Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Three is a bigger number than two. This simple, pedestrian fact is the underpinning of not only this Houston Rockets team but the NBA in general at this juncture in history. It may be simple to understand, but it's much harder to solve. This is the so-called "Math Problem," as Matt Moore calls it. If you score two points at a time while the other team scores three, you will lose. This has been an ongoing difficulty for the Memphis Grizzlies for some time, and it is in the starkest of relief tonight. The Rockets inexorably overtook the Grizzlies due to the three point shot, and there was nothing the short-handed crew could do about it.
Showing posts with label Marc Gasol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marc Gasol. Show all posts
Rockets 111, Grizzlies 96 - Vengeance
The Houston Rockets have three losses on the season, and the Memphis Grizzlies account for 67% of them. The Grizzlies headed to Houston tonight, hoping to claim the season series and bring that number up to 75% of the Rockets' losses. Unfortunately for them, the Rockets have been sliding ever more steadily into their groove and have largely figured out how to compensate for the lack of viable guards. The Rockets are rolling, and the Grizzlies got rolled in the process.
Rockets 105, Grizzlies 110 - Memphis hands Houston first losing streak of the season
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The Rockets were handed their first losing streak of the season on Friday, which is impressive given that we’re already in the second half of the 2016-2017 campaign. Houston couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a boat in this game (shot only 24.4% from three) and Memphis’ physicality and lights out shooting (54% from the field) proved to be too much for Houston to get back on the winning track.
Unlike the last several games, the Rockets got out to a hot start thanks to 60% shooting. The Grizzlies interior defense was nonexistent to start the game as the Rockets got three unbelievably wide-open backdoor layups underneath the basket. Memphis hit six of their first eight shot attempts and Marc Gasol proved to be a major problem in the post for Ryan Anderson, who was whistled for three fouls in just nine minutes. Behind James Harden’s 11 points and a 16-5 run to end the period, the Rockets held a 31-25 lead.
Despite Houston’s second unit struggling to get going (and the refs getting trigger happy with the whistles), the Rockets managed to extend their lead to 15. Houston kept up its hot shooting, improving the team’s shooting percentage to 58.3% and adding four made three-pointers in the quarter. The game grew to be quite frustrating for the players as the Rockets and Grizzlies were whistled for nine and 14 fouls by halftime, respectively. Mike D’Antoni was called for a technical foul in the early moments of the period for arguing one of those foul calls. Nonetheless, the Rockets held onto a 64-51 lead going into halftime.
Houston’s outside shot really wasn’t falling in the third quarter as the Rockets missed their first seven shot attempts. This poor shooting allowed Memphis to go on a 9-1 run and cut the lead to seven points (71-64). Eric Gordon checked back into the game and, in classic ‘Splash Gordon’ fashion, ended Houston’s three-point woes by hitting back-to-back shots from beyond the arc. Despite this flash from Gordon, the Rockets couldn’t hit good looks and Memphis shot a very high percentage for the majority of the period. After missing two late threes Memphis still shot 65% (13/20) in the third and finished the quarter on a 12-4 run. Houston only shot 25% (6/24) and barely held an 85-83 lead.
Memphis opened the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 92-85 lead. Memphis ratcheted up the physicality on both ends of the floor, which included Nene eating an inadvertent elbow from Zach Randolph (there was no foul call). Houston responded with a 7-0 run that was punctuated by a rare Corey Brewer three, and the game was tied.
With a six point lead and 3:35 left in the game Tony Allen fouled out of the game and, weirdly, Memphis lost its best offensive player in the game. Allen has built a career on his defensive reputation, but he absolutely torched the Rockets for 22 points on 90% shooting from the field (9/10; he made his first 8 baskets).
After the Rockets found themselves down 105-99 with about two minutes left, they managed to cobble together a couple of stops in a row. On the other end, Nene hit two layups to give Houston a chance to help Houston close the gap. In the end, Houston just could not buy a basket from downtown (they were just 10/41 for 24.4%) and former Rocket Troy Daniels nailed a three to drive the nail home on this game.
