At different points earlier this week, the Grizzlies and Rockets each owned the NBA’s longest winning streak. But the seven-game streak by Memphis ended with a Tuesday blowout by Indiana, while Houston’s six-game run concluded with a similar crash on Wednesday at Oklahoma City.
On Thursday night at the FedExForum in Memphis, both teams will look to make amends and potentially start a new streak.
The Rockets are on the second night of a road back-to-back, which means they will be more fatigued and short-handed. John Wall will return after resting during the loss to the Thunder, but backcourt mate Victor Oladipo is likely to sit out for planned maintenance. As of Wednesday night, the playing status of defensive ace David Nwaba — who missed the last two games with a left ankle sprain — was not yet known.
The Grizzlies are led by prized young guard Ja Morant, which likely factored into Houston’s choice to save its floor general for Memphis. If Oladipo is out, Eric Gordon will likely make his second straight start.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Thursday’s game, which features the first- and second-place teams from the Southwest Division:
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 4
- Time: 8 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (10-10)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: PJ Tucker
- Center: Christian Wood
Memphis Grizzlies (9-7)
- Guard: Ja Morant
- Guard: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Kyle Anderson
- Forward: Brandon Clarke
- Center: Xavier Tillman Sr.
The Grizzlies have a lengthy injury report of their own, with Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols), Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee), Sean McDermott (left shoulder), Jonas Valanciunas (health and safety protocols), Justise Winslow (left hip), and Killian Tillie (left foot) all out.
The uber-athletic Grizzlies have the NBA’s No. 5 defensive rating, which will likely force the Rockets to shoot far better than Wednesday’s 38.4% showing (26.1% on 3-pointers) to have a chance on the road.
Note: This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
