By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Memphis Grizzlies made a strong push to solidify in the second place of the Western Conference standings with a 122-98 victory against the Houston Rockets on the road.
Memphis played without star Ja Morant who remained sidelined due to injury and were paced by a 24-point performance by Desmond Bane. Dillon Brooks added 20 points, DeAnthony Melton added 16 points and 7 rebounds while coming from the bench and Jaren Jackson posted 15 points for the Grizzlies that improved to 49-23.
Dennis Schroder posted 17 points for the Rockets while coming from the bench, Kevin Porter Jr. added 14 points and Christian Wood followed with 12 points, 7 rebounds.
In the meantime, the already eliminated from playoffs contention Indiana Pacers held off the Portland Trail Blazers 129-98 at home to win their second straight.
Oshae Brissett led the team with 24 points and 9 rebounds, Justin Anderson scored 18 points and big man Goga Bitadze followed up a season-best game with 12 points and 3 assists for the Pacers.
Josh Hart led the way for Portland with 26 points, Trendon Watford added 17 points and 8 rebounds and Drew Eubanks exited the game with 12. The Trail Blazers have lost four of their last five games to sink further down to a 26-44 record in the Western Conference.
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