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Memphis Grizzlies Preseason Debut Against the Houston Rockets Preview

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets on November 18, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 18: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets on November 18, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies return from summer hibernation Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. How can they leverage the preseason debut to their advantage?

The Memphis Grizzlies have serious ambitions for 2018-19. They are on a quest to prove last season’s stinker was an aberration; that Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are still a franchise duo. Doubters and uncertainties cloud both their short- and long-term future, but the Grizzlies have always thrived as underdogs.

If Memphis does indeed return to the playoffs this year, it will almost certainly be as a lower-tier seed in a stacked Western Conference. As such, the Houston Rockets — already Southwest Division neighbors — are possible first-round opponents.

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The Rockets themselves come into the season with questions to answer. Houston must integrate the petulant Carmelo Anthony, swapping his awful defense for the losses of Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza. While Golden State greedily hoarded DeMarcus Cousins, Houston got worse on paper, and — Banana Boat aside — possibly chemistry-wise, too.

Still, it took a Chris Paul injury and statistical history to keep the Rockets from an NBA title last year. They are an elite team until proven otherwise; a fitting debut opponent for a Grizzlies team aiming to compete again.

As with any preseason game, the result will be measured more on progress and information than the scoreboard tally.

Here is how the Memphis Grizzlies can use the matchup to their advantage, and start the (pre)season on a strong note when they face a talented Houston Rockets group on Tuesday evening.

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