To open up a five-game road trip, the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets travel to Memphis on Wednesday night for the first of two straight matchups at FedExForum versus the heavily favored Grizzlies. The two teams meet again in the same arena on Friday.
It may be the potential return of All-Star guard Ja Morant to the Grizzlies, as well, However, if he does come back, it could initially be in a bench role, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
The Grizzlies (44-27) should be highly incentivized to win, since their lead over Sacramento for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference and home-court advantage in a hypothetical second-round playoff series against the Kings is only one game. The Rockets (18-54) are the West’s worst team by record and are already elimintated.
Memphis is also likely to be on an emotional high from getting Morant back, which could lead to a lively arena environment, as well.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, March 22
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (18-54)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Memphis Grizzlies (44-27)
- Guard: Tyus Jones
- Guard: Desmond Bane
- Forward: Luke Kennard
- Forward: Xavier Tillman
- Center: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Projected lineups are mostly based on each team’s prior game. The exception for Houston is Sengun replacing Tari Eason, with the second-year center returning from a one-game illness absence. For Memphis, it’s Kennard replacing Dillion Brooks, who is out due to an NBA suspension from accumulating too many technical fouls.
Injury reports
Houston is listing Jae’Sean Tate (left knee soreness) as out for Wednesday’s game. Memphis will be without Steven Adams (right knee PCL sprain), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tear), Vince Williams Jr. (right shoulder soreness), and Dillon Brooks (NBA suspension).
