The final day of the 2025–26 NBA regular season features a Western Conference matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston. While this game will not change Houston’s playoff position, it still offers an interesting storyline as the Rockets aim to finish their strong season with another victory at home. Houston has already secured the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference and will soon prepare for a first-round playoff matchup. Memphis, meanwhile, has struggled throughout the second half of the season and enters this game on a long losing streak. The Grizzlies have been using a heavily depleted roster with many key players unavailable, which has affected their competitiveness in recent games. Houston may also rest several of its core players before the playoffs, giving young players and bench contributors a chance to step into larger roles. Even with both teams dealing with roster changes, the Rockets still appear to have the stronger depth and momentum heading into this regular-season finale.
Match Information
| Match | Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets |
|---|---|
| League | NBA 2025–26 Season |
| Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Tip-Off Time | 8:30 PM ET |
| Venue | Toyota Center, Houston |
| Broadcast | Space City Network, FanDuel Sports Network |
Team Records and Standings
| Team | Record | Western Conference Status |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 48–33 | 5th Seed |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 25–56 | Eliminated |
Houston has finished the regular season as one of the more consistent teams in the conference, earning the fifth seed after a strong stretch of games. Memphis, on the other hand, has struggled badly, particularly in the second half of the season.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Houston Rockets | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 55 | 55 |
| Wins | 29 | 26 |
The head-to-head history between these teams has been relatively close, but Houston has held a slight edge. In their most recent meeting earlier this season, the Rockets secured a convincing win against Memphis.
Recent Form
Houston Rockets Last Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2026 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Loss |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Philadelphia 76ers | Win |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Phoenix Suns | Win |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Golden State Warriors | Win |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Utah Jazz | Win |
Houston has been one of the hottest teams heading into the season finale, winning eight of their last ten games. Their offense has been productive, regularly scoring above 120 points during this stretch.
Memphis Grizzlies Last Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2026 | Utah Jazz | Loss |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Denver Nuggets | Loss |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Loss |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Milwaukee Bucks | Loss |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Toronto Raptors | Loss |
Memphis has endured a difficult run with multiple heavy defeats. The team has struggled defensively, conceding large point totals in several recent games.
Also see: 76ers Playoff Standings 2026: Philadelphia’s Updated Scenarios, Schedule and NBA Bracket Outlook
Injury Report
Memphis Grizzlies Injury List
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Out |
| Zach Edey | Out |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. | Out |
| Ty Jerome | Out |
| Brandon Clarke | Out |
| Santi Aldama | Out |
| Jaylen Wells | Out |
| Cam Spencer | Out |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Out |
| GG Jackson | Out |
| Taylor Hendricks | Out |
| Cedric Coward | Out |
| Javon Small | Probable |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Questionable |
| Adama Bal | Questionable |
Houston Rockets Injury List
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Out |
| Amen Thompson | Out |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Out |
| Alperen Sengun | Out |
| Fred VanVleet | Out |
| Steven Adams | Out |
Both teams will rely heavily on younger players and bench contributors due to the long list of unavailable starters.
Projected Lineups
Houston Rockets
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Guard | Reed Sheppard |
| Guard | Amen Thompson |
| Forward | Jabari Smith Jr. |
| Forward | Kevin Durant |
| Center | Alperen Sengun |
Memphis Grizzlies
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Guard | Whitehead |
| Guard | Okani |
| Forward | Bol |
| Forward | Masek |
| Center | Williamson |
These projected lineups highlight how both teams could rely on less experienced players for extended minutes.
Also see: Raptors Playoff Standings 2026: Toronto Scenarios, Schedule and NBA Playoff Race
Team Performance Overview
| Category | Rockets | Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Form | Strong | Struggling |
| Offensive Production | High scoring | Inconsistent |
| Defensive Performance | Balanced | Weak |
| Momentum | Positive | Negative |
Houston’s recent form has been impressive, while Memphis has struggled on both ends of the court.
Key Player to Watch
Reed Sheppard (Rockets)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Starting guard opportunity |
| Strength | Three-point shooting |
| Impact | Increased scoring responsibility |
With several starters resting, Sheppard could receive extended playing time and become a central part of Houston’s offense in this matchup.
Betting Odds Snapshot
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Rockets -12.5 |
| Grizzlies Spread | +12.5 |
| Moneyline Rockets | -750 |
| Moneyline Grizzlies | +525 |
| Total Points | Around 225.5 |
The Rockets are clear favorites, mainly due to Memphis’ recent struggles and depleted roster.
Best Picks for the Game
| Pick Type | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Spread | Rockets -12.5 |
| Alternative Pick | Under 225.5 |
| Player Prop | Reed Sheppard Over Points |
| Moneyline | Rockets |
Houston’s depth and recent momentum give them a strong advantage, especially against a Memphis team that has struggled heavily in recent weeks.
Final Prediction
Houston enters this matchup with much better form and confidence compared to Memphis. Even though several Rockets starters may rest before the playoffs, the team still has enough depth and scoring ability to control the game. Memphis has lost multiple games by large margins recently and continues to struggle defensively. If Houston maintains its offensive rhythm and limits defensive mistakes, it should finish the regular season with a comfortable home win.
Predicted Score
Rockets 118 – Grizzlies 102







