Grizzlies vs. Rockets
The Memphis Grizzlies haven’t exactly come out of the All Star Break looking renewed, refreshed and ready to close out what started as the franchise’s best season. Since the break, the Grizzlies have won 3 of the 6 games played, with 2 of their 3 losses coming from teams that aren’t even in the playoff running. Tonight they look to get back on the right track at the Toyota Center in Houston as they take on the Houston Rockets.
The Grizzlies left for Houston last night after a tough loss to the Utah Jazz at Fed Ex Forum with a 42-17 record. The Rockets returned home last night after a tough loss of their own to the Atlanta Hawks with a 41-19 record. The Grizzlies were without Zach Randolph and Beno Udrih, due to illness, and Tony Allen, due to a suspension for one game with “violation of team rules” stated as the reason. The Rockets were without Dwight Howard, who’s still on the injured list, and James Harden, who was suspended for kicking LeBron James in the groin on Sunday.
What needs to happen tonight?
1. The Grizzlies’ have to come out with much more intensity and consistency than they’ve shown in the past 6 games. While they’re 2nd in the Western Conference and 3rd in the league, the Grizzlies need to get back to the Grit and Grind that they’re known for…immediately. Coach Joerger has to tweak the line-ups accordingly to get the most efficient output offensively and defensively for the full 48 minutes. Period. Point blank.
2. The bench has to come to play. While the Grizzlies’ bench is statistically slightly better than the Rockets, the Grizzlies should still come prepared to play as a unit that is effective offensively and defensively. The 2nd unit is full of energy, but an energetic and efficient Grizzlies bench is dangerous. (Side note: Seeing rookie Jordan Adams play so well last night was refreshing.)
3. Hate to beat the dead horse, but the Grizzlies have to defend beyond the arc. The Rockets can, and will, easily rack up points on the 3 point line if the Grizzlies don’t defend. There’s no way to stop them all because the Rockets shoot them that well, but the Grizzlies’ defense is good enough to limit them. Some effective 3 point shooting from the Grizzlies is welcomed as well.
4. Zach Randolph has to feel good. The Grizzlies are much better with him than they are without him. With him, the Grizzlies’ front court is much better than the Houston front court (especially when Aggressive Marc comes to the game too). Without him…yeah, we’re not going to even think about that. We’ll just send good vibes his way.
5. Rules are rules, but thank goodness it was only a one game suspension. Tony Allen has to play. Tony Allen has to start. Tony Allen has to defend James Harden by doing Tony Allen things. Tony Allen must do those three things well.
The Rockets are hot and heavy on the Grizzlies’ tail for the 2nd spot in the Western Conference and the 1st spot in the Southwest Division trailing only 1.5 games behind. Additionally, this is the last time the Rockets and Grizzlies will see each other in the regular season. They lead the Grizzlies in that series currently, 2-1. So, a win for the Grizzlies tonight has multiple implications. As the Grizzlies close out the season, all games are important, but this is truly a must win game.
Plan to watch the Grizzlies take on the Rockets tonight at 7 p.m. on SportsSouth or listen on 92.9 FM.
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
