Rockets vs Grizzlies Preview: It’s GAME ON!

The Houston Rockets are not looking to suffer another loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Houston Rockets (5-1) and the Grizzlies (4-1)  face off for the second time this season. On Monday, the team suffered their first loss of the season to the Grizzlies. The cause: not enough 3s.

Those 3-point shots were just not falling in. However, yesterday against the Hornets, they shot a total of 22 out of 57 three-pointers for a percentage of 38.6.  While the Rockets made only 9 out of 38 3-pointers for 23.7 percent against the Grizzlies.

Therefore, it is safe to say the Rockets need to be making those 3s.

Injury Report

Rockets:

The injury report has not changed much for the Rockets over these past few games.

Again, Chris Paul will be out against the Grizzlies as he recovers from his knee injury. CP3 has missed the past few games, however, according to Jonathan Feigen’s tweet, Chris Paul says he will not play until he is 100 percent.

Chatted briefly w/ Chris Paul as being held out until 100% is trying his patience. Had no timetable. “I have no clue. Just dealing with it.”

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 27, 2017

Trevor Ariza will miss his 3rd game as he is recovering from a foot injury that he suffered Monday against the Grizzlies.

Nene’s injury is day-to-day, however, he did not suit up against the Hornets and probably will not play against the Grizzlies tonight.

Grizzlies: 

Wayne Selden, who is suffering from a quad injury, has been officially ruled out for tonight’s game.

Projected Starters

Rockets: 

G – James Harden

G – Eric Gordon

C – Clint Capela

F – Luc Mbah a Moute

F- Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon led the way for 3-pointers last night against the Hornets. It would be great if that momentum carried over into tonight’s game. In addition, if James Harden has another game like he did last night, it will more than likely secures a win for the Rockets.

The defense will need to be in full force tomorrow to create more turnovers and to defend the Grizzlies who are doing well offensively. Capela who had five defensive rebounds in his last meeting with Grizzlies will need to block, steal and rebound.

Memphis Grizzlies:

G – Mike Conley

G – Andrew Harrison

F – James Ennis III

F – Jarell Martin

C – Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol has been doing very well offensively scoring 20 + points in the last 4 games and 10 + plus rebounds in the last 3 out of 4 games. J. Ennis was a strong rebounder in the last game with 11. In addition, Mike Conley is also great on offense scoring in double digits in every game thus far.

Other Things Rockets Need to Win:

• Fewer Turnovers: In their last meeting, the Rockets turned the ball over 18 times and the Grizzlies scored 22 points off those turnovers.
• Make Free Throws: The Grizzlies made 91.9 percent of their free throws last game, while the Rockets only made 73.9 percent (17 out 23), the game would have been within 2 points.

Next: Houston Rockets: James Harden is shooting fewer free throws this year

If the Rockets can hit those 3s, reduce turnovers, and make their free throws, they just might be 6-1 tonight.