Probably the best news for the Grizzlies we learned so far with the schedule release is that the Grizzlies get to play on MLK Day this year. Last season, the Grizzlies did not get to play on MLK Day due to their international trip that featured two games against the Orlando Magic.
But yesterday it was confirmed that the Grizzlies get to host the Rockets on MLK Day despite not playing on it last year. It will be an exciting chance to play against Kevin Durant, who has been linked to the Grizzlies in the past in potential trade scenarios. However, there is a very underrated storyline of the matchup, and that is seeing how well the Grizzlies' frontcourt stacks up.
The Rockets had a strange ending to last season, and part of that was their frontcourt not being at full-strength. But from what we've seen with a healthy Rockets team in recent seasons, it's that they are dominant on the glass and resemble the level of possession dominance the Grizzlies are trying to build.
The Rockets are a unique test to the Grizzlies' new frontcourt
In theory, a Zach Edey and Cam Boozer frontcourt has the potential to be extremely dangerous for years to come due to their rebounding prowess and the fact that they bring plenty of offensive gravity. The Grizzlies have also added quality frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey this offseason in Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post.
However, if there is a team that could truly test the Grizzlies' new-look frontcourt, it's the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is coming off of two All-Star seasons and has shown himself to be a well-rounded player on the offensive end. Like we saw in Memphis, Steven Adams is a crucial source of rebounding, and his brick-wall screens helped the Rockets' halfcourt offense greatly.
Plus, Jabari Smith Jr. continues to get better every season, and the Rockets brought back a solid contributor in Tari Eason this offseason. They also have Clint Capela as well to round out a very well-rounded frontcourt, especially at full-strength.
It was an ugly display offensively for the Rockets in their first-round series against the Lakers; however, it can't be forgotten that they won 52 games and faced an injury crisis of their own. Losing Steven Adams in the regular season and not having Kevin Durant for the vast majority of the first round was simply a huge blow to their halfcourt offense.
The Grizzlies have fared better in recent seasons on MLK Day, but the Rockets are simply a tough test for a Grizzlies team early in their rebuild. With the frontcourt arguably being the Grizzlies' most reliable path to winning games this season, the Rockets are a good measuring stick of how much potential the group has.
Even though there will likely be four matchups against the Rockets this season, the Grizzlies have a golden chance to make a statement against Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Playing against Kevin Durant never disappoints, but it is overshadowing what could be an extremely intriguing frontcourt battle.
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