Key players sidelined shake up lineups. Can Houston exploit Memphis' depleted roster, or will a disciplined performance be their ultimate test?
On Friday, March 27, the Houston Rockets (43-29) head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies (24-48) at FedExForum.
When: Friday, March 27 @ 7:00 PM CT
Where: FedExForum, Memphis
Where to watch:
Space City Home Network (local)
Rockets vs. Grizzlies Injury Report
Keep this one close because Memphis will need to lean deep into their rotation.
Houston:
Out: Steven Adams (ankle)
Out: Fred VanVleet (ACL)
Memphis:
Out: Santi Aldama (knee; season)
Out: Ja Morant (elbow; UCL)
Out: Brandon Clarke (calf; season)
Out: Zach Edey (ankle)
Out: Ty Jerome (calf)
Out: Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe surgery)
Doubtful: Jahmai Mashack (ankle)
Out: Jaylen Wells (right toe soreness)
Out: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger; season)
For Houston, this is the version of the roster they’ve adjusted to.
Steven Adams remains out, which keeps them without that steady interior presence.
Fred VanVleet’s absence still sets the tone. This team operates differently without him- more shared creation, less control. When Houston is disciplined, it works. When they’re not, possessions get rushed and mistakes stack quickly.
Memphis, though, is shorthanded to say the least.
Santi Aldama underwent surgery on March 17 and is done for the season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was shut down after February surgery. Brandon Clarke has been out since December and won’t return.
That’s three key rotation pieces gone long-term, before even getting to Ja Morant- their primary engine- who remains sidelined.
And it keeps going. Jaylen Wells is set to miss his second straight game with right toe soreness. Jahmai Mashack, who was injured last week, is listed as doubtful, and his absence would force even more rotation adjustments on the wing, which shifts the focus completely.
Tonight, though, isn’t about who’s out. It’s about how Houston responds to it.
Take care of the ball. Control the glass. Don’t give away possessions. If Houston treats this like a formality, it won’t be one. If they treat it like it matters, it should show immediately.