The last three games have seen Houston blow big leads and miss a ton of open looks, which doesn’t bode well given that they will see this Grizzlies team again, along with the Warriors visiting Houston next weekend. The Rockets have a good chance of ending the first losing streak of the season against a very bad Nets team this Sunday in Brooklyn.
Game Ball
This is a segment of the game recaps that will give the proverbial game ball to a player that proved to be most valuable to the Rockets on a given night. This award won’t necessarily go to the player that puts up the best numbers, but to the player that made the greatest impact on the team – tangible or intangible.
Friday’s game ball goes, begrudgingly, to James Harden.
For the second straight game, James Harden gets this game ball by default. Despite Eric Gordon’s return to the lineup, Harden was the only Rocket to have more than 13 points (27) and more than five in either rebounds or assists (he recorded nine assists). He didn’t have the flashy triple (or even come close with only three rebounds), but he’s the only player who could actually get anything going.
Let’s hope the last three games are merely an aberration and not signs of a slump.
The Rockets were handed their first losing streak of the season on Friday, which is impressive given that we’re already in the second half of the 2016-2017 campaign. Houston couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a boat in this game (shot only 24.4% from three) and Memphis’ physicality and lights out shooting (54% from the field) proved to be too much for Houston to get back on the winning track.
Unlike the last several games, the Rockets got out to a hot start thanks to 60% shooting. The Grizzlies interior defense was nonexistent to start the game as the Rockets got three unbelievably wide-open backdoor layups underneath the basket. Memphis hit six of their first eight shot attempts and Marc Gasol proved to be a major problem in the post for Ryan Anderson, who was whistled for three fouls in just nine minutes. Behind James Harden’s 11 points and a 16-5 run to end the period, the Rockets held a 31-25 lead.
Despite Houston’s second unit struggling to get going (and the refs getting trigger happy with the whistles), the Rockets managed to extend their lead to 15. Houston kept up its hot shooting, improving the team’s shooting percentage to 58.3% and adding four made three-pointers in the quarter. The game grew to be quite frustrating for the players as the Rockets and Grizzlies were whistled for nine and 14 fouls by halftime, respectively. Mike D’Antoni was called for a technical foul in the early moments of the period for arguing one of those foul calls. Nonetheless, the Rockets held onto a 64-51 lead going into halftime.
Houston’s outside shot really wasn’t falling in the third quarter as the Rockets missed their first seven shot attempts. This poor shooting allowed Memphis to go on a 9-1 run and cut the lead to seven points (71-64). Eric Gordon checked back into the game and, in classic ‘Splash Gordon’ fashion, ended Houston’s three-point woes by hitting back-to-back shots from beyond the arc. Despite this flash from Gordon, the Rockets couldn’t hit good looks and Memphis shot a very high percentage for the majority of the period. After missing two late threes Memphis still shot 65% (13/20) in the third and finished the quarter on a 12-4 run. Houston only shot 25% (6/24) and barely held an 85-83 lead.
Memphis opened the fourth quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 92-85 lead. Memphis ratcheted up the physicality on both ends of the floor, which included Nene eating an inadvertent elbow from Zach Randolph (there was no foul call). Houston responded with a 7-0 run that was punctuated by a rare Corey Brewer three, and the game was tied.
With a six point lead and 3:35 left in the game Tony Allen fouled out of the game and, weirdly, Memphis lost its best offensive player in the game. Allen has built a career on his defensive reputation, but he absolutely torched the Rockets for 22 points on 90% shooting from the field (9/10; he made his first 8 baskets).
After the Rockets found themselves down 105-99 with about two minutes left, they managed to cobble together a couple of stops in a row. On the other end, Nene hit two layups to give Houston a chance to help Houston close the gap. In the end, Houston just could not buy a basket from downtown (they were just 10/41 for 24.4%) and former Rocket Troy Daniels nailed a three to drive the nail home on this game.
The last three games have seen Houston blow big leads and miss a ton of open looks, which doesn’t bode well given that they will see this Grizzlies team again, along with the Warriors visiting Houston next weekend. The Rockets have a good chance of ending the first losing streak of the season against a very bad Nets team this Sunday in Brooklyn.
Game Ball
This is a segment of the game recaps that will give the proverbial game ball to a player that proved to be most valuable to the Rockets on a given night. This award won’t necessarily go to the player that puts up the best numbers, but to the player that made the greatest impact on the team – tangible or intangible.
Friday’s game ball goes, begrudgingly, to James Harden.
For the second straight game, James Harden gets this game ball by default. Despite Eric Gordon’s return to the lineup, Harden was the only Rocket to have more than 13 points (27) and more than five in either rebounds or assists (he recorded nine assists). He didn’t have the flashy triple (or even come close with only three rebounds), but he’s the only player who could actually get anything going.
Let’s hope the last three games are merely an aberration and not signs of a slump.
Game Preview: Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies
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Following a loss to the Wolves, putting an end to the Rockets 9 game with streak, the Rockets get ready to face the Memphis Grizzlies for the second time this season. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 28.6 points, 11.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds a game. The Rockets are ranked 3rd in offensive rating, 19th in defensive rating, and 4th in net rating.
The Grizzlies come into town with the 7th best record in the West, at 24-17, and a few days removed from an impressive come back victory over the Warriors. The Grizzlies are led in scoring by Marc Gasol, at 19.4 points, in assists by Mike Conley, at 6 assists, and in rebounding by JaMychal Green, at 7.5 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies are basically the anti-Rockets, at 24th in offensive rating, 3rd in defensive rating, and 12th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
As the Rockets endure another game without Clint Capela, and potentially Eric Gordon (toe) the starters for Sunday’s game will be: James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and either Nene Hilario or Montrezl Harrell at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes, if he is able to play.
New Grizzly and former Rocket, Chandler Parsons has missed a large chunk of the season due to knee injuries, but will play, likely on a minutes limit. The Grizzlies will start the game with Mike Conely at point guard, Tony Allen at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, JaMychal Green at power forward, and Marc Gasol at center.
Three Things to Watch
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets haven't lost two game in a row all season, and I expect that trend to continue, as they get their revenge over the Grizzlies, after losing their last meeting. The Rockets will likely force the Grizzlies into a math problem, as it's hard to beat threes with twos, unless Vince Carter decides to never miss, once again.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Houston on Friday, January 13th. The game will be televised on ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
Following a loss to the Wolves, putting an end to the Rockets 9 game with streak, the Rockets get ready to face the Memphis Grizzlies for the second time this season. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by MVP candidate James Harden, at 28.6 points, 11.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds a game. The Rockets are ranked 3rd in offensive rating, 19th in defensive rating, and 4th in net rating.
The Grizzlies come into town with the 7th best record in the West, at 24-17, and a few days removed from an impressive come back victory over the Warriors. The Grizzlies are led in scoring by Marc Gasol, at 19.4 points, in assists by Mike Conley, at 6 assists, and in rebounding by JaMychal Green, at 7.5 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies are basically the anti-Rockets, at 24th in offensive rating, 3rd in defensive rating, and 12th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
As the Rockets endure another game without Clint Capela, and potentially Eric Gordon (toe) the starters for Sunday’s game will be: James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and either Nene Hilario or Montrezl Harrell at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes, if he is able to play.
New Grizzly and former Rocket, Chandler Parsons has missed a large chunk of the season due to knee injuries, but will play, likely on a minutes limit. The Grizzlies will start the game with Mike Conely at point guard, Tony Allen at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, JaMychal Green at power forward, and Marc Gasol at center.
Three Things to Watch
- Time toe panic? – Everyone knew going into the season that Eric Gordon was an injury risk, and that has appeared to rear it's head, as Gordon has missed the last two games with a sprained big toe. If Eric Gordon has to miss a 3rd game with what is said to be a minor injury, it may be time to worry. Watch to see if Gordon is healed up and ready to play, or if guys on the bench are able to compensate for the loss, as they couldn't on Wednesday.
