The Houston Rockets aim to achieve something they haven’t done in 15 seasons as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday—a regular-season series sweep.
Houston won the first three matchups, starting with a dominant 128-108 victory on October 25, but the last two games were nail-biters decided by four points or fewer. Both teams have impressive recent records, each winning seven of their last nine games. However, the Rockets’ streak dates back to the beginning of 2025.
Currently second in the Western Conference, Houston sits 1.5 games ahead of third-place Memphis. The Rockets are on a four-game winning streak, with 10 wins in their last 12 games since January 5.
Houston’s recent victories include a 114-112 win over Boston, powered by Dillon Brooks’ franchise-record-tying 10 three-pointers, and a 100-96 triumph over Atlanta after building a 16-point fourth-quarter lead and withstanding a Hawks’ rally.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, had their six-game winning streak snapped in a 143-106 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, marking their worst defeat of the season. Memphis struggled with 26 turnovers, which the Knicks converted into 36 points, and allowed 17 offensive rebounds leading to 28 points. Desmond Bane, typically reliable, committed a team-high six turnovers.
The Rockets have found their stride this season, led by Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green. Green scored 25 points against the Hawks, including 12 in the third quarter, while Sengun added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Brooks has hit 13 three-pointers in the last two games. Green leads the Rockets with a 21.3 scoring average and has been remarkably durable, making 150 consecutive starts.
Since January 1, Green has scored 25 or more points in 10 of the team’s 14 games, a sharp increase from just eight such games in the previous two months across 32 games. Thompson has also contributed significantly, being one of only four NBA players averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists since January 5.
Returning to FedExForum might benefit the Grizzlies, who are 19-5 at home and recently swept a four-game homestand. Their last home loss was on January 9, a 119-115 defeat to the Rockets.
