Memphis Grizzlies: What to expect in rematch with Rockets

The Memphis Grizzlies look to improve to 5-1 as they face the Houston Rockets for the 2nd time this season. The Grizzlies won the first contest 98-90.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Rockets are set to tip off their second of four games in the 2017-18 NBA Season. Both teams sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, with each sporting records with only one loss. They have both played well, and while the Rockets were expected to be one of the better teams in the league, the Grizzlies have exceeded expectations so far this season.

The first game ended with the Grizzlies winning 98-90 after a great performance from Marc Gasol and some fireworks between James Harden and Mario Chalmers.

The Grizzlies come into this game after defeating the Mavericks on Thursday night to push their record to 4-1 on the season. They have found success with their bench unit, and Marc Gasol has played some of the best basketball of his career. He has been aggressive offensively, and he’s shooting more three pointers than ever before.

The Rockets will come into this game having just played the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. They have played well this season, despite shooting only 28 percent from 3. James Harden has been good, but the surprise for the Rockets has been the play of Eric Gordon, who has helped the Rockets weather Chris Paul’s injury. Gordon may not be shooting well from deep, but he’s getting to the free throw line over eight times per game.

What to Expect

Memphis has been carried by Marc Gasol throughout the first five games while Mike Conley has struggled at times shooting the ball. He got to the line 12 times in their last game against Dallas, and I would look for Conley to come out just as aggressive against Houston. Gasol was able to exploit Houston switching screens by attacking the smaller players guarding him. The Grizzlies were able to slow the pace in the second half, forcing Houston work for their shots. Look for the Grizzlies to slow it down versus the Rockets.

Houston will possibly be without Trevor Ariza and Nene against the Grizzlies on Saturday night due to injuries. Luc Mbah a Moute and P.J. Tucker will get the lion’s share of Ariza’s minutes and possibly some of Nene’s — since both players capable of playing small-ball 4.

In addition, the Rockets will give Tarik Black minutes. Black has appeared in two games and has played well for the Rockets as a back-up to Clint Capela. Look for the Rockets to attack Marc Gasol in the pick and roll. They were able to score points by getting into the paint, forcing Gasol to commit and throwing the lob to Capela. The Rockets are a streaky shooting team and they are bound to get hot. If that happens it could be a tough night for the Grizzlies.

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Prediction

It would be great for the Grizzlies to get another win over Houston. Based on some of the Rockets’ injuries and the fact that they’re coming into Memphis after a game in Charlotte the night before, the Grizzlies have the advantage. They play Houston well as slowing down the pace really seems to affect the Rockets’ offense. My worry is that the Rockets may be due for a hot-shooting night from their 3-point-heavy team.

Despite that worry, I think the Grizzlies move to 5-1 with a win over the Rockets with both teams scoring less than 100 points again.