Game 29 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
by ak2themax on Feb 14, 2012 8:00 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintThis Grizzlies team is very different from the one we saw earlier in the year. Mike Conley was hurt, and Zach Randolph was healthy. The Grizzlies won that game.
Now, Randolph is out and Conley is back. Marreese Speights is the power forward for the Grizz now, who are 14-14 and 9-5 at home. They are coming off a 98-88 defeat in Memphis against the Jazz where they turned the ball over 18 times and got very little bench production outside of Dante Cunningham.
Again, it's a winnable road game for the Rockets. Granted, when we started the road trip I thought the winnable games were Minnesota and Golden State. Oddly enough, those are the games we have lost. So hopefully the trend continues and we beat the last team that I thought would beat us on this road trip.
A big problem for the Rockets tonight will be getting their turnover troubles under control. Not just because we have to stop turning the ball over, but because Memphis thrives on turnovers. They lead the league in steals per game and opponents' turnover rate. They're a ball-hawking team with several athletes. They are also very long and good at getting deflections, so the passing has to be especially crisp if the Rockets are going to escape the Bear Cave with a win.
The Rockets can go a respectable 4-2 on this road trip with a win tonight. Time to go get it.
Obligatory video of the day, and it's relevant because golf is starting and March Madness is just around the corner:
How to Make Golf Exciting (via slatester)
Tip is at 7pm CST.
Matchups after the jump.
Matchups:
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Mike Conley:
As Conley goes, so do the Grizzlies. In their wins, he's averaging 15/8 and shooting 48%.
In their losses, he's averaging 11/6 and shooting 36%. It's almost like there's a correlation there.
Almost.
Advantage: Even
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Tony Allen:
I like to think I will go on a date with a model on Valentine's Day one year. I also realize that the chances are low.
I would like to think that Martin figured it out in Oakland. I also realize that the chances are low. And Tony Allen is guarding him.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Chandler Parsons vs. Rudy Gay:
The most consistent player for the Rockets this year has been a rookie. Yeah, that's for real.
The guy averaging 19/7 plays for the other team, though. Once more it's another test for Chandler "Shut Down" Parsons.
Advantage: Grizzlies
PF: Luis Scola vs. Marreese Speights:
Gotta be Scola here. Can you tell when I don't have time to do a complete preview and so I just say stuff like "Gotta be Scola?"
Yeah, I bet you can.
But in reality he is the better player, and he's becoming more aggressive cutting to the basket, which I like.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Samuel Dalembert vs. Marc Gasol:
Marc Gasol: 15/10. All-star. Spanish. Rockets' third choice for a big man last offseason.
Samuel Dalembert: 8/8. Very capable starter. Haitian.* Rockets fourth (or fifth) choice for a big man last offseason.
Advantage: Grizzlies
*Race was not taken into account in looking for the advantage. It was just mentioned randomly.
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Bench/Role Players:
Grizzlies: Dante Cunningham, O.J. Mayo, Quincy Pondexter, Jeremy Pargo, Hamed Haddadi
Rockets: Chase Budinger, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill, Courtney Lee, Goran Dragic
Advantage: Rockets
Injuries/Inactives:
Grizzlies: Zach Randolph out
Rockets:
Prediction: Grizzlies 100-93
Make sure you get in on TCWHRO (we have to figure out another way to say that)'s fantasy basketball game. Detailshere. Just make your predictions in the comments, and maybe explain how you came to that conclusion so we have something to talk about.
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"From the parking lot!!!!!!!!!!"
Thanks for the morning giggle.
We need to beat these guys — now is the time.
Rockets 105 – Grizz 98…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
We CANNOT Turn the ball over
Grizz offense without Z-Bo is hugely dependent on creating turnovers. Limit turnovers and it should be a 10 point victory.
Rockets 98 – Grizzlies 90
Great point
I added a little bit about turnovers after I saw this.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
it'll be a thrilling game
but the rockets will come out victorious, 96-94, from a long two by samuel dalembert.
by PunkRocket on Feb 14, 2012 9:07 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
So at the end of the game we will all be like
NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
WAIT
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
by VBG on Feb 14, 2012 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
105-96 Rockets
We match up pretty well against these guys. Also, their bench is pretty awful.
Gasol will probably score a bunch of points, though.
without z-bo it all changes
he’s gotta be the most annoying player ever for opposition teams. grizzlies have struggled since he’s gone down. rockets are coming off an off-day, too. i think we’ll take this.
rox 98-93 grizzlies
They are 13-11 without Z-Bo
Not stellar, but certainly not struggling.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
they were 1-3 with z-bo?
that doesn’t sound right. their only win was against us?
