With 11 straight losses and counting, the Houston Rockets (1-12) are young, rebuilding, and currently reeling. On Monday, the schedule makers in the NBA’s league office aren’t doing them any favors.
Less than 24 hours after Sunday’s blowout loss at home at the hands of Phoenix, the Rockets will take the court in Memphis versus rising star Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. It’s a tough spot for Houston on a back-to-back in two different cities, particularly against a Memphis squad that badly needs a win of its own following three consecutive defeats.
For Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., Morant represents the third straight outing that he’s gone up against an elite opposing point guard. On Friday, he played quite well against Portland’s Damian Lillard, but Sunday’s results versus Chris Paul and the Suns were not as encouraging.
Here’s when you should tune in for Monday’s game:
- Date: Monday, Nov. 15
- Time: 7 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (1-12)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Christian Wood
- Center: Daniel Theis
Memphis Grizzlies (6-7)
- Guard: Ja Morant
- Guard: Desmond Bane
- Forward: Dillon Brooks
- Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Center: Steven Adams
Projected lineups are based on each team’s game notes, though it should be noted that Houston head coach Stephen Silas indicated after Sunday’s game that changes to the lineup and/or rotation were a possibility.
The Grizzlies have a clean injury report, which the Rockets also did on Sunday. However, Houston is not required to officially release an injury report for the Memphis game until midday Monday, since it’s the second game of a back-to-back. John Wall remains out due to a mutual decision for him not to play in games this season, with Houston prioritizing minutes for the development of younger players.
This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!