When the Grizzlies last visited Toyota Center in late February, they handed the Rockets an “embarrassing” 49-point defeat in the middle of a 20-game losing streak. By margin, it was the biggest win in Memphis franchise history, and the third-largest loss for Houston.
On Monday, Ja Morant and the Grizzlies will pay their first return visit since that Feb. 27 clunker. The Rockets, however, have new reasons for optimism. After losing 20 straight, Houston has won two of its last four, punctuated by Saturday’s blowout victory at Minnesota.
The Rockets also have several pieces that were unavailable in February, including talented second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr.; recent trade acquisition Kelly Olynyk; and potentially, star center Christian Wood. Just 20 years old, Porter showcased his impressive talent by scoring 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting (66.7%) to lead Saturday’s win.
Even so, the Grizzlies — at least on paper — have a lot more to play for. The Rockets (13-32) are almost assuredly out of the playoff mix this season, whereas Memphis (21-22) is No. 9 in the Western Conference and fighting for one of the spots in the West’s play-in tournament for its final two playoff seeds. The Grizzlies enter Monday’s game coming off back-to-back losses in Utah and in need of a win to get back to .500.
Here’s when you should tune in to see Monday’s game:
- Date: Monday, March 29
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (13-32)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Forward: Danuel House Jr.
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Center: Christian Wood
Memphis Grizzlies (21-22)
- Guard: Ja Morant
- Guard: Grayson Allen
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Kyle Anderson
- Center: Jones Valanciunas
As for the official injury report, Houston center Christian Wood (illness) is questionable after missing Saturday’s game in Minnesota, and recently acquired guard Avery Bradley (right calf strain) is questionable, as well. As expected, Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist), and Dante Exum (calf) are still sidelined by longer-term injuries.
For the Grizzlies, young forward Jaren Jackson Jr. remains out after undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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