The Memphis Grizzlies (1-0) travel to Houston to take on the Rockets (0-1) in their first road trip of the 2022-23 regular season.
We’re taking a look at a few Memphis Grizzlies players who are primed for a big outing against the rebuilding Rockets when the game tips off at 7 PM CT on Bally Sports Southeast and NBA League Pass.
Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane looking to bounce back
Desmond Bane’s opening night didn’t exactly go as planned. With three rotation players out of the lineup, the third-year guard had a much heavier scoring load. Bane attempted 22 shots from the field and was pure on only six of them. Even though he was inefficient, the shot attempts were warranted with key pieces out. Every player has a rough shooting night, and this night Friday night matchup in Houston will be his get back.
In Bane’s last two games against the Rockets, he shot over 47% from three. In those matchups, he finished with 28 and 24 points. Now with the bulk of the scoring load on his and Ja Morant’s shoulders, it is easy to envision Bane going for well over 25 points in this one.
Averages always even out, and shooters keep shooting. Not to mention that the Rockets were second to last in defensive rating last year. With multiple bodies being shown to Morant, Bane will likely have some very good looks from deep. Also, Coach Taylor Jenkins in the season opener against the Knicks staggered Morant and Bane’s minutes, leaving the former TCU Horned Frog to be the primary scoring option while Morant was on the bench.
The opportunity is there for Bane, and the matchup is perfectly timed for him to bounce back. He has recently been on fire against the Rockets and will be the same this Friday night in Houston.