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.

In an important matchup between top-three teams in the West standings, the Rockets are slight favorites at Memphis (+1.5). Ja Morant is questionable.

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Ja Morant (21.2 ppg) is getting closer to returning for the Grizzlies, but it appears that his shoulder sprain will keep him out for at least one more game tonight. Desmond Bane (16.7 ppg) is questionable with a sprained ankle, while reserves Marcus Smart (9.2 ppg) and Santi Aldama (13.0 ppg) are also on the mend.

The Memphis Grizzlies have only had Ja Morant for 20 of their 37 games so far this season. The Grizzlies are 14-6 in those games, which is a 57-win pace. Without Morant, Memphis is 10-7, good for a 48-win-pace.

The Houston Rockets go for a third straight win as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies (8 ET, NBA League Pass). The Grizzlies (24-13) and Rockets (24-12) play the first of their three contests in January on Thursday.