Memphis plays Houston, aims for 4th straight win

Tue, Mar 21, 2023
NBA News (AP)

Houston Rockets (18-54, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (44-27, second in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Memphis will try to build upon its three-game win streak with a victory over Houston.

The Grizzlies are 26-19 in Western Conference games. Memphis ranks second in the Western Conference with 34.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Steven Adams averaging 6.5.

The Rockets are 11-37 in Western Conference play. Houston gives up 118.1 points to opponents while being outscored by 7.8 points per game.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Grizzlies won the last matchup 113-99 on March 2, with Desmond Bane scoring 30 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 17.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks for the Grizzlies. Bane is averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists over the past 10 games for Memphis.

Jabari Smith Jr. is shooting 40.3% and averaging 12.5 points for the Rockets. Jalen Green is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Houston.

LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 116.6 points, 42.5 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.1 points per game.

Rockets: 5-5, averaging 115.0 points, 45.6 rebounds, 21.3 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.0 points.

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Vince Williams Jr.: out (shoulder), Steven Adams: out (knee), Brandon Clarke: out for season (achilles), Ja Morant: out (reconditioning).

Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (rest), Alperen Sengun: out (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.