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Memphis Grizzlies host the Houston Rockets: Preview

By Jerrod Smith

Dec 23, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and guard Mike Conley (11) celebrate after a score against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Houston 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and guard Mike Conley (11) celebrate after a score against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Houston 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Grizzlies have a chance to take the season series against the Houston Rockets. Can the Grizzlies build off last night win?

Who: Memphis Grizzlies (26-19) vs Houston Rockets (33-13)

When: 7:00 PM – CT

Where: FedEx Forum – Memphis, Tennessee

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN Memphis

Houston Rockets (33-13, 16-8 away)

The Houston Rockets come into Saturday’s game off a 125-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Last night, they made seven out of their 35 attempts (20 percent) from the three-point line.

Tonight, the Rockets look to bounce back against the Memphis Grizzlies. They will be gunning for a win after a losing the last two games to the Grizzlies (115 – 109, 110 -105)

James Harden continues to be an absolute animal. The man with the best beard in the NBA is averaging 28.9 points, 11.6 assists and 8.6 rebounds. Look for key role players such as Eric Gordon as he continues to shoot the ball well from the three-point line

With Ryan Anderson out with an illness, expect Gordon to take even more shots from the three-point line.

Memphis Grizzlies (26-19, 15-8 Home)

One of the best defenses in the NBA has been struggling as of late. However, they took a stride in the right direction after last night’s win against the Sacramento Kings, holding them to 91 points.

The key for the Grizzlies is to build off their defensive effort last night.

They have enough shooting to keep up with the Rockets. Marc Gasol found his stroke from beyond the arc last night. Mike Conley is shooting a career-best 40.6 percent from the three-point line. Maybe, this will be Chandler Parsons’ big game.

In the past few games, it’s not the superstars who are hurting them. It’s the role players. So, the Grizz need to focus on limiting players such as Eric Gordon, Trevor Ariza and Patrick Beverly.

Prediction:

This game should be a close one. Look for both teams to hit the ground running. The Grizzlies have a chance to take the series against a division opponent, and the Rockets want to steal a win in Memphis.

For the Grizz to win this game, they must control the pace. They can’t get into a running match with them. In addition, they have to keep Harden off the free-throw line. Finally, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley need to have big games. If your All-Star players don’t show up against elite teams, it’s hard to win.

Final prediction: Grizzlies will have a full-team effort tonight on both sides of the floor and will take this close game.

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