Pwnage Pick of the Day 3/31

PPOTD Record: 6-2
Last PPOTD: Chicago Blackhawks (Win)
Current PPOTD Streak: W4

Today's Pick: Memphis Grizzlies (27-21) at Houston Rockets (27-24)
NBA PPOTD Record: 2-1

The Houston Rockets have won 3 of their last 5 games, but at home lately, they have been a stronger team with 4 wins in their last 5 home games, and 8 wins in their last 11 home contests. Overall this year, the Rockets are 19-7 at the Toyota Center. The Rockets last game was a 90-81 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday Night. When playing after two or more days off this year, the Rockets are 4-3. Houston's last home game was against the Sacramento Kings which was a 113-106 home overtime victory on Monday Night.

The Rockets have a couple injuries to deal with. Point guard Kyle Lowry will miss his twelfth consecutive game. Since Lowry has been out, the Rockets are 6-5. Lowry averages 15.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. 2-guard Kevin Martin is day-to-day for the Rockets. Kevin averages 17.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. The Rockets are 5-4 since he has gotten injured.

The Memphis Grizzles have won 2 straight games, but even with that boost lately, they are still only 4-6 in their last 10 games (3-5 in last 8). On the road, the Grizzles are 1-3 in their last 4 games. Overall, the Grizzles are 10-14 away from Memphis. Their last game was a 93-86 victory over Minnesota in Memphis on Tuesday Night. Memphis is 3-1 after a couple days or more off between games. Memphis' last road game was at the LA Lakers which they won 102-96 on Sunday Night.

Center Marc Gasol is day-to-day for the Grizzles. He averages 15.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this year. Mike Conley is listed as day-to-day and sat out practice, but he was able to play through the pain on Tuesday Night, so I will assume that he can play again.

Conclusion: The Houston Rockets are a very good home team this year. The Grizzles, even though they won their last 2 games, are still struggling, and are a bad team on the road. Marc Gasol would be a huge loss for the Grizzles while the players injured for the Rockets, haven't affected Houston to a large extent as they have still been able to play +.500 ball since their injuries.