The Memphis Grizzlies dropped a key game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, 126-110. The Grizzlies struggled mightily on offense and couldn’t keep up with Utah’s perimeter shooting.
Tonight, the Grizzlies are tasked with trying to not get upset by a not-good Rockets squad. The last time these teams faced, the Grizzlies enjoyed their largest win in franchise history, manhandling the Rockets 133-84. A loss against the Rockets would be devastating for this Grizzlies team that has been trying to find their footing since the All-Star break.
NBA 2K21 has the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets being a lot closer than Grizzlies fans hope.
The first quarter showcased the Grizzlies’ bench unit as they scored 18 of their 32 points, giving Memphis the lead 32-28 going into the second. The Grizzlies shot extremely well in the first, proven by them shooting at least 60% from the field, free-throw line, and 3-pointers.
In the second quarter, the Rockets managed to tie the game going into halftime, 55-55. The Grizzlies have still been shooting very efficiently at this point, however, the Rockets had taken advantage of fast break points (10) and second-chance points (12). It was clear the Grizzlies were struggling with the starting unit, as the bench had accounted for 31 of their 55 points. Memphis also had struggled with turnovers, having 12 at the half compared to the Rockets’ 6.
In the third quarter, the Rockets seemingly had taken control of the game and held the lead 89-80. The Grizzlies had a lot of trouble with fouls, fouling the Rockets seven times compared to Houston fouling only twice. This proved troublesome because the Rockets gained 12 of their points from the stripe while the Grizzlies didn’t even attempt one.
The fourth quarter was an entertaining sight, to say the least. This game came down to the last few seconds. With the game tied at 112, Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks hit a clutch three-pointer with 5.8 seconds left. After Christian Wood would airball a three-pointer from the inbound pass, Dillon Brooks was the hero for tonight, putting away the game, 115-112. Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks were the main contributors in that huge fourth quarter for the Grizzlies.
Here are some of the key statlines from the simulation:
Memphis Grizzlies (115 points, 47 rebounds, 26 assists, 8 steals, 2 blocks, 52% FG, 48% 3PT, 83% FT)
Starters
PG: Ja Morant (31 minutes) – 22 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal, 7/17 FG, 3/7 3PT, 5/6 FT
SG: Grayson Allen (26 minutes) – 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2/5 FG, 0/2 3PT
SF: Dillon Brooks (29 minutes) – 19 minutes, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 8/15 FG, 3/6 3PT
PF: Kyle Anderson (31 minutes) – 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2/4 FG, 0/2 FT
C: Jonas Valanciunas (33 minutes) – 19 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 9/17 FG, 1/1 FT
Key Bench Performers
Desmond Bane (15 minutes) – 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 4/4 FG, 2/2 3PT, 2/2 FT
Justise Winslow (21 minutes) – 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 4/6 FG, 1/1 3PT
De’Anthony Melton (13 minutes) – 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3/7 FG, 0/2 3PT, 3/3 FT
Tyus Jones (16 minutes) – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block, 3/4 FG, 1/1 3PT
Houston Rockets (112 points, 37 rebounds, 18 assists, 9 steals, 5 blocks, 46% FG, 34% 3PT, 82% FT)
Starters
PG: John Wall (32 minutes) – 28 points, 8 assists, 1 steal, 9/21 FG, 3/7 3PT, 7/8 FT
SG: Kevin Porter Jr. (27 minutes) – 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 5/8 FG, 1/2 3PT, 1/2 FT
SF: Danuel House (23 minutes) – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block, 3/5 FG, 2/4 3PT, 3/3 FT
PF: Jae’Sean Tate (28 minutes) – 4 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2/5 FG, 0/2 3PT
C: Christian Wood (32 minutes) – 27 points, 17 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 11/15 FG, 3/6 3PT, 2/2 FT
Key Bench Performers
Sterling Brown (24 minutes) – 9 points, 1 rebound, 2/8 FG, 1/6 3PT, 4/6 FT
D.J Augustin (18 minutes) – 9 points, 1 steal, 2/9 FG, 2/4 3PT, 3/3 FT
NBA 2K21 simulation prediction record before game vs. HOU: 1-3