Houston Rockets Aim for Third Straight Win Against High-Scoring Memphis Grizzlies

The Houston Rockets are seeking their third consecutive win as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies for the first of three meetings this January. Both teams come into the matchup with strong records—Houston at 24-12 and Memphis at 24-13—sitting in the top five in the Western Conference. The game is set to tip-off at 8 PM ET and will be available on NBA League Pass.

Here are five key takeaways ahead of this exciting Western Conference showdown:

1. Memphis’ High-Flying Offense:
The Grizzlies have been a scoring machine this season, leading the NBA with an impressive 123.1 points per game. They also play at the fastest pace, with a pace rating of 105.41. Memphis ranks second in assists (30.3) and fifth in field goal percentage (48.2%). They also boast the highest-scoring game of the season, putting up 155 points in one contest. With an offensive rating of 116.6, they sit fifth in the league, contributing to their top-five net rating of 7.6.

2. Defense Fuels Memphis’ Success:
Memphis doesn’t rely solely on offense. Their defense has been solid all season, ranking fifth in defensive rating (109). They dominate on the glass, ranking second in rebounds per game (48.7) and second-chance points (17.3). The Grizzlies also block the third-most shots in the NBA, averaging 6.4 blocks per game.

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. Stepping Up:
With Ja Morant missing 17 games this season due to injuries, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a driving force for the Grizzlies. In just 29 minutes per game, Jackson is averaging a career-high 22.7 points while shooting 49.4% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc. Over his last four games, he has elevated his game, posting averages of 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, 1.8 steals, and one block per game.

4. Houston Ready for the Challenge:
The Rockets have proven they can compete with the best of them. Their defense ranks third in the league with a defensive rating of 106.9, while their offense is ranked tenth, with an offensive rating of 113.2. Houston leads the league in both rebounds per game (48.9) and second-chance points (17.3), giving them the sixth-best net rating (6.3) in the NBA.

5. Amen Thompson Shining as a Starter:
After serving a two-game suspension, Amen Thompson returned to the starting lineup for the Rockets, stepping in for the injured Jabari Smith Jr. Thompson has made an immediate impact, averaging 21.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2 steals per game over the last two contests. His shooting efficiency has been remarkable, going 18-for-27 from the field while playing 41 minutes per game.

With both teams in solid form and boasting impressive offensive and defensive statistics, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive matchup in the Western Conference.