Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies game preview

The Houston Rockets took game one of their back-to-back last night against Atlanta. Tonight, they head to Memphis to take on another lottery team that would probably like a competitive game that ends in a close loss. The Grizzlies and Mavericks are tied at 28-42 for the sixth-worst record in the NBA and you can bet both teams know they need to “pass” the other for the best chance to jump into the top 3.

The Rockets will hope to put on their blue suede shoes grab a win ten feed off of Beale Street. Their opponents haven’t been kind to guests like Muriel was at the Hollywood, but that’s enough “Walking in Memphis” references for you.

A couple of weeks ago, the Grizzlies defeated both the Jazz and the Blazers, along with the Magic, before dropping their most recent contests against the Hawks and Wizards. Memphis is a much younger team now and they are playing like it. For example, young teams generally play much better at home than on the road. The Grizzlies have won four of their last five in the friendly confines of FedExForum.

After resting Iman Shumpert last night as part of Mike D’Antoni’s attempt to give everyone a night off down the stretch, Eric Gordon will do the honors tonight by getting a DNP-Rest. Nene will sit out tonight once again. With Jonas Valanciunas playing well in his new chance with the Grizzlies, Houston may end up really missing him.

For Memphis, they have a MASH unit on their injury report. Avery Bradley is questionable due to knee and wrist soreness. Kyle Anderson has missed the last two weeks after receiving an injection in his shoulder and is scheduled to be re-evaluated soon. After injuring his foot against the Wizards, C.J. Miles has been ruled out for the season. Dillon Brooks is out for the season with a toe injury. Jaren Jackson Jr. is still recovering from his quad injury.

Tip-off is at 7pm CT