Memphis takes on Houston, aims to break 9-game slide

Houston Rockets (24-29, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (18-36, 13th in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Memphis looks to end its nine-game slide when the Grizzlies play Houston.

The Grizzlies are 12-24 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis is 9-26 against opponents with a winning record.

The Rockets are 16-13 against conference opponents. Houston is ninth in the Western Conference scoring 50.8 points per game in the paint led by Alperen Sengun averaging 14.8.

The Grizzlies average 13.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Rockets allow. The Rockets average 12.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 fewer made shots on average than the 13.3 per game the Grizzlies give up.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Rockets won the last meeting 103-96 on Dec. 16, with Dillon Brooks scoring 26 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 22.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks for the Grizzlies. Gregory Jackson is averaging 12.3 points over the last 10 games for Memphis.

Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.5 points and 8.2 assists for the Rockets. Jalen Green is averaging 22.1 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 45.1% over the past 10 games for Houston.

LAST 10 GAMES: Grizzlies: 1-9, averaging 102.0 points, 38.8 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 7.7 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.7 points per game.

Rockets: 4-6, averaging 115.2 points, 47.6 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.0 points.

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Derrick Rose: day to day (ankle), Desmond Bane: out (ankle), Ziaire Williams: day to day (hand), Brandon Clarke: out (achilles), Ja Morant: out for season (shoulder), Marcus Smart: out (finger), Jake LaRavia: out (ankle).

Rockets: Tari Eason: out (leg), Steven Adams: out for season (knee), Fred VanVleet: day to day (adductor), Cam Whitmore: day to day (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.