- Grit N' Grind – There really isn't a better way to describe the Grizzlies than their nickname. They will play an extremely physical brand of basketball, while grinding the game to the tune of the 3rd slowest pace in the NBA. Watch to see how the drastically different styles between the two teams clash, and how the Rockets are able to defend such an interior based offense, still without their best interior defender in Capela.
- Which Grizz? – The Grizzlies have been wildly inconsistent this year, stealing games from better teams, then giving up wins to bad ones. In just their last 5 games they've had losses to the lowly Lakers and the injury depleted Clippers, then followed those games with a win over Golden State. Watch to see which version of the Grizzlies come to play Friday night, the tough Grizzlies, ready to maul anyone to pieces, or the meek Grizzly Cubs, ready to roll over and play dead.
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets haven't lost two game in a row all season, and I expect that trend to continue, as they get their revenge over the Grizzlies, after losing their last meeting. The Rockets will likely force the Grizzlies into a math problem, as it's hard to beat threes with twos, unless Vince Carter decides to never miss, once again.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Houston on Friday, January 13th. The game will be televised on ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
Rockets 109, Grizzlies 115 - Grizzlies outshoot Rockets in Memphis
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The Houston Rockets hoped to head into a short Christmas break (it’s a travesty they aren’t playing on Christmas Day) with a win over an overachieving Memphis Grizzlies team that had lost four of its last five. Memphis uncharacteristically shot the ball at a high clip from beyond the three-point line (52%) and Houston went cold in a 115-109 loss.
The Rockets hit the ground running after the game tipped off, going on a 13 – 4 run in the first four minutes of the game. Houston was playing at a much faster pace than Memphis is used to (the Grizzlies are ranked 28th in pace), and the Grizzlies were forced to call a timeout. Following the timeout, Memphis took control of the pace and capitalized on James Harden’s early sloppiness (he had four turnovers in the opening period). Harden was out of sync and picked up three fouls in the first 9 minutes of the game, creating a troubling situation for the Rockets. Houston finished the first quarter up 31–25.
Houston went ice cold to open the second quarter, missing the first 11 shot attempts of the period. This allowed Memphis to gain the lead, taking advantage of Harden sitting on the bench and unable to facilitate the offense. Harden checked back into the game midway through the second (he usually checks in earlier than that) and immediately found Ryan Anderson for a wide-open three to tie the game at 39. Unfortunately, Houston remained cold from the field and Memphis got red hot. The Grizzlies shot 50% (7/14) from the three-point line, while the Rockets only hit on 32% (8/25). Mike Conley, in particular, was on fire – scoring 17 points on 70% shooting and leading the Grizzlies to a 54–49 halftime lead.
The Rockets – well, Ryan Anderson – found a rhythm from beyond the arc in the third quarter, hitting five threes on 45% shooting. Anderson scored 13 points in the period and hit three consecutive from downtown, allowing Houston to chip away at the deficit. Eventually, following a three from Trevor Ariza, the Rockets tied the game at 70. Memphis was up 77–75 heading into the fourth quarter.
Patrick Beverley kicked off the final period by swishing a three pointer through the net, giving the Rockets their first lead since early in the second quarter. Then, Memphis blew things open with a pair of huge runs. Immediately following Beverley’s three, Memphis went on a 10-0 run sparked by the ageless wonder that is Vince Carter. After a few more minutes, Memphis went on a 12-2 run that was punctuated by a lucky Zach Randolph bank shot to beat the shot clock and a thunderous put-back dunk by Jarell Martin. The FedEx Forum was rocking and Houston was now down by 15 points with six minutes left in the game.
The game was seemingly over because the Rockets couldn’t buy a basket and their demeanor left a lot to be desired, and it would have been had this been the Rockets team of yesteryear. Thankfully, this team doesn’t quit very easily and they pulled off a 9-0 run to cut the lead to six.
