The Memphis Grizzlies' rival, the Rockets, are currently second place in the division and sixth place in the Western Conference with a 22-12 record. After the 2023-24 season, when they finished as 11th in the West, they emerged as one of the conference's most elite competitors just one year later. Despite not having Fred VanVleet, Houston has been able to stay highly competitive, since they have no shortage of star power.
With Kevin Durant and Alperen u015eengün heading the ship, Amen Thompson continuing to be a huge dual-threat player, Reed Shepard rising to the occasion and making significant contributions, and Steven Adams protecting the rim, this is a scary, well-rounded group that can make a lot of postseason noise.