Gasol and Battier each posted a double double, combining for 53 points and 24 rebounds, to lead the Grizzlies to a relatively easy 99-81 win over the Rockets before an announced crowd of 14,188 at the Pyramid.

Fittingly, on Elvis bobblehead-doll night, the Rockets played like hound dogs in the first half and, despite a decent run in the third quarter to get back into the game, could not overcome a poor start.

With Kelvin Cato sitting out with a wrist injury and Kenny Thomas limited to just seven first-quarter minutes because of flu-like symptoms, the Rockets had no answer for the young Grizzlies.

Steve Francis, who led Houston with 22 points, said yes, the Grizzlies' rookies were impressive, and yes, the Rockets were missing some players but that there was no room for excuses.