Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 13 | 2024-25 NBA Season

The Memphis Grizzlies get their third crack at the Houston Rockets on Monday. After losing 128-108 to the Rockets in the first encounter, the Grizzlies played better in the rematch on Thursday but still lost 119-115. Ja Morant and Co. look to finally get over the hump against their tormentors this season.

Without Jabari Smith Jr., who is out with a fractured hand, the Rockets could also hold out Tari Eason for injury management. Rockets coach Ime Udoka will again ask his team’s elite defense to lead the charge in staying unbeaten against their visitors.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Injury Report

Memphis Grizzlies injury report

Marcus Smart (finger), Vice Williams Jr. (ankle sprain), Cam Spencer (thumb fracture) and GG Jackson (hand) are on the inactive list. Jay Huff, who is dealing with knee soreness, has been upgraded to probable.

Houston Rockets injury report

Jabari Smith has been ruled out due to a hand injury. Tari Eason is doubtful as the Rockets continue to manage his load following a return from a leg injury. Jack McVeigh and N’Faly Dante will not suit up after being assigned to the G League.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets starting lineups and depth chart

Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Ja Morant	Scotty Pippen Jr.	Yuki Kawamura
Desmond Bane	Luke Kennard
Jaylen Wells	John Konchar
Jaren Jackson Jr.	Santi Aldama	Brandon Clarke
Zach Edey	Jay Huff	Colin Castleton

Houston Rockets starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Fred VanVleet	Aaron Holiday	Reed Sheppard
Jalen Green	Jae'Sean Tate
Dillon Brooks	Cam Whitmore
Amen Thompson	Tari Eason	Jeff Green
Alperen Sengun	Steven Adams	Jock Landale

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets: Key matchups

Ja Morant vs. Dillon Brooks

Former teammates Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks were inseparable when they used to play together. Morant, the hub of the Grizzlies offense, becomes Brooks’ primary assignment on defense once again.

Against Brooks this season, Morant has averaged 25.5 points per game. Memphis’ chance of finally getting one over Houston will increase if the explosive point guard continues to win that matchup.

Zach Edey vs. Alperen Sengun

Alperen Sengun has been the biggest thorn in the Grizzlies’ side this season. The versatile big man is averaging 24.0 PPG and 14.5 RPG in Houston’s two wins against Memphis. Zach Edey, Santi Aldama and even Jaren Jackson Jr. have had trouble consistently stopping him.

Edey was an excellent defensive anchor while starring for Purdue but has not had much success against the Turkish star. The Rockets will likely go 3-0 in the season series against Memphis if Sengun has another big scoring game.

Amen Thompson vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Houston’s natural power forward, Jabari Smith, is out with an injury, forcing Ime Udoka to use Amen Thompson at power forward. Thompson gives up a significant advantage to Jaren Jackson in size and heft, but the lanky forward is faster and more explosive than JJJ.

In their last meeting a few days ago, Thompson had his moments, but Jackson arguably won the matchup. If Jackson has an even better game, the Grizzlies could break through against the Rockets.