Memphis Grizzlies are in a serious slump on the road, and their next game against the Houston Rockets could be a tough test to break that streak!
As January 26, 2026, rolls around, the Memphis Grizzlies, currently holding an 18-25 record and sitting at 11th in the Western Conference, are heading into a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies are particularly struggling away from home, having lost their last four road games. This is a critical moment for them to turn things around.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are having a much more successful season with a 27-16 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference. They've proven to be a strong team, especially within conference play, boasting a 15-14 record in such games. A key factor in their success is their ability to score inside, ranking seventh in the NBA with an impressive 52.9 points scored in the paint per game. Alperen Sengun has been a standout player in this regard, contributing an average of 13.7 points from that area.
But here's where it gets interesting for the Grizzlies: They've shown some resilience against teams within their own division, holding a 5-4 record against Southwest Division opponents. They also excel at grabbing offensive rebounds, averaging 11.8 per game, which is fifth-best in the Western Conference. Zach Edey is a major contributor here, averaging 3.9 offensive boards.
When it comes to shooting from beyond the arc, there's a notable difference. The Rockets average 11.4 made three-pointers per game, which is significantly fewer than the 14.4 threes the Grizzlies' defense allows. Conversely, the Grizzlies are slightly better at three-point shooting themselves, averaging 13.4 made threes compared to the 12.4 the Rockets typically allow.
This will be the second time these two teams face off this season. In their previous encounter on November 6th, the Rockets secured a decisive victory with a score of 124-109. Amen Thompson was a force in that game, leading the Rockets with 28 points.
Looking at individual performances: For the Rockets, Kevin Durant is leading the charge with an average of 26.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Amen Thompson has also been on a tear over the last 10 games, averaging 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting a very efficient 51.4% from the field.
On the Grizzlies' side, Jaren Jackson Jr. is putting up solid numbers with 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Jock Landale has also been a key player in their recent games, averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds with an impressive 55.6% shooting.
And this is the part most people miss: Examining their last 10 games, the Rockets have a 5-5 record, averaging 108.8 points per game, while their opponents have scored an average of 110.2 points. The Grizzlies, however, have struggled more, going 3-7 in their last 10 outings. They've scored more points on average (114.4) but have allowed significantly more to their opponents (116.9).
The injury report is quite extensive for both teams: The Rockets are without Fred VanVleet for the season due to an ACL injury, Steven Adams is out with an ankle issue, and Aaron Holiday is listed as day-to-day with a back problem. The Grizzlies are facing even more significant absences, with Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Ja Morant (elbow), Zach Edey (ankle), Ty Jerome (calf), Brandon Clarke (calf), and Santi Aldama (knee) all sidelined. This could heavily impact the game's dynamics.
Considering the Grizzlies' road struggles and the Rockets' strong home performance, coupled with significant injuries on both sides, this game presents a fascinating narrative. Do you think Memphis can overcome their road woes, or will Houston continue their dominant run? What impact do you think these key injuries will have on the outcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
