Thursday’s game in Memphis was the 11th straight absence for Rockets forward Tari Eason, who is still dealing with soreness in his lower left leg.
The Washington Wizards host the Houston Rockets in a cross-conference matchup on Tuesday's NBA schedule. Washington is 6-27 overall and 5-14 at home, while Houston is 23-12 overall and 10-6 on the road.
NBA teams generally do not like to publicly admit that they think of any game as a guaranteed win, but the Washington Wizards’ dismal record this season has tended to bring out the best in their opponents.
The Jimmy Butler saga has been one of the biggest storylines of the season so far, with his relationship with the Miami Heat becoming more strained by the day.
1. Houston and Memphis renew rivalry. These teams have 24 wins apiece, tied for the second-best record in the Western Conference. There’s also been animosity between these teams in the past, and it could get even better with Ja Morant (shoulder) possibly returning.
This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.
Amen Thompson is on a roll, as he put up another stellar outing for the Rockets after entering the starting lineup.
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.
Ja Morant might return from injury, and Rockets center Steven Adams will play in Memphis for the first time since the Grizzlies traded him last February.
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.