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Sheppard Set to Shine as Rockets Rest Starters
12 Apr
Summary
- Rockets locked into No. 5 seed, resting key players.
- Sheppard to start and could flourish against weak defense.
- Grizzlies are on a seven-game losing streak.
The Houston Rockets are locked into the Western Conference's fifth seed for the upcoming playoffs and will host the Memphis Grizzlies in their regular-season finale on Sunday. Several key Rockets players, including Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, have been ruled out for rest purposes.
This situation opens the door for Tari Eason, who has averaged 16.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in games where Durant was absent this season. Eason is expected to capitalize against a Grizzlies defense that ranks last in the NBA in defensive rating since the All-Star break. Memphis has struggled mightily, losing seven consecutive games and nine of their last ten, with a net rating of -12.2 since the All-Star break.
Despite resting their starters, the Rockets are still favored to win at home. Houston has maintained a strong performance, holding the ninth-best net rating in the league since the All-Star break. The Grizzlies, seemingly focused on improving their draft position for the 2026 NBA Draft, are unlikely to pose a significant challenge.
