Grizzlies vs Rockets Showdown: Season Sweep on the Line Amid Ja Morant Injury Concerns

The Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets are set to clash in a high-stakes Western Conference battle on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at FedExForum. With playoff implications and divisional pride at stake, the Rockets aim to secure a rare regular-season sweep over the Grizzlies, while Memphis looks to defend its home court and salvage a critical win. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Houston vs Memphis showdown.

Rockets’ Quest for History

The Houston Rockets (32-14) enter Thursday’s game with a chance to make history. A win would mark their first regular-season sweep of the Grizzlies in 15 years, having already secured three victories in their previous matchups. Houston’s dominance began with a 128-108 blowout in October, followed by two nail-biting wins decided by four or fewer points. Their most recent triumph came on January 9, when they edged Memphis 119-115 on the Grizzlies’ home floor.

Houston’s surge has been fueled by a balanced attack. Fourth-year guard Jalen Green leads the team in scoring (21.3 PPG) and has been a model of durability, starting 150 consecutive games. “He plays through everything—injuries, pains—things most guys would sit out from,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said, praising Green’s toughness. Since January 1, Green has scored 25+ points in 10 of 14 games, including a 25-point performance in Tuesday’s 100-96 win over Atlanta.

Meanwhile, center Alperen Sengun (19.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG) remains a double-double threat, though his status is questionable due to a calf injury. Veteran forward Dillon Brooks has also been pivotal, tying a franchise record with 10 three-pointers in a January 27 win over Boston. The Rockets’ recent 10-2 run has solidified their position as a top-two seed in the West, but completing the sweep in Memphis won’t come easy.

Grizzlies’ Resilience Tested by Morant’s Absence

The Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) face an uphill battle with star guard Ja Morant sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Morant, averaging 20.3 points and 7.5 assists this season, suffered the injury during practice and was ruled out hours before tip-off. His absence is a significant blow: Memphis is 0-3 against Houston this year and 12-7 overall without him.

In Morant’s stead, Desmond Bane will likely run the offense. Bane has thrived as a facilitator recently, tying his season high of 14 assists in back-to-back games. “When [Morant’s] out, we’ve got to step up collectively,” Bane said after a win over New Orleans. The Grizzlies will also rely on All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s averaging 22.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. Jackson has scored 20+ points in five straight games, including a 35-point outburst against Dallas earlier this month.

Memphis’s recent 143-106 loss to the Knicks exposed vulnerabilities, particularly turnovers (26) and defensive rebounding (17 offensive boards allowed). “We were out of sync from the start,” coach Taylor Jenkins admitted. However, the Grizzlies’ 19-5 home record and recent four-game homestand sweep suggest they’re poised to rebound.

Key Matchups to Watch

Jalen Green vs. Desmond Bane: Green’s scoring prowess against Bane’s two-way versatility will dictate tempo. Bane’s ability to balance playmaking and defense could neutralize Green’s impact.

Frontcourt Battle: If Sengun plays, his duel with Jackson Jr. in the paint will be critical. Jackson’s rim protection (1.6 blocks per game) versus Sengun’s crafty post moves could decide the game.

Bench Contributions: With Morant out, Memphis’s Luke Kennard and Houston’s Amen Thompson (18 PPG, 10 RPG, 4 APG since January 5) must provide sparks.

Injury Updates and Tactical Adjustments

Ja Morant (shoulder): Out. Memphis will start Bane and Kennard in the backcourt, emphasizing ball movement and three-point shooting.

Alperen Sengun (calf): Questionable. His absence would force Houston to rely on small-ball lineups with Jabari Smith Jr. at center.

Memphis must limit turnovers and dominate the glass to offset Houston’s transition game. The Rockets, meanwhile, need to exploit their three-point shooting (Brooks’ hot hand) and sustain defensive intensity after nearly squandering a 16-point lead against Atlanta.

Rockets vs Grizzlies Prediction and Odds

Per SportsLine’s model, the Grizzlies are 3-point favorites with an over/under of 234.5. However, the model projects 226 combined points, leaning Under. Key factors include Memphis’s league-leading offense (1st in PPG) and Houston’s struggles from deep (27th in 3P%).

Prediction: Memphis’s home-court advantage and Jackson’s dominance give them the edge, but Houston’s clutch performances in close games suggest a thriller. Final score: Grizzlies 118, Rockets 115.

Conclusion

Thursday’s Rockets vs Grizzlies matchup isn’t just about a potential sweep—it’s a statement game for both teams. Can Houston cement its status as a title contender, or will Memphis overcome adversity and prove its resilience? With playoff seeding and pride on the line, this Hou vs Mem clash promises fireworks. Tune in at 9:30 PM ET to catch all the action.

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