Rockets vs. Grizzlies: A History of the Sizzling Rivalry

When Do the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies Play Next?

Houston Rockets tickets and Memphis Grizzlies tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies Rivals?

The Rockets vs. Grizzlies rivalry goes back to 1995, the inaugural season of the Vancouver Grizzlies franchise. The two teams have been in the same division in the Western Conference since then and have played each other multiple times a year. While the two teams have more heated rivalries with other clubs, the Rockets vs. Grizzlies games are important for playoff seeding.

Who are the Houston Rockets’ Biggest Rivals?

The San Antonio Spurs are the Rockets’ biggest rivals. It is arguably one of the biggest rivalries in the NBA. The two teams are just under 200 miles apart on I-10 and they have had multiple bitter playoff series. Some of the sport’s most famous names have played for these teams: Moses Malone, George Gervin, Calvin Murphy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson. The most notable series came in 1995 when the Rockets, looking to repeat as champions, took down the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals with Olajuwon outplaying league MVP Robinson to lead the way. The Utah Jazz and, more recently, the Golden State Warriors are other rivals for the Rockets.

Who are the Memphis Grizzlies’ Biggest Rivals?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the biggest rivals of the Grizzlies. This rivalry dates back to the mid-1990s when the Grizzlies were in Vancouver and the Thunder were the Seattle SuperSonics. More recently, the teams have met in the postseason in 2011, 2013, and 2014. The Thunder topped the Grizzlies in 2011 and 2014 but the Grizzlies came out on top in 2013. The Grizzlies have had their best seasons the past two years and are looking to build up more rivalries in the process. Memphis also has smaller rivalries with the Los Angeles Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs.

Game Results Between the Rockets & Grizzlies

The Rockets vs. Grizzlies games have been one-sided so far this season, with the Rockets winning the first three matchups. The teams meet again on February 14, 2024 in Memphis. Check out the most recent head-to-head games between these divisional rivals below.

Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies History

The Rockets vs. Grizzlies history has featured a lot of wins for the Rockets. The all-time series sits at 67 wins for Houston against 46 losses. However, many of those losses were when the franchise was in Vancouver, as the Vancouver Grizzlies went 4-20 against Houston. Memphis has fared better, winning 42 of 89 matchups. The two franchises have never met in the postseason. The past number of seasons have seen a flip in the Southwest Division. The Rockets won three straight division titles between 2018 and 2020. The Grizzlies won the division in 2022 and 2023, the first in franchise history. The Grizzlies are still chasing their first NBA Finals appearance, having reached the Western Conference Finals just once. Houston is looking to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time since it won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.

Where Do the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets Play?

The Memphis Grizzlies play at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. FedExForum was built in 2004 and has been home to the Grizzlies and University of Memphis basketball since then.

The Houston Rockets play at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Toyota Center opened in 2003 and has been home to the Rockets since then.