Back-to-back turnovers from Harden allowed Memphis to put up five straight points. He quickly made up for those errors by throwing a long alley-oop to Montrezl Harrell. The Rockets also found their stroke from deep as Eric Gordon (who had a really poor shooting night – xxxxxxx) and Anderson drained two threes apiece. The Rockets couldn’t stop Memphis from scoring as Mike Conley took over the offense on several possessions in a row.
Things got a little testy when Patrick Beverley (who else?) got tangled up with Conley, reaching for the ball and trying to draw a jump ball. Several members of Memphis’ bench made their way onto the court, which could’ve led to fines and suspensions had Conley not been awarded a timeout. Beverley was assessed a technical foul and Conley hit the free throw to give Memphis a 111-103 lead.
Following a timeout, Eric Gordon drove the ball to the hoop, got fouled, and made the basket. He converted the and-one, and the free throw game began. Memphis made two free throws, but Ariza followed with a three-pointer – cutting Memphis’ lead to four (113-109) with 12 seconds left. Conley (an 87% free throw shooter) actually missed a free throw and the Rockets had a chance with 10 seconds left. Anderson managed to create separation on a three-point attempt, but his hot shooting ended there. The Rockets would go on to lose this game 115-109.
Memphis has the best defensive rating in the NBA (99.4) and is now 20-12 on the season, despite significant injuries to Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons. The Grizzlies are also a bad three-point shooting team, but that didn’t seem to matter Friday as they hit 13 of their 25 attempts (52%) – excellent, especially when compared to Houston’s 38.5% shooting from downtown (an inflated number thanks to a late hot streak).
James Harden was not very good today, despite scoring 16 points and dishing out a whopping 17 assists (tying his season high). He had nine turnovers and looked clearly bothered by Memphis’ hounding defense. It didn’t help that Eric Gordon really struggled shooting (6/19 from the field, 4/16 from three) and that Memphis’ bench outscored Houston’s 55-27.
The Rockets look to get back to their winning ways on Monday, when the Phoenix Suns make a stop in Houston.
Game Ball
This is a segment of the game recaps that will give the proverbial game ball to a player that proved to be most valuable to the Rockets on a given night. This award won’t necessarily go to the player that puts up the best numbers, but to the player that made the greatest impact on the team – tangible or intangible.
Tuesday’s game ball goes to Ryan Anderson.
Anderson had a season-high 31 points on 55% shooting and was the only Rocket that could provide a scoring spark on Friday. He hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts, including a heat check corner three in the final moments of the game. Without his shooting the Rockets likely would’ve been blown out, but a 13-point third quarter went a long way in keeping Houston competitive.
This shooting performance is especially encouraging given that he was tasked with guarding perennial All-Star Marc Gasol in the post. He had his problems guarding the seven-footer, but Gasol didn't exactly dominate this game. In a game where Houston really missed Clint Capela, Anderson accepted the challenge and worked hard to help his team on the defensive end.
Now, let’s see if Ryno can keep a hot hand post-Christmas.
The Houston Rockets hoped to head into a short Christmas break (it’s a travesty they aren’t playing on Christmas Day) with a win over an overachieving Memphis Grizzlies team that had lost four of its last five. Memphis uncharacteristically shot the ball at a high clip from beyond the three-point line (52%) and Houston went cold in a 115-109 loss.
The Rockets hit the ground running after the game tipped off, going on a 13 – 4 run in the first four minutes of the game. Houston was playing at a much faster pace than Memphis is used to (the Grizzlies are ranked 28th in pace), and the Grizzlies were forced to call a timeout. Following the timeout, Memphis took control of the pace and capitalized on James Harden’s early sloppiness (he had four turnovers in the opening period). Harden was out of sync and picked up three fouls in the first 9 minutes of the game, creating a troubling situation for the Rockets. Houston finished the first quarter up 31–25.
