Rockets Return Home for Rematch with Grizzlies
Pit Stop. Faster Rematch. Clinching Chance.
After trudging through the inclement weather in Atlanta that postponed Saturday’s game against the Hawks, the Rockets return home for a rematch with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Houston won the previous matchup in their last game, a win over the Grizz in Memphis, 119-115, back on Thursday night. The Rockets have had three unexpected days off since that victory. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are coming off an impressive two-point road victory, 127-125, in Minnesota over the Timberwolves on Saturday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 33 points to lead the Grizz in that game, but Houston has managed to do a better defensive job on Jackson Jr. in their first two matchups.
Tonight’s game is a rare home game during this road-heavy stretch for the Rockets. Houston is coming off a perfect, yet brief, two-game road trip, and after this matchup with Memphis, the Rockets hit the road again for their next three games. Houston is 2-0 against Memphis so far this season, and with a win tonight, the Rockets can clinch the season-series. With a record of 25-14 the Grizzlies are still right behind Houston for the second spot in the crowded Western Conference. Boasting a 25-12 record, the Rockets can further distance themselves from Memphis with a win over then Grizz tonight.
In non-breaking news, Tari Eason is once again listed as doubtful for tonight’s contest, and will likely miss his eleventh straight game due to lower leg injury management. Regardless, the Rockets are playing solid basketball again, as the team enters Monday night’s showdown winners of three straight games. Jalen Green is playing some of the best basketball of his career lately, averaging 29 points per game over his last four outings. And Alperen Sengun dominated Memphis in the previous meeting, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Houston’s dynamic duo of Sengun and Green has outplayed Memphis’ dynamic duo, consisting of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., in both matchups this season. Hopefully, the Rockets didn’t lose any of their recent swagger since their last tilt, Thursday’s win in Memphis. Houston hasn’t had three days off in a while, and the Grizz are coming off a big road win, with revenge on their minds tonight. Expect another closely contested and physical battle between these divisional rivals as the Rockets aim to clinch the season series on against the Grizzlies on Monday night.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Memphis Grizzlies (25-14): White
Houston Rockets (25-12): Black
Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT
TV: NBA TV, Space City Home Network