Memphis (17-8) and Houston (17-7) begin the week as the NBA’s hottest teams. Both own six-game winning streaks.
Memphis Grizzlies
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The Grizzlies have taken over the league lead in defensive rating. Their stinginess was on display in Saturday’s 110-89 victory over Golden State – a rare lopsided win for the Grizzlies, who have thrived in close games. New coach David Fizdale’s team is 12-0 this season in games with a three-point margin in the final minute of regulation or overtime.
Marc Gasol has been fantastic (25.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.3 apg during the winning streak) and Zach Randolph is flourishing in his new role as sixth man, helping Memphis overcome the absences of Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons.
The Grizzlies are also benefiting from the play of several NBA Development League alums such as current starters JaMychal Green and Andrew Harrison as well as reserves Troy Daniels (16.5 ppg in December) and Jarell Martin.
Memphis’ next two games are against the defending champion Cavaliers – at Cleveland on Tuesday and home on Wednesday.
Houston Rockets
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The Rockets also count a victory over the league-leading Warriors as part of their six-game winning streak. Also like Memphis, Houston has adjusted quickly to a new coach.
Mike D’Antoni’s Rockets rank second in the NBA in points per game behind James Harden, who leads the league in assists and is tied for fourth in scoring. With Harden orchestrating a spread attack, Houston paces the league in three-pointers made and has hit at least 10 threes in an NBA-record 23 straight games. Four Houston players are among the NBA’s top 12 in threes made: Eric Gordon, Harden, Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson.
In addition, the emerging Clint Capela is excelling in the paint and Houston has clicked since the return of Patrick Beverley, who has been a part of 11 wins and just two losses.
— VIA NBA News
