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The Memphis Grizzlies haven't played since Monday, when they lost a tough home game to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Houston Rockets haven't played since Wednesday, as the schedule-makers clearly forgot to screw over the Rockets during this homestand.
I could go on and on, but you know the Grizzlies. The Rockets have two come-from-behind wins against Memphis, and the second one came despite 2 points from Dwight Howard and 2 made field goals from James Harden.
On the other side, this will be Marc Gasol's first game against the Rockets this season after missing a couple of months with an injury.
These teams will be playing each other again tomorrow night in Memphis, so don't expect a preview for that. I will try to get up a skeleton preview if anyone wants to discuss the second matchup.
And because every human being should love this song:
Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis Official Video (via TheClassic90s)
Tip off is at 7pm CST for Friday night AND for Saturday night.
Matchups:
Point Guard: Patrick Beverley vs. Mike Conley
This should be fun. We'll see if Beverley continues to be great.
Advantage: Even
Shooting Guard: James Harden vs. Courtney Lee
Tony Allen has been out for two weeks with a minor fracture in his hand. If he doesn't go, Lee has been starting in his place.
However, I think Allen will want to come back and try to shut down Harden two nights in a row.
Advantage: Rockets
Small Forward: Chandler Parsons vs. Tayshaun Prince
As I tweeted from The Dream Shake twitter account, Parsons has been making Carlos from "Welcome To Night Vale" look ugly.
It's a terrible reference, I know.
Advantage: Rockets
Power Forward: Terrence Jones/Donatas Motiejunas vs. Zach Randolph
In true Rockets fashion, the return of Patrick Beverley meant the departure of Terrence Jones to injury.
The Rockets will need both Jones and D-Mo to try and stop the 300 pound man squeezed into a 200 pound body. Or was it 400 in 300?
Advantage: Grizzlies
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Marc Gasol
I'm really excited for this matchup. As a Rockets fan I should be scared of Gasol, but I love seeing two good big men going at it. Most good big men in the NBA are only good on one end of the court. These are two of the most complete big men in basketball. This should be fun.
Advantage: Even
Bench
Rockets: Jeremy Lin, Ronnie Brewer, Omri Casspi, Greg Smith (maybe), Donatas Motiejunas (if he doesn't start)
Grizzlies: James Johnson, Ed Davis, Jon Leuer, Mike Miller, Kosta Koufos, Nick Calathes
Advantage: Even
Prediction: Rockets play the Grizzlies, not the Kings. I expect the teams to win their home games.
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