Rockets vs. Grizzlies Preview: Cleaning Up Mishaps Ahead of Game 2
MEMPHIS — The Houston Rockets (18-55) will continue their five-game road trip Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies (45-27) inside the FedEx Forum.
The Rockets nearly recorded an upset victory in Game 1 of their two-game mini-series in Memphis.
Behind K.J. Martin's career-high 31-point performance, the Rockets withstood the physicality of the Grizzlies. But several minor mistakes resulted in Houston falling short of a win.
The Rockets finished Wednesday night's contest with 16 turnovers. Although the number was around Houston's season average (15.7), the timeliness of each turnover was costly.
Houston had several chances to take over the game in the fourth quarter and once held a 112-111 lead over the Grizzlies with 4 minutes and 58 seconds left. But the four turnovers in the final period interfered with the momentum the Rockets established down the stretch.
"It's completing plays throughout the game," coach Stephen Silas said. "The lob we had in transition that was thrown out of bounds — it's just the little things that are careless mistakes. They come back and bite you in the fourth quarter. It's the little details you need to get over the hump in a game like this."
Rockets vs. Grizzlies Broadcast Information:
- Date: Friday, March 24
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
- Radio: 790 AM
- Live Stream: League Pass
Houston Rockets Injury Report:
- Frank Kaminsky (migraine) QUESTIONABLE
- Jae'Sean Tate (left knee soreness) OUT
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report:
- Steven Adams (right knee PCL Sprain) OUT
- Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tear) OUT
- Vince Williams Jr. (right shoulder soreness) OUT
3-point shooting will be the key to a victory:
The Rockets and Grizzlies are at the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting. Houston is ranked 29th after shooting 32.7 percent, while Memphis has shot 34.6 percent for 25th place.
Both teams' subpar 3-point shooting has led to each franchise ranking top-six in points in the paint — Memphis leads the league by averaging 54.4 a game. Whichever team can find a way to shoot 40 percent or better from behind the arc could end Friday's contest as winners.
Winning to avoid a regular-season sweep:
Outside of sustaining a 14-point loss on March 1, the Rockets have played the Grizzlies close this season. But with Memphis leading its regular season series 3-0, it appears the Rockets have struggled.
The Rockets will need a victory to show evidence of their competitiveness against Memphis and to avoid a regular-season sweep. Houston dropped all three games by an average margin of 8.6 points, making a win plausible in its series finale.
Ja Morant will continue to come off the bench:
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Ja Morant will eventually return to the starting lineup. But unless he changes his mind, Morant will come off the bench for the second consecutive game.
In Game 1, Morant came off the bench following an eight-game suspension and gave Memphis' second unit a boost. He finished with 17 points (6-13 FG, 5-6 FT), five assists and a pair of steals, and played a role in the Grizzlies holding off the Rockets' late-game push.
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