When the Rockets and Grizzlies last met on Thursday, Feb. 4 in Memphis, Houston won in a rout, finishing off a 7-1 stretch for the road team. Veteran guard John Wall led the way with 22 points and 8 assists, while rookie forward Jae’Sean Tate scored a career-high 19 points.
Oh, how things have changed. Since then, the Rockets are 0-10 — tracing back to the right ankle sprain that star center Christian Wood suffered in the second half of that game versus the Grizzlies. At 11-20, the Rockets currently have the worst record in the Southwest Division (where Memphis ranks third) and the second-worst in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant and the Grizzlies (14-15) are in possession of the No. 10 spot in the West, which would put them in position to earn the final spot of the play-in tournament for the 2021 playoffs. Thus, if Houston wants to keep hope alive of eventually getting back into the mix, Sunday’s game at Toyota Center would be a crucial one to win.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Sunday’s game:
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 28
- Time: 7:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (11-20)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Danuel House Jr.
- Center: PJ Tucker
Memphis Grizzlies (14-15)
- Guard: Ja Morant
- Guard: Desmond Bane
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Kyle Anderson
- Center: Jonas Valanciunas
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The bad news for the Rockets is that it’s the front end of a back-to-back, with Cleveland set to visit Houston on Monday night. Because of that, veteran guard Victor Oladipo will sit out Sunday for planned maintenance. Eric Gordon is likely to start in Oladipo’s place.
Oladipo should return Monday against the Cavaliers, but backcourt mate John Wall will likely miss that game — if usual patterns hold. Unfortunately for the Rockets, Wood is expected to miss both games.
Rockets have ruled out Victor Oladipo from tomorrow night’s game vs Memphis, which is the first of a back-to-back. Looks like John Wall will sit vs Cleveland.
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) February 28, 2021
For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. remains out after left knee surgery, while Grayson Allen is out due to the NBA’s concussion protocol. Killian Tillie is questionable for Sunday with left foot soreness.
Memphis enters with three losses in its last four games, with all three coming by double digits. Thus, the Grizzlies will be highly motivated to make amends and hold their position for a potential play-in spot.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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