The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, boasting strong veteran play and one of the better young cores in the entire NBA. But on Thursday night, it will face one of its most important games of the season in a bout with the Memphis Grizzlies.

In an important matchup between top-three teams in the West standings, the Rockets are slight favorites at Memphis (+1.5). Ja Morant is questionable.

The Rockets are currently 11-5 on the road with a point differential of +3.2, while the Grizzlies have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the NBA’s most impressive teams this season. Despite missing key players for extended periods of time, including star poi

Ja Morant (21.2 ppg) is getting closer to returning for the Grizzlies, but it appears that his shoulder sprain will keep him out for at least one more game tonight. Desmond Bane (16.7 ppg) is questionable with a sprained ankle, while reserves Marcus Smart (9.2 ppg) and Santi Aldama (13.0 ppg) are also on the mend.

The Rockets held the Wiz to 40.9% shooting, were +24 in rebounding, and beat them up on the margins, outscoring Washington 23-11 in fast-break points and 60-38 in the paint. It's a big spread, but it could be bigger. Washington is overmatched at every level.

The Houston Rockets (24-12) travel to play against the Memphis Grizzlies (24-13) on Thursday at FedExForum, an intriguing game between the No.2 and No.3 teams in the NBA Western Conference standings.

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