In Wednesday’s close loss at Memphis, the young Houston Rockets couldn’t fully get over the hump. But led by the likes of KJ Martin, Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Kevin Porter Jr., they did earn respect versus the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings.
Two days later, in an immediate rematch from FedExForum, can the visitors break through? While Houston still owns the West’s worst record, they’re 3-3 in their last six games and 5-6 over their last 11 games, reflecting a sustained run of much more competitive play.
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One challenge for the rebuilding Rockets is closing out a competitive game on the road. Of those five March wins, four came at home, with the lone road victory coming at San Antonio — which owns the second-worst record in the West. The Grizzlies are a different beast.
Big man Jaren Jackson Jr. was the difference for Memphis in Wednesday’s opener of a two-game series, finishing with 37 points and 10 rebounds against the Rockets on 14-of-20 shooting (70.0%).
- Date: Friday, March 24
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Houston Rockets (18-55)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Memphis Grizzlies (45-27)
- Guard: Tyus Jones
- Guard: Desmond Bane
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Xavier Tillman
- Center: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Projected lineups are mostly based on each team’s prior game. The exception is Dillon Brooks, who is rejoining Memphis after missing Wednesday’s matchup due to a league-issued suspension.
Ja Morant is back with the Grizzlies after extensive time off, but he came off the bench with slightly limited minutes on Wednesday.
Houston is listing Jae’Sean Tate (left knee soreness) as out for Friday’s game in Memphis, while Frank Kaminsky (migraine) is questionable. The Grizzlies will be without Steven Adams (right knee PCL sprain), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tear), Ziaire Williams (right foot soreness), Vince Williams Jr. (right shoulder soreness).
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