If you haven't been paying attention to the Southwest Division lately, you’re missing a bizarre transformation. For years, the Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies matchup was just a gritty, grind-it-out affair that usually ended with a lot of bruises and not many highlights. Now? It’s basically a track meet where Kevin Durant—yes, that Kevin Durant—is leading a youth movement in Houston, while Memphis tries to figure out how to stay relevant in a post-Grit-and-Grind world that feels increasingly distant.
Honestly, the January 2026 landscape for these two teams couldn't be more different. Houston is currently sitting comfortably at 24-15, good for a top-tier spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Memphis is hovering around 17-23, struggling to find a rhythm under first-year coach Tuomas Iisalo. It’s a complete flip from where we were just a few seasons ago.
The Night Amen Thompson Took Over
Back on November 5, 2025, we saw a glimpse of the future. Amen Thompson didn't just play well; he dismantled the Grizzlies. He put up 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 124-109 blowout that felt even more lopsided than the score suggested.
What’s wild is how Thompson is scoring. He’s getting nearly 90% of his non-free-throw points in the paint. Memphis, usually known for their "no-fly zone" interior defense with Jaren Jackson Jr., just had no answer. Alperen Sengun added 20 points and 16 boards that same night. It’s becoming a pattern. The Rockets are bigger, faster, and—kinda shockingly—more disciplined than the Grizzlies right now.
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- Amen Thompson's breakout: 28 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST.
- Interior dominance: Houston outscored Memphis in the paint significantly.
- The Durant Factor: KD’s presence (11 points, 5 assists that night) is drawing so much gravity that the young guys are just feasting.
Why Memphis is Struggling to Keep Up
You’ve got to feel for Ja Morant. He’s been dealing with a right calf contusion and hasn't quite looked like the 2022 version of himself. In that November loss, he was 6-of-19 from the field. One for seven from three. That’s not going to cut it when you’re facing a Rockets team that has the 3rd best scoring defense in the league, allowing only 110.7 points per game.
The Grizzlies are currently 20th in scoring and 27th in field goal percentage. That is a recipe for disaster in the West. They’re still great on the glass (3rd in the NBA in rebounding), but if you can’t put the ball in the hoop, those extra possessions don't mean much.
The Roster Shifts
Houston’s roster is a weird, effective Frankenstein’s monster. You’ve got the veteran leadership of Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet mixed with the absolute chaos of Tari Eason and Amen Thompson. Then you have Steven Adams—the former heart of Memphis—now wearing a Rockets jersey. It feels wrong, but it's working.
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Memphis is leaning on Jaren Jackson Jr. (18.8 PPG) and Santi Aldama (14.1 PPG), but the depth just isn't there like it used to be. Marcus Smart’s absence and the constant trade rumors surrounding Morant have created a cloud over FedExForum that’s hard to ignore.
Head-to-Head: The Numbers Don't Lie
Looking at the Houston Rockets Memphis Grizzlies history, the tide has turned. Houston has won 11 of their last 12 home games against Memphis. When the Grizzlies travel to the Toyota Center, they seemingly forget how to shoot.
"We built a lead and just kept the pressure on," Ime Udoka said after their last meeting. It’s that simple. Houston plays a slow pace (28th in the league) but they are 4th in offensive rating. They make you play their game.
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Defensive Efficiency Comparison
Houston is currently 9th in defensive rating. Memphis? They’re middle of the pack but prone to giving up huge runs, like the 24-9 spurt Houston used to bury them in the third quarter of their last matchup.
- Houston Net Rating: +6.6 (3rd in NBA)
- Memphis Net Rating: -1.4
- Houston Rebounding %: 1st in the league (Offensive)
What to Expect Next
The two teams meet again on January 26, 2026, at the Toyota Center. If you're looking for a Grizzlies comeback, keep an eye on Zach Edey. The rookie has been a bright spot, shooting over 63% from the field and grabbing 11 rebounds a game in limited starts. If he can neutralize Sengun, Memphis has a puncher's chance.
However, the Rockets are 11-2 at home. They don't lose at the Toyota Center. With Reed Sheppard providing shooting off the bench and Jabari Smith Jr. developing into a premier "3-and-D" wing, the mountain is tall for Memphis to climb.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking this rivalry, watch the "Points in the Paint" battle. Houston is 7th in the league in scoring inside, while Memphis is currently vulnerable there despite JJJ's presence. Also, keep an eye on the turnover battle. Memphis is 26th in turnovers per game. Against a Houston team that ranks in the top 10 for defensive efficiency, those live-ball turnovers turn into dunks for Tari Eason very quickly.
Check the injury reports for Ja Morant's calf status leading up to the 26th. If he's a go, the dynamic changes, but if Cam Spencer is still starting, expect Houston to hunt that matchup relentlessly. Focus on the rebounding percentages; if Houston wins the boards (where they are currently #1), the game is likely over by the third quarter.