Rockets at Grizzlies
THE STORY: When the Memphis Grizzlies got their first look at the 2011-12 NBA schedule, it quickly brought back memories of what they accomplished last season. After they dispatched San Antonio in the first round to become the fourth No. 8 seed in NBA history to oust a No. 1, the Grizzlies took Oklahoma City to seven games before they were eliminated. After losses to the Spurs and Thunder to open this season and a left ankle injury to point guard Mike Conley, though, the Grizzlies are faced with the reality of a 0-2 start which could get worse. The Houston Rockets visit Memphis on Friday, flying high after their 105-85 victory over San Antonio on Thursday. The Rockets have owned the Grizzlies with eight wins in the last nine meetings, including three of four last season. Houston has also won three of its last four games in Memphis.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Houston, SportSouth (Memphis)
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (1-1): Kevin Martin scored 25 points Thursday as he rebounded from his four-point performance in Monday’s 104-95 season-opening loss at Orlando. Coach Kevin McHale has preached defense and it showed Thursday as Houston held San Antonio to 37.6 percent shooting. However, the Rockets did allow 22 offensive rebounds. Houston will play its third game in three nights when it hosts Atlanta on Saturday. The Rockets were 6-14 on the second night of back-to-back games last season.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (0-2): Conley left Wednesday’s game after 14 seconds and was wearing a walking boot afterward. Conley originally injured the ankle in the preseason and is expected to miss a couple games. Despite its slow start, Memphis has the pieces to return to the playoffs, led by double-double machine Zach Randolph (20.1 points, 12.2 rebounds last season). Also, the Grizzlies figure to be stronger with Rudy Gay for the whole season. He missed 28 games in 2010-11 with a shoulder injury, but has started strong this season, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Rookie Jeremy Pargo replaced Conley on Wednesday and contributed 15 points and seven assists.
2. The over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Memphis.