Houston went ice cold to open the second quarter, missing the first 11 shot attempts of the period. This allowed Memphis to gain the lead, taking advantage of Harden sitting on the bench and unable to facilitate the offense. Harden checked back into the game midway through the second (he usually checks in earlier than that) and immediately found Ryan Anderson for a wide-open three to tie the game at 39. Unfortunately, Houston remained cold from the field and Memphis got red hot. The Grizzlies shot 50% (7/14) from the three-point line, while the Rockets only hit on 32% (8/25). Mike Conley, in particular, was on fire – scoring 17 points on 70% shooting and leading the Grizzlies to a 54–49 halftime lead.
The Rockets – well, Ryan Anderson – found a rhythm from beyond the arc in the third quarter, hitting five threes on 45% shooting. Anderson scored 13 points in the period and hit three consecutive from downtown, allowing Houston to chip away at the deficit. Eventually, following a three from Trevor Ariza, the Rockets tied the game at 70. Memphis was up 77–75 heading into the fourth quarter.
Patrick Beverley kicked off the final period by swishing a three pointer through the net, giving the Rockets their first lead since early in the second quarter. Then, Memphis blew things open with a pair of huge runs. Immediately following Beverley’s three, Memphis went on a 10-0 run sparked by the ageless wonder that is Vince Carter. After a few more minutes, Memphis went on a 12-2 run that was punctuated by a lucky Zach Randolph bank shot to beat the shot clock and a thunderous put-back dunk by Jarell Martin. The FedEx Forum was rocking and Houston was now down by 15 points with six minutes left in the game.
The game was seemingly over because the Rockets couldn’t buy a basket and their demeanor left a lot to be desired, and it would have been had this been the Rockets team of yesteryear. Thankfully, this team doesn’t quit very easily and they pulled off a 9-0 run to cut the lead to six.
Back-to-back turnovers from Harden allowed Memphis to put up five straight points. He quickly made up for those errors by throwing a long alley-oop to Montrezl Harrell. The Rockets also found their stroke from deep as Eric Gordon (who had a really poor shooting night – xxxxxxx) and Anderson drained two threes apiece. The Rockets couldn’t stop Memphis from scoring as Mike Conley took over the offense on several possessions in a row.
Things got a little testy when Patrick Beverley (who else?) got tangled up with Conley, reaching for the ball and trying to draw a jump ball. Several members of Memphis’ bench made their way onto the court, which could’ve led to fines and suspensions had Conley not been awarded a timeout. Beverley was assessed a technical foul and Conley hit the free throw to give Memphis a 111-103 lead.
Following a timeout, Eric Gordon drove the ball to the hoop, got fouled, and made the basket. He converted the and-one, and the free throw game began. Memphis made two free throws, but Ariza followed with a three-pointer – cutting Memphis’ lead to four (113-109) with 12 seconds left. Conley (an 87% free throw shooter) actually missed a free throw and the Rockets had a chance with 10 seconds left. Anderson managed to create separation on a three-point attempt, but his hot shooting ended there. The Rockets would go on to lose this game 115-109.
Memphis has the best defensive rating in the NBA (99.4) and is now 20-12 on the season, despite significant injuries to Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons. The Grizzlies are also a bad three-point shooting team, but that didn’t seem to matter Friday as they hit 13 of their 25 attempts (52%) – excellent, especially when compared to Houston’s 38.5% shooting from downtown (an inflated number thanks to a late hot streak).
James Harden was not very good today, despite scoring 16 points and dishing out a whopping 17 assists (tying his season high). He had nine turnovers and looked clearly bothered by Memphis’ hounding defense. It didn’t help that Eric Gordon really struggled shooting (6/19 from the field, 4/16 from three) and that Memphis’ bench outscored Houston’s 55-27.
The Rockets look to get back to their winning ways on Monday, when the Phoenix Suns make a stop in Houston.
Game Ball
This is a segment of the game recaps that will give the proverbial game ball to a player that proved to be most valuable to the Rockets on a given night. This award won’t necessarily go to the player that puts up the best numbers, but to the player that made the greatest impact on the team – tangible or intangible.
Tuesday’s game ball goes to Ryan Anderson.
