When the Grizzlies and Rockets emerged from the NBA’s 2025 All-Star break in late February, Memphis (36-18) had a three-game lead over Houston (34-21) in the loss column.
Now, as March draws to a close, it’s Houston (48-26) that has a three-game lead in the loss column over Memphis (44-29). And because the Rockets own the tiebreaker after winning three of four head-to-head meetings, the Rockets effectively hold a four-game advantage with only eight games left to play in the 2024-25 regular season.
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Should the Rockets hold off Memphis, it would result in Houston winning the Southwest Division for its ninth division title in franchise history (and first since 2019-20). As for playoff implications, because the Grizzlies have ranked in the top five of the Western Conference for almost the entire season, being in front of Memphis would likely secure a top-four seed — and with it, home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2025 playoffs.
That standings decline may have contributed to a decision by the Grizzlies to part ways with longtime head coach Taylor Jenkins and two assistants. Jenkins will be replaced on an interim basis by Finnish assistant Tuomas Iisalo, according to reports.
Memphis, which has lost five of its last seven, resumes play Saturday night at home versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams have matching 44-29 records and are currently tied for the No. 4 spot in the West, which will allow the Rockets to pick up another game in the loss column on one of them.
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Houston, which has won 11 of 12, will next play on Sunday night at Phoenix (35-39).
Should the Grizzlies continue to falter after the coaching changes, there could perhaps be incentive for rivals to try and position themselves for a seed that would draw Memphis as a first-round playoff opponent. As things stand, the Grizzlies would be in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 series against the Lakers.
But that’s a conversation for the regular season’s final days in the second week of April. For now, the Rockets are focused on trying to mathematically clinch their first playoff berth and division title in five years — and the apparent turmoil in Memphis could be helping the cause.
More: Alperen Sengun dominates in Utah as Rockets extend lead in West playoff race
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: As Rockets near Southwest Division crown, Memphis fires its head coach
