Because of their lengthiest winning run in 5 years, the Grizzlies are in the mix of the playoff hunt. A 6th straight win might be difficult to pick up versus the host Rockets. The Grizzlies will attempt to prevent a tenth straight defeat at the Toyota Center vs. the Rockets when the clubs play Saturday evening.
Memphis ( 27 - 24 ) had a bit of a scare Friday evening against sluggish Cavs, which tied a League record with their 23rd consecutive defeat, however were capable to a 7 point half-time disadvantage on their way to a 112 - 105 win, their 5th consecutive. It's the longest winning run for the Grizzlies since April 11th to 19th, 2006, when they picked up 5 consecutive on their way to their most recent playoffs appearance.
Memphis now leads the Blazers by 1/2 game for the 8th & last post-season position in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies have picked up 10 of 13, which includes a 115 - 110 home court win above the Rockets on January 21st, since permanently putting Young into the starting 5. Young seems to be improving playing with his squad. His nineteen points Friday equaled a high for the year, & he's achieved double digits in 5 consecutive contests, equaling his last total of double-figure scoring performances for the year.
Rudy Gay got twenty-six points & eleven boards against the Cavs for his 1st double - double since the season opener, while Zach Randolph posted his 16th double - double in seventeen games with twenty-nine points & thirteen boards.
While the Grizzlies' victory against the Rockets the previous month broke a 7 game overall slide within the series, they have lost 9 consecutive at the Toyota Center vs. the Rockets by an average of 13.4 points, with their previous victory coming April 15th, 2006.
The Rockets ( 23 - 28 ) come back to their home court following preventing a win-less 4 game journey away from home having a 97 - 96 win at EnergySolutions Arena vs. the Jazz on Wednesday evening. Kevin Martin finished a 3 point play having 6.9 seconds left to put the Rockets up for good.
Martin, who completed having 22 points Friday, might be ready for a large game versus the Grizzlies. He is putting in 32.0 points during his previous 12 matchups against Memphis, which includes a 48 point effort November 2nd, 2009, while with the Kings.
The Grizzlies have picked up 4 of 5 away from home while keeping competitors to an average of 90.0 points.
Memphis is 0 - 10 as the visiting club when permitting 100 or more points, & might have issue slowing down a Houston offense putting in 105.0 points, 4th during the League.