Anderson had a season-high 31 points on 55% shooting and was the only Rocket that could provide a scoring spark on Friday. He hit eight of his 14 three-point attempts, including a heat check corner three in the final moments of the game. Without his shooting the Rockets likely would’ve been blown out, but a 13-point third quarter went a long way in keeping Houston competitive.
This shooting performance is especially encouraging given that he was tasked with guarding perennial All-Star Marc Gasol in the post. He had his problems guarding the seven-footer, but Gasol didn't exactly dominate this game. In a game where Houston really missed Clint Capela, Anderson accepted the challenge and worked hard to help his team on the defensive end.
Now, let’s see if Ryno can keep a hot hand post-Christmas.
Game Preview: Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies
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After a getting back on track with a win over the Suns, the Rockets head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by James Harden, at 27.8 points, 11.7 assists and 8 rebounds a game. The Rockets now rank 4th in offensive rating, 14th in defensive rating, and 5th in net rating.
After an inspiring six game win streak, with Mike Conley out with an injury, the Grizzlies have lost four of their last five games. The Suns are led in scoring by Marc Gasol, at 20.1 points, in assists by Mike Conley, at 5.7 assists, and in rebounds by JaMychal Green, at 8.1 rebounds per game. So far this season the Grizzlies rank 29th in offensive rating, 1st in defensive rating, and 13th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
With Clint Capela still sidelined with a leg injury, the Rockets starting lineup will likely be: James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and Nenê Hilario at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes.
After missing two of their starters due to injury, Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons, the Grizzlies are now fully healthy. The Grizzlies are likely to come out with a starting five of Mike Conley at point guard, Tony Allen at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, JaMychal Green at power forward, and Marc Gasol at center.
Three Things to Watch
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets are ready to start another win streak. I think the Rockets will take advantage of the sliding Grizzlies team and come out of Memphis with a win.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Memphis on Friday, December 23rd. The game will be televised on ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
After a getting back on track with a win over the Suns, the Rockets head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. The Rockets are led in scoring, assists and rebounds by James Harden, at 27.8 points, 11.7 assists and 8 rebounds a game. The Rockets now rank 4th in offensive rating, 14th in defensive rating, and 5th in net rating.
After an inspiring six game win streak, with Mike Conley out with an injury, the Grizzlies have lost four of their last five games. The Suns are led in scoring by Marc Gasol, at 20.1 points, in assists by Mike Conley, at 5.7 assists, and in rebounds by JaMychal Green, at 8.1 rebounds per game. So far this season the Grizzlies rank 29th in offensive rating, 1st in defensive rating, and 13th in net rating.
Starting Lineups
With Clint Capela still sidelined with a leg injury, the Rockets starting lineup will likely be: James Harden at point guard, Patrick Beverley at shooting guard, Trevor Ariza at small forward, Ryan Anderson at power forward, and Nenê Hilario at center, with Eric Gordon getting starter’s minutes.
After missing two of their starters due to injury, Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons, the Grizzlies are now fully healthy. The Grizzlies are likely to come out with a starting five of Mike Conley at point guard, Tony Allen at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, JaMychal Green at power forward, and Marc Gasol at center.
Three Things to Watch
- Who's gonna stop Gasol? – With Clint Capela, the Rocket's best defensive center, out of Friday's game the Rockets will struggle to contain Marc Gasol. Watch to see how the Rockets scheme to try and slow down someone who many think is the best center in the league.
- Slow vs Fast – The Houston Rockets are the 9th fastest team in the NBA, while the Grizzlies are the 3rd slowest. Watch to see which of the two teams is able to control the tempo of the game.
- Great offense or great defense? – This game has one of the league's best offenses up against one of the league's best defenses. Watch to see if the Rockets great offense is able to overpower the Grizzlies great defense.
Prediction and Tip-Off
The Rockets are ready to start another win streak. I think the Rockets will take advantage of the sliding Grizzlies team and come out of Memphis with a win.
Tip-off will be at 7:00 P.M. Central Time in Memphis on Friday, December 23rd. The game will be televised on ROOT Sports, with the radio broadcast on Sports Talk 790-AM.
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