The Memphis Grizzlies, struggling through a rebuild amid injuries and inconsistency, travel to face a surging Houston Rockets team that’s solidified itself as a Western Conference contender. With the Grizzlies relying on Ja Morant’s explosiveness and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defense to spark upsets, they’ll need to overcome Houston’s balanced attack led by Alperen Şengün’s interior dominance and Fred VanVleet’s playmaking. The Rockets, winners of four of their last five, excel at home with a stifling defense (top-10 in opponent PPG) and efficient offense. This matchup could turn on rebounding and transition play, where Houston’s depth gives them an edge, but Memphis’ youth might keep it competitive if they force turnovers. Expect a fast-paced game with potential for high scoring if the Grizzlies’ offense clicks.
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT local time)
Broadcast: Available on Space City Home Network (Rockets), Bally Sports Southeast (Grizzlies), and NBA League Pass; radio on SportsTalk 790 (Rockets) and ESPN 92.9 FM (Grizzlies)
Recent Team Forms
The Rockets are heating up with defensive improvements, while the Grizzlies have faltered in close games.
Memphis Grizzlies (Last 5 Games: 2-3):
Jan 23 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: L 127-133 – Blown out at home, allowing 50% FG shooting
Jan 21 vs. Atlanta Hawks: L 122-124 – Late collapse despite Morant’s double-double
Jan 18 vs. Orlando Magic: W 126-109 – Dominant win with balanced scoring (Morant 24 PTS, 13 AST)
Jan 15 at Denver Nuggets: L (part of road skid, defensive issues).
Jan 13 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: W (clutch performance to snap losing streak).
Averaging 115.5 PPG scored and 116.6 allowed; 1-4 ATS in last five, overs in three due to defensive lapses
Houston Rockets (Last 5 Games: 4-1):
Jan 23 at Detroit Pistons: W 111-104 – Sheppard 21 PTS off bench in balanced effort
Jan 22 at Philadelphia 76ers: L 122-128 (OT) – Competitive loss despite strong rebounding
Jan 20 vs. San Antonio Spurs: W 111-106 – Comeback win with late defensive stops
Jan 18 vs. New Orleans Pelicans: W (home dominance in low-scoring grind).
Jan 3 at Dallas Mavericks: L 104-110 – Earlier setback in Texas rivalry.
Averaging 113.4 PPG scored and 108.2 allowed; 4-1 ATS, unders in three with improved defense (104 PPG allowed in wins)
Injury Report and Suspensions
Memphis Grizzlies: Forward Santi Aldama is out (right knee injury)
Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is sidelined (left big toe injury)
Forward Ja Morant is probable (elbow, expected to play after missing time)
No suspensions reported. Expected starters: Morant (if cleared), Desmond Bane, Vince Williams Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke.
Houston Rockets: Center Steven Adams is out (knee)
Forward Tari Eason is GTD (ankle)
Guard Aaron Holiday is GTD (back)
Forward Dorian Finney-Smith is GTD (ankle)
No suspensions. Expected starters: Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries may shift roles, but these battles feature athleticism and scoring.
Ja Morant (Grizzlies G) vs. Fred VanVleet (Rockets G): Morant’s speed and athleticism (24+ PPG, 8+ APG) vs. VanVleet’s veteran defense and playmaking – transition control key
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies F) vs. Alperen Şengün (Rockets C): Jackson’s shot-blocking (top-5 in blocks) tests Şengün’s post dominance (20+ PPG, 10+ RPG); paint scoring duel.
Desmond Bane (Grizzlies G) vs. Jalen Green (Rockets G): Bane’s shooting (40% from three) vs. Green’s explosiveness; perimeter threats.
Brandon Clarke (Grizzlies F) vs. Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets F): Clarke’s energy vs. Smith’s spacing; rebounding impact.
Series History
The Rockets hold a commanding all-time lead, with recent games often high-scoring. Overall Head-to-Head: Rockets lead 71-48 in 119 regular-season games. Recent Games: Grizzlies 5-5 in last 10, including a 124-109 win on Nov 5, 2025; Rockets won 120-119 on Jan 30, 2025. Trends: Games average 226.8 total points in last five; Rockets 6-4 ATS, overs in 60% with competitive finishes (four decided by 5 points or less)
Betting Trends
Grizzlies: 8-11 ATS on the road; over in 22 of 43 games (51%). As underdogs: 10-15 ATS, but 4-2 vs. Southwest Division foes. Rockets: 4-1 in last five games; 3-2 ATS overall. At home: 15-6 straight up, covering 60% as favorites. Series Trends: Overs in 6 of last 10; Grizzlies 5-5 ATS vs. Rockets, with road teams covering 60%.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 224.5
Houston Rockets – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 25, 2026
