Grizzlies vs Rockets: A Look at the Final Regular Season Showdown

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season draws to a close, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the excitement of the postseason. With just one game remaining on the schedule for all teams, the Houston Rockets are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies for the fourth and final time this season. Currently, the Rockets hold a 3-0 advantage in the season series, but this game will look significantly different.

Rockets Prioritize Rest for Key Players

The Rockets have made the strategic decision to rest several key players for this matchup, including Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, and Amen Thompson. This move is a testament to their secure position as the fifth seed in the Western Conference standings. Regardless of the outcome against the Grizzlies, their playoff seeding remains unchanged, making player rest a sensible priority.

Amen Thompson has led the league in minutes played this season, a remarkable feat for the young star. Kevin Durant, at 37 years old, ranks second in the same category – a testament to his enduring athleticism and commitment. Alperen Sengun has battled injuries throughout the season, impacting his consistency, while Jabari Smith Jr. has consistently been a key contributor, with the Rockets boasting a 13-4 record when he scores 20+ points.

Playoff Scenarios: Lakers or Nuggets?

If the playoffs began today, the Rockets would be facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. However, the final day of NBA action promises significant shifts in the standings. The Denver Nuggets’ game against the San Antonio Spurs will directly influence the Rockets’ first-round opponent.

• Nuggets Win vs. Spurs: Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Nuggets Lose vs. Spurs: Rockets face the Denver Nuggets.

Like the Rockets, the Nuggets are also prioritizing player health. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson will all sit out against the Spurs. Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable, but the Nuggets may be incentivized to play him to meet the NBA’s new 65-game mandate, designed to curb load management. Sitting out would disqualify Jokic from end-of-season awards consideration.

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

This final regular season game between the Grizzlies and Rockets, while not directly impacting seeding for Houston, provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to assess their players and prepare for the intensity of the playoffs. The outcome of the Nuggets-Spurs game will ultimately determine the Rockets’ path to a potential championship run. The NBA playoffs are shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle for basketball fans worldwide.

Original article published on Sports Illustrated as Rockets to Rest Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. vs Grizzlies.