Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies: A Preseason Showdown

Get ready for some exciting NBA action as the Houston Rockets take on the Memphis Grizzlies on January 27th, 2026, at the Toyota Center Houston in Houston, TX! This preseason clash promises a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement early in the season. For those seeking NBA streams, our comprehensive guide /nba-streams offers various legal and safe options to watch the game.

Team Previews: Rockets vs. Grizzlies

The Houston Rockets, after a period of rebuilding, are eager to showcase their potential. Their roster, featuring promising young players and seasoned veterans, promises a dynamic and exciting style of play. Key players to watch for the Rockets include Jalen Green, known for his explosive scoring, and Kevin Durant, a legend whose experience and leadership will be invaluable. However, the Rockets face some injury concerns heading into this game. Reed Sheppard, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Kevin Durant are all listed as day-to-day. The status of these key players will heavily influence the Rockets' performance.

Their recent form has been a mixed bag, showcasing both their offensive firepower and defensive vulnerabilities. Their last five games against the Golden State Warriors involved a series of high-scoring contests, highlighting their potential but also pointing to areas needing improvement. Fans can relive these nail-biting matches by clicking on the game links provided below:

@ Golden State Warriors - L 104-93 (Game Link)
@ Golden State Warriors - L 109-106 (Game Link)
vs Golden State Warriors](/team/9/golden-state-warriors) - W 131-116 (Game Link)
@ Golden State Warriors - W 115-107 (Game Link)
vs Golden State Warriors](/team/9/golden-state-warriors) - L 103-89 (Game Link)

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies are known for their tenacious defense and high-octane offense. Led by the electrifying Ja Morant, whose explosive drives and pinpoint passes are a sight to behold, and the dominant Jaren Jackson Jr., a force in the paint, the Grizzlies present a formidable challenge for any opponent. However, the Grizzlies also have some key injury concerns that could impact the game. Cedric Coward, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke are all dealing with injuries of varying severity. The absence of Zach Edey in particular could significantly affect their interior presence.

The Grizzlies' recent performances have been inconsistent. Their last five games show a mix of victories and defeats, largely against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, indicating areas where they need to improve their consistency. Their recent game history is detailed below:

vs Dallas Mavericks - W 120-106 (Game Link)
@ Oklahoma City Thunder - L 131-80 (Game Link)
@ Oklahoma City Thunder - L 118-99 (Game Link)
vs Oklahoma City Thunder - L 114-108 (Game Link)
vs Oklahoma City Thunder - L 117-115 (Game Link)

Key Matchups and Talking Points

This game features several intriguing matchups. The battle between Jalen Green and Ja Morant promises to be a highlight reel of spectacular plays. Both guards possess exceptional athleticism and scoring abilities, making their head-to-head clash a must-watch.

The frontcourt battle will also be crucial, with the Rockets' potential reliance on Kevin Durant (if he plays) contrasted with the Grizzlies' frontcourt depth (dependent on the availability of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke). The Grizzlies' defensive intensity will be tested by the Rockets' offensive potential, while the Rockets' defense will need to contain the Grizzlies' dynamic backcourt and prevent easy scoring opportunities in the paint.

The impact of injuries on both teams will be a significant factor. The Rockets' and Grizzlies' injury reports indicate numerous key players' status is uncertain. This could dramatically alter the game's dynamics, potentially opening opportunities for lesser-known players to shine and demonstrate their capabilities.

Where to Watch: NBA Streams and More

For fans eager to catch all the action, several options exist to watch the game, including traditional television broadcasts and online NBA streams. Remember to consult our guide /nba-streams for a comprehensive list of legal and safe streaming options to avoid any potential issues. This guide details the best platforms to watch the game legally and securely. We strongly advise against using illegal streaming services, as they can expose your devices to malware and may violate copyright laws.

The game's atmosphere at the Toyota Center Houston is sure to be electric, with passionate fans creating a lively environment for both teams. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd will undoubtedly influence the players' performance on the court.

Prediction and Conclusion

Predicting the outcome of this game is challenging due to the uncertain injury situations. If both teams are close to full strength, the Grizzlies’ experience and defensive prowess might give them a slight edge. However, the Rockets' offensive firepower, if Durant plays, could easily swing the game in their favour. It’s a matchup that could go either way, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Don't miss this thrilling preseason matchup and be sure to check our NBA streams guide /nba-streams before game time for the best viewing experience! This is a game not to be missed, so tune in and find the best NBA streams to enjoy the action. Remember to always watch responsibly and legally.