Grizzlies at Rockets
THE STORY: Memphis will try to win its third in a row and end
an 11-game slide in Houston on Friday. The Grizzlies earned a 93-86
victory over Minnesota on Tuesday minus All-Star Marc Gasol (right
ankle), who is expected back Friday. The Rockets, who have not lost at
home to Memphis since April 15, 2006, are in a three-way tie for
seventh. “We control our own destiny,” Houston's Marcus Camby said. “We
know we have to play better.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Grizzlies), FS Houston (Rockets)
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (27-21):
In addition to Gasol, the Grizzlies should have point guard Mike Conley
available after he twisted his ankle against Minnesota. Dante
Cunningham had 13 points and 14 rebounds in place of Gasol. “I just told
our guys, ‘You can’t think you are not going to play,’ ” Memphis coach
Lionel Hollins said. “Everybody is important for the team. Everyone has a
role, and there is a time that you have to step up.”
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (27-24):
The Rockets appeared tired in a 90-81 loss at Dallas on Tuesday. Coach
Kevin McHale said his team walked the ball up court too often. Houston
started well and took a 26-10 lead in the first quarter. “We had good
energy in the first quarter,” said Luis Scola, who led the team with 22
points. “But we didn’t play well in the second half.” The Rockets again
will be without Kevin Martin (shoulder) and Kyle Lowry (bacterial
infection).
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The 11-game road
drought is the Grizzlies’ longest against any opponent. It is also the
Rockets longest winning streak against any opponent.
2. Memphis is averaging 88.4 points and shooting only 41.3 percent in the 11 road losses in Houston.
3. Rudy Gay averages 21.5 points in his last two games against the Rockets.