The Memphis Grizzlies are set to return to the court on Jan. 26, facing off against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. After a weather-related delay in Memphis pushed back their travel plans, the Grizzlies will look to regroup quickly and bring energy into a tough road matchup.
Originally scheduled to play the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 25 at FedExForum, the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Memphis. That delay altered the team’s itinerary-what was supposed to be a postgame flight to Houston turned into a morning departure on game day. Not ideal, especially when you're already dealing with a depleted roster and a surging opponent.
Memphis enters the night at 18-25, still trying to find a rhythm amid a season filled with injuries and lineup shuffling. One of the biggest question marks heading into the game is the availability of forward Santi Aldama.
He’s listed as questionable with a right knee injury after missing the last two games. His presence would be a welcome boost, especially with Ja Morant (left elbow) and Jock Landale (personal reasons) among the six Grizzlies players ruled out.
The Rockets, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction. At 27-16, Houston has found a groove behind the steady hand of Kevin Durant, who continues to defy time with his efficient scoring-he’s averaging 26.3 points per game on a scorching 51.6% from the field. Durant’s ability to get to his spots and score in bunches makes him a constant problem, regardless of who’s trying to slow him down.
But it’s not just KD that Memphis has to worry about. Center Alperen Sengun has blossomed into one of the league’s most versatile big men.
He’s putting up 21.2 points, nine boards, and 6.4 assists per game-numbers that speak to his all-around impact. Without Landale and rookie center Zach Edey available, the Grizzlies will have to get creative defensively to keep Sengun from carving them up inside and out.
This marks the second meeting between these two teams this season. The Rockets took the first game back on Nov. 5 in Memphis, winning 124-109 in a contest that showcased Houston’s offensive firepower and depth. Historically, the Rockets have had the edge in this matchup, holding a 71-48 all-time advantage.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT, with coverage available on the FanDuel Sports Network and streaming through the FanDuel Sports App.
For Memphis, this game is about more than just the standings-it’s about resilience. With so many key players sidelined and travel disruptions thrown into the mix, the Grizzlies will need to lean on grit, depth, and a next-man-up mentality to hang with a confident Rockets squad.