For Ime Udoka and his new-look Rockets, the theme of the 2023-24 season to date has been a staggering split between home and road performances. They’re 11-1 at home, but 1-8 away from Houston.
Yet, that one victory was a big one at defending NBA champion Denver, and it came in Houston’s current four-game winning streak. On Friday, they’ll look to build on that versus a Memphis squad that has already lost twice to the Rockets by double digits. Those first two outings, including Wednesday’s game, were in Houston.
In Friday’s rematch, which will serve as Dillon Brooks’ first return to Memphis since leaving the Grizzlies for Houston in 2023 free agency, the Rockets should again have the upper hand in terms of talent. The Grizzlies are still dealing with widespread injuries throughout the roster, and superstar guard Ja Morant is serving the final days of his 25-game suspension from the league office.
In those absences, Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up with a career-high 44 points, which helped keep Memphis in striking distance for much of Wednesday’s second half. Between the likes of Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason, Houston believes it is capable of an improved defensive showing. For the season as a whole, the Rockets still rank No. 2 in the league on defense.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Friday, Dec. 15
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (12-9)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Memphis Grizzlies (6-17)
- Guard: Derrick Rose
- Guard: Vince Williams Jr.
- Forward: David Roddy
- Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Center: Bismack Biyombo
These lineups are based on Wednesday’s game, though Desmond Bane (illness) could possibly return for Memphis.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) as out and Amen Thompson (illness) as questionable.
Young prospects Cam Whitmore, Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. are away from the team while playing for Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.
On Friday, the Grizzlies will be without Morant (league suspension), Marcus Smart (left foot sprain), Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon repair), Luke Kennard (left knee bone bruise) and GG Jackson (G League).
Like Thompson, Desmond Bane is also questionable with an illness for the Grizzlies. Both players missed Wednesday’s game while ill.
Dec. 15 uniform choices
- Rockets: White Association Edition
- Grizzlies: Blue Statement Edition
