Houston Rockets take on Memphis Grizzlies after Thompson's 41-point game

The Rockets look to bounce back from a close loss to the Timberwolves as they host the struggling Grizzlies.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:23am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a basketball game between two teams into sharp, overlapping geometric planes and abstract shapes, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-energy matchup between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies, capturing the game's intensity through fragmented, geometric forms.Houston Today

The Houston Rockets will host the Memphis Grizzlies in an interconference matchup on Sunday night. The Rockets are coming off a narrow 136-132 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in which Amen Thompson scored a career-high 41 points. The Grizzlies have struggled recently, going 1-8 in their last 10 games.

Why it matters

This game features two Western Conference teams heading in opposite directions. The Rockets are firmly in the playoff picture, while the Grizzlies are near the bottom of the standings. A win for Houston could help them solidify their position, while Memphis is looking to turn things around.

The details

The Rockets are led by star forward Kevin Durant, who is averaging 26 points per game. Rookie Amen Thompson is coming off an impressive 41-point performance against the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries, with several key players out for the season including Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Zach Edey.

  • The teams will face off on Sunday, April 13, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.
  • The Rockets and Grizzlies have played three previous games this season, with Houston winning the last matchup 119-109 on March 28.

The players

Amen Thompson

A rookie guard for the Houston Rockets who scored a career-high 41 points in the team's previous game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kevin Durant

A veteran forward and star player for the Houston Rockets who is averaging 26 points per game this season.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' starting center who leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.9 per game.

Taj Gibson

A veteran forward for the Memphis Grizzlies who has been a key contributor despite the team's struggles.

Adama Bal

A young guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who has been averaging 6.5 points per game over the last 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same energy and effort that we showed against the Timberwolves, even if the results don't always go our way.”

— Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets Guard

“This is a tough stretch for us, but we're staying positive and focused on getting better each day.”

— Taj Gibson, Memphis Grizzlies Forward

What’s next

The Rockets and Grizzlies will face off again on Tuesday, April 15, 2026 in Memphis.

The takeaway

This game represents an opportunity for the Rockets to solidify their playoff positioning, while the Grizzlies look to turn things around and build momentum for the future. The health and performance of key players like Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.