Memphis Grizzlies close season series with Houston Rockets: What to watch for

The Memphis Grizzlies (7-7) will close out the season series with the Houston Rockets (12-4). Can they pull through with a season series victory?

The Memphis Grizzlies look to complete a 3-1 series win over division rival — and the Western Conference leader — Houston Rockets at home. It’s certainly going to be the biggest challenge among all their matchups this season. For the first time this season, the Grizzlies will see a Rockets team that has Chris Paul in action. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies won’t have Mike Conley to battle against CP3.

It puts Memphis in a vulnerable position. They lack their best playmaker against two of the best facilitators in basketball. In this matchup, they really need Marc Gasol, the role players and the defense at peak levels.

As the Grizzlies look to take the season series victory, what should we watch for in this one?

What to watch for

Guard play

As mentioned before, the Grizzlies will have their hands full with the Rockets’ guards. Chris Paul is one of the best point guards of all time. James Harden looks like he’ll finally take the MVP award this season. Eric Gordon remains a dynamic threat from the perimeter.

With Conley’s absence, Memphis needs superb performances from the guards in this contest. Tyreke Evans has to put pressure on the defense and continue his string of 20-point performances. As the starting point guard, Mario Chalmers needs to unleash the 2015-16 Rio that was one of the best backup point guards in the league. Getting solid shooting and defensive outings from young guards Dillon Brooks and Ben McLemore.

This matchup will go a long way in determining the outcome of this game.

Aggressive Marc?

Brace yourself, Grizz fans. “Aggressive Marc” may make his long-awaited return. He recently told Mario Chalmers to make things easy and give him the ball. If “Aggressive Marc” comes to play, he’s a 30-10-5-5 threat instantly. For the Grizzlies to stay afloat in the Western Conference without Conley, they need All-Star-level play from Marc Gasol.

Is Chandler Parsons in for an encore?

In the last home game against the Rockets, he went absolutely bonkers. He scored 24 points (his most as a Grizzly) and hit six 3-pointers. They certainly need more of that to happen for the Grizzlies to remain competitive without the Conductor. The Grizzlies seem more comfortable with his minutes as he played 25 minutes (most as a Grizzly) the other night. If he can pull off an encore performance, it may plant the seeds to his return in the starting lineup.

Next: Conley out indefinitely with sore heel, ankle

Game Info

Who: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets

When: 7:00 pm – CT

Where: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis

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