League Pass Matchup of the Day: Rockets vs. Grizzlies (8 ET)

The Houston Rockets are looking to extend their winning streak to three games as they face off against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 8 PM on NBA League Pass. This highly anticipated matchup marks the first of three meetings between the Grizzlies (24-13) and the Rockets (24-12) in January. With the Rockets currently holding the fourth-best record in the league and the Grizzlies tied for the fifth-best, both teams are expected to put on an exciting show on the court.

Here are five things to know for this Western Conference showdown:

Memphis can score in a hurry: The Grizzlies’ boast the highest-scoring offense in the NBA, pouring in 123.1 points per game, and they play at the fastest pace (105.41). They rank second in assists (30.3), fifth in field goal percentage (48.2), and own the highest scoring game this season (155). Memphis’ offensive rating of 116.6 is good for fifth across the association, helping them earn the fourth-highest net rating of 7.6.Defense leading to offense: Memphis doesn’t rely solely on outscoring their opponents, as they currently sit fifth in defensive rating at 109. They get after it on the glass on both ends, ranking second in rebounds per game (48.7) and second-chance points (17.3), and block the third most shots a night with 6.4.Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way: A consistent force for the Grizzlies with Ja Morant missing 17 games this season due to multiple injuries. In only 29 minutes a night, Jackson Jr. is scoring a career-high 22.7 points while shooting 49.4% from the field, and he’s 34.8% from three-point range. Over his last four games, the forward-center is averaging 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, 1.8 steals and one block.Houston ready for the challenge: The Rockets enter this contest with a top five defense and top ten offense. Houston’s defensive rating (106.9) ranks third in the NBA, and their 113.2 offensive rating is good for tenth, helping them earn the sixth-best net rating of 6.3. They lead the league in rebounds per game (48.9) and second chance points (17.3).Amen Thompson flourishing as starter: After returning from a two-game absence while serving a suspension, Thompson entered the starting lineup for the Rockets replacing Jabari Smith, Jr.(out) and did not disappoint. In two games as a starter, both wins for Houston, the second-year guard-forward has popped for 21.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals playing 41 minutes per contest while shooting 18-for-27 from the field.