Rockets Building Momentum for Playoff Push, Grizzlies Eye Bounce Back
Rockets vs. Grizzlies: January 2025 Predictions
Thursday night will feature an exciting Western Conference clash as the Houston Rockets take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Rockets are currently riding a four-game win streak, while the Grizzlies are looking to rebound from a tough loss to the Knicks. The game is scheduled for 7:40 PM EST, and with both teams vying for playoff positioning, expect a competitive matchup. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this thrilling encounter.
Houston Rockets: Building Momentum for the Playoff Push
The Houston Rockets (32-14) have been on a roll, winning four straight games and continuing their rise in the Western Conference standings. Their latest victory came on Tuesday night with a 100-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Houston was in control for most of the game, building a 16-point lead with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter before holding off a late surge from the Hawks. Jalen Green led the way with 25 points, including a critical 12-point third-quarter performance. Alperen Sengun added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson chipped in 11 points apiece.
Offensively, the Rockets are 13th in the league in scoring, averaging 116.2 points per game. However, their shooting efficiency has been a concern, ranking 23rd in field goal percentage and 26th in three-point shooting. Despite these inefficiencies, the Rockets have managed to rank 12th in offensive efficiency, thanks in part to their ability to generate rebounds and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. On the defensive side, Houston ranks an impressive 5th in scoring defense, allowing just 108.2 points per game. Their field goal defense is equally strong, ranking 6th, and they are also among the top teams in defensive efficiency (4th).
Memphis Grizzlies: Looking to Bounce Back
The Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) enter Thursday’s game after a frustrating 143-106 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. The Grizzlies were plagued by turnovers in that game, committing a staggering 26 turnovers, which led to a 36-14 disadvantage in points off turnovers. Ja Morant, who has been the team’s star this season, struggled with just 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting and four turnovers. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane led the team with 21 and 16 points, respectively, but Memphis couldn’t recover from a slow start and never found a rhythm.
Despite the loss, Memphis has been strong this season, currently sitting 1.5 games behind the Rockets in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies are known for their high-powered offense, ranking 1st in the NBA in scoring with 120.5 points per game. They also rank 5th in field goal percentage and 7th in three-point shooting. Their offensive efficiency (5th) has been a key to their success this season, but their defense has been a mixed bag. While they rank 4th in field goal defense and 6th in three-point defense, they are just 23rd in scoring defense, allowing 114.1 points per game. Defensively, they are 7th in defensive efficiency.
The Grizzlies are looking to make up ground after losing all three previous matchups to the Rockets this season. This game will be pivotal as they look to stay in contention for the top spots in the West.
Conclusion
Despite Memphis’s offensive firepower, the Rockets have proven to be a tough matchup for them this season, having won all three previous meetings. Houston’s defense has stifled the Grizzlies’ high-scoring attack, and with the Rockets currently in excellent form, they are likely to extend their win streak. The Grizzlies will need to cut down on turnovers and improve their defensive consistency to avoid another defeat.
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