The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, boasting strong veteran play and one of the better young cores in the entire NBA. But on Thursday night, it will face one of its most important games of the season in a bout with the Memphis Grizzlies.

With 27 points for the game on elite efficiency and 8 in the fourth quarter, Houston won at Memphis to extend its lead for the No. 2 seed in the West.

Alperen Sengun collected 32 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, Jalen Green added 27 points and Fred VanVleet contributed 22 to lead the Houston Rockets past the Memphis Grizzlies 119-115 for their fifth straight road victory.

Thursday’s game in Memphis was the 11th straight absence for Rockets forward Tari Eason, who is still dealing with soreness in his lower left leg.

Here's how Zach Edey fared in his 24th NBA game for the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets.

The Jimmy Butler saga has been one of the biggest storylines of the season so far, with his relationship with the Miami Heat becoming more strained by the day.

1. Houston and Memphis renew rivalry. These teams have 24 wins apiece, tied for the second-best record in the Western Conference. There’s also been animosity between these teams in the past, and it could get even better with Ja Morant (shoulder) possibly returning.

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Alperen Sengun had 32 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 119-115 on Thursday night in a showdown between two of the top teams in the Western Conference.

The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 119-115. Alperen Sengun had 32 points and Jalen Green had 27. Houston forced 20 turnovers.