Grizzlies at Rockets
THE STORY: The Memphis
Grizzlies have won four in a row, sparked by an offensive surge that saw
them top the century mark in their last three outings. The Grizzlies,
who visit the Houston Rockets on Monday, are shooting better than 49
percent in that stretch, thanks to a dominant inside attack. Houston has
won two in a row after its 101-85 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
The Rockets shook up their starting lineup, with Patrick Patterson
replacing Samuel Dalembert.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Grizzlies), FS Houston (Rockets)
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (18-14): Memphis is playing only its second road
game in the last nine contests. The Grizzlies have been making sweet
music in Memphis, going 12-5, but carry a lackluster 6-9 road mark.
Memphis averages only 87.9 points on 42 percent shooting away from home –
compared to 98.6 points on 46 percent shooting inside the FedExForum.
The Grizzlies are shooting a dismal 29 percent from the 3-point arc in
opposing stadiums. Memphis has scored 148 points in the paint - 47
percent of its total offensive production - in the three games it
reached 100.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (18-14): Houston has an incredibly shrinking
frontcourt after losing center Jordan Hill for the next two weeks. Hill
went down with a knee injury in practice Saturday, leaving Dalembert as
the team’s only true big man. Rookie Chandler Parsons and Patterson
stand 6 feet 9. The Rockets were shredded for 63 points by Minnesota
post players Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic on Friday. Houston bounced
back, though, and outscored the Jazz 56-39 in the second half. The
Rockets are averaging 50.3 points in the final two quarters over their
last three games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Houston has won 23 straight games when holding an opponent to less than 90 points.
2.
Memphis took one-point wins against Denver and Golden State, marking
the first time in the franchise’s 17-year history that the Grizzlies
have recorded back-to-back one-point victories.
3. Memphis defeated Houston 93-83 on Feb. 14, but the Rockets lead the all-time series 44-22.