best point guards. Eric Gordon’s led the scoring charge the last two games for Houston. The Rockets need EG to be splashing from deep if they want a chance to escape Memphis with a victory.

Memphis is 9-7, and had been hit by the coronavirus earlier in the season, hence the reason they’ve played 4 less games than Houston. The Grizzlies are coming off a blowout loss in Indiana, to an underrated Pacers team. Before that, Memphis won seven games in a row, which, at the time, was the NBA’s longest winning-streak. Expect a good matchup tonight. Hopefully tired legs don’t down the Rockets, and Wall can attack Ja, and maybe get Memphis’ MVP in foul trouble. Otherwise, Houston could be in trouble on Thursday night. Playing their third game in four nights, it won’t be easy in Memphis tonight, but these hard-nosed Rockets were built for difficult situations. And on a Thursday night in Memphis, anything can happen when these two hard-headed divisional rivals clash. If you thought last night’s game was difficult… expect tonight’s matchup to be much harder for Houston.

 

FedExForum:  Memphis, Tennessee

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-10):  Red

Memphis Grizzlies (9-7):  Black

 

TV:  8 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW