On Monday, the Rockets (24-29) ended their four-game overall losing streak with a last-second home victory over the New York Knicks.
Now, in their final game before the NBA’s 2024 All-Star break, Houston will try to do something that’s proven much more difficult throughout the 2023-24 season. That task is winning on the road.
The Rockets are just 5-20 away from Houston this season, and they’ve lost their last five consecutive road contests, overall. That slippage is a big part of why their odds of a Western Conference play-in tournament push have significantly declined in recent weeks.
The good news is that Wednesday’s opponent — the injury ravaged Memphis Grizzlies — could be Houston’s best opportunity in some time to reverse that trend. The Grizzlies (18-36) enter with nine straight losses, and key players like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are among those sidelined. Memphis is 0-3 versus Houston this season.
Then again, the Rockets are short-handed, as well. Fred VanVleet (left adductor strain), Tari Eason (left lower leg injury), and Cam Whitmore (right ankle sprain) will not return until at least the post-break portion of the schedule, which starts on Feb. 22 in New Orleans.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 14
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (24-29)
- Guard: Amen Thompson
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Memphis Grizzlies (18-36)
- Guard: Derrick Rose
- Guard: Vince Williams Jr.
- Forward: John Konchar
- Forward: Santi Aldama
- Center: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game, with the exception of Rose in place of Scotty Pippen Jr., who is listed as out due to a back injury. Rose is questionable to play with a sore ankle.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report for Wednesday lists Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery), Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management), Fred VanVleet (left adductor strain), and Cam Whitmore (right ankle sprain) as out. Reggie Bullock (lower back pain) is questionable.
Ja Morant (right shoulder labral repair), Marcus Smart (right ring finger tear), Jake LaRavia (left ankle sprain), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon repair), Desmond Bane (left ankle sprain), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (low back soreness) are out for the Grizzlies.
Derrick Rose (right ankle soreness) and Ziaire Williams (left hand bone contusion) are both listed as questionable.
Feb. 14 uniform choices
- Rockets: Red Icon Edition
- Grizzlies: Blue Icon Edition
