Houston May have Another Problem: Part 2

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the Houston Rockets tonight in the Toyota Center at 7 p.m. Grizzlies are trying to stay undefeated on this 4 game road trip stand and improve to 8-2 on the road this season.

Grizzlies and Rockets are respectively 1st and 2nd in points allowed this season. The Grizzlies are at 92.4 and the Rockets are at 92.8. The Rockets are known as a highly offensive team in the past but starting out this season, they are 21st in the league averaging 97.5 points per game. However the Grizzlies are 16th in the league averaging 100.4 points per game. Grizzlies have stepped up tremendously on offense while the Rockets have stepped up on their defense.

What to expect

The Grizzlies dominated the Rockets in a decisive win on November 17 at the Fed Ex Forum 119-93. Dwight Howard was held to 15 points and 9 rebounds and James Harden had only 6 points a was 1-8 shooting. This was not a very good game for either star.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph should be dominate in the front court tonight. Dwight Howard will likely be out and miss his 7th straight game due to a knee injury. Tarik Black is likely to start in his place and will have a hard time against Zach Randolph or Marc Gasol. Zbo will likely teach the young fella a lesson tonight. Since the Houston game, Marc Gasol has been averaging 24.5 points per game. I don’t see Tarik or any other player on the Rockets’ team stopping Marc Gasol.

Tony Allen usually causes James Harden to be off his game. Tony should be careful not get in foul trouble, since Harden goes to the line a lot. Grizzlies also need to guard the 3pt line. This team has hit 207 3 pointers which is best in the league. Grizzlies can’t let them get hot from 3 or it will be a long night.

Mike Conley should have nice night as well. He would be guarded by veteran Jason Terry since other Rockets players are likely out due to injury. Conley has been more aggressive getting to the rim and is confident in his shot from long range. In the last match-up against Houston, he and Courtney Lee combined for 34 points and was 12-19 from the field.

I don’t know who will start, but Tayshaun Prince may start again as SF, while Courtney Lee comes off the bench. Trevor Ariza may be a problem regardless of who guards him.

Analysis

This should be a yet another good game to watch. If the Grizzlies keep the same level of play since the last meaning, this will be a easy game for them. Grizzlies need to be aggressive on both ends of the floor. The Rockets were embarrassed the last outing and will more than likely put up a better fight at home. I predict this to be a close game and the Grizzlies will get the win. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph both should have double doubles.