Yep
Z-Bo only was there for the win against the Rockets. Our luck, right? Also, their beginning schedule was brutal.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Grizzlies win 97-92
hey AK, I’m pretty sure I just found out Direct TV is giving me UEFA league for free…if so, I’m super excited. There’s a match in like 10 minutes
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 14, 2012 11:13 AM CST reply actions
Lucky dog
I thought the games were around 2pm central today.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
I'm getting Braga vs Besiktas
then Thursday I’m getting a bunch of games including Manchester United…that’s the UEFA champions league right?
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 14, 2012 11:32 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah
The Manchester teams didn’t advance this year. It was crazy. But when you don’t make the CL final 16, you get moved into the Europa League.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
I am getting to watch Lyon vs Apoel right now
maybe down the road more games will be on tv. The channels they are giving to me for free say Uefa Europa leagues and Uefa champions league…so I’m guessing they’ll start showing more games later on. I really wanna see Barcelona sometime, haven’t had a chance to watch them
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 14, 2012 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
Champions League
Thursday = Europa League.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 14, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
The griz 94-89
This season the Rockets need to sink or swim. Instead, they are just floating. This is the product of an indecisive GM.
Rockets win 105-98
Lowry always plays well against his former team and will light them up along with Martin!
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
counting on martin is not smart sir
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Nah it usually is okay
I think he’s fallen out of his slump. He’ll dump 20+ points on the grizz
and give up 30
thats the point. Never said the guy cant score. He cant do anything else
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
by AllenOU on Feb 14, 2012 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Not against Tony Allen he won't.
Of course he may score about 12.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I usually pull out in time
but there were a couple of instances lol
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
by AllenOU on Feb 14, 2012 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rockets lose in a blow out
107-91
I hate david stern!
by batman713 on Feb 14, 2012 11:47 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Grizz win 98-89
Al Jefferson was able to keep Gasol in check, don’t think Sammy or Hill will be able to do that
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Feb 14, 2012 11:49 AM CST reply actions
Rockets win 87-83
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Kevin Martin still plays for the rockets, correct?
99-92 memphis
also jeremy lin comes back to earth in a BIG way tonight
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
I don't have much for this one
Grizz 102 – 95
My thoughts are like Brian Cushing on the field: Everywhere.
I hope Lowry get back to form
Playing Conley, who is also quietly having an excellent season
Remember when we used to look forward to playing the Griz for an easy W?
Times sure do change. I think without Z-Bo we get the win.
Memphis is still one of my top-5 favorite teams, behind Portland and Golden State, but before Minnesota.
by RedRowdy420 on Feb 14, 2012 1:09 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Oddly enough
Minny is moving down my list so fast it’s amazing. Kevin Love+them not stopping the Lin show pissed me off.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Favorite non Rocket teams
Portland, Sacramento, used to be Phoenix. I really could care less about the entire Eastern Conference.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Denver and Warriors are mine.
For some weird reason that I don’t know.
by Dmo_Htx on Feb 14, 2012 3:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
is she a member of the Dream Shake here?
have to ask… can u blame me?
don't bully me, i am from the D(etroit)!!!
Wish Kate Upton was
Apparently she’s a Mavs fan (went to a Mavs game)
That's some beautiful scenery
Clouds are gorgeous
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
Interestingly enough
Her dance reminds me of the holo dancers on SWTOR.
DON’T BAN ME!
My thoughts are like Brian Cushing on the field: Everywhere.
No way man
Why would anyone ban you from making a reference to one of the greatest Star Wars games ever
"He was in my way, so I got him out of the way." - Arian Foster
As usual I pick the Rockets to win
92-87
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
How did H.Thabeet injuried his lower back?
sitting on bench too long?
don't bully me, i am from the D(etroit)!!!
Rockets win 102- 97
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
BD34's pick: Grizzlies 104-92
He asked me to relay the message. He’s a bit busy tonight.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
105 101 rox
screw valentines day
Go Rockets!
"Our players knew we were going to win so kinda let up on defense." Kevin Mchale
"Screw Stern!" Me
rox winning i meant
Go Rockets!
"Our players knew we were going to win so kinda let up on defense." Kevin Mchale
"Screw Stern!" Me
I jus realized something
ive never picked against the rockets…
Go Rockets!
"Our players knew we were going to win so kinda let up on defense." Kevin Mchale
"Screw Stern!" Me
My plan at the beginning was to pick against The Rockets every game.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
Sell out!
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Hou 91 - Mem 90
Lowry off the glass to win with 2.4 seconds to go.
The content of the text above is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. The troll does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided in the text above.
97-91, Rockets.
…and a Happy Valentine’s day to all. Thanks for the spirited gif VBG.
'Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.' -Frank Herbert
Any crazy Valentines Day trades?
Probably nothing as special as 17 years ago…
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