The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, boasting strong veteran play and one of the better young cores in the entire NBA. But on Thursday night, it will face one of its most important games of the season in a bout with the Memphis Grizzlies.

With 27 points for the game on elite efficiency and 8 in the fourth quarter, Houston won at Memphis to extend its lead for the No. 2 seed in the West.

The Washington Wizards host the Houston Rockets in a cross-conference matchup on Tuesday's NBA schedule. Washington is 6-27 overall and 5-14 at home, while Houston is 23-12 overall and 10-6 on the road.

Thursday’s game in Memphis was the 11th straight absence for Rockets forward Tari Eason, who is still dealing with soreness in his lower left leg.

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Here's how Zach Edey fared in his 24th NBA game for the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets.

The Jimmy Butler saga has been one of the biggest storylines of the season so far, with his relationship with the Miami Heat becoming more strained by the day.

1. Houston and Memphis renew rivalry. These teams have 24 wins apiece, tied for the second-best record in the Western Conference. There’s also been animosity between these teams in the past, and it could get even better with Ja Morant (shoulder) possibly returning.

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A few months before the 2020-21 NBA season kicked off, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked about his team's outlook. This question came up because the Dubs' two superstars, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry,