Grizzlies vs. Rockets Prediction, Odds, Pick, Spread
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The Memphis Grizzlies will fight with Houston Rockets on Monday. It will be a potential preview of the Western Conference playoffs as we share our NBA odds series and make a Grizzlies-Rockets prediction and pick.
The Rockets lead the series 69-47. It will be the third matchup this season between the Grizzlies and the Rockets. The Rockets won both games, beating the Grizzlies 119-115 in Memphis after beating the Grizzlies 128-108 at home. The teams have split their last 10 games. However, the Rockets are 3-2 in their last five home games against the Grizzlies.
Here’s Grizzly-Rocket NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.
NBA odds: Grizzlies-Rockets odds
Memphis Grizzlies: +2.5 (-112)
Moneilines: +120
Houston Rockets: -2.5 (-108)
Moneilines: -142
Over: 235.5 (-110)
Under: 235.5 (-110)
How to watch Grizzlies vs. Rockets
Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
TV: NBA TV, SCKN and FDSS
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Why the Grizzlies could cover the spread/win
Ja Morant is still electrified and one of the best players in the game as he continues to fuel the Grizzlies for a comeback season. However, it wasn’t all roses, as the Grizzlies have yet to beat the Rockets.
The defense was the main culprit. So far, they’ve allowed 45 points (recently) and 38 points (October 25) in the first quarter of their games. The Grizzlies need better defense to win this game, and that’s not an impossible task as they rank third in blocked shots.
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The Grizzlies also need to shoot better from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, they shot just 31.3 percent from 3-pointers last week, down from a team that ranks 10th behind the arc. The Grizzlies also made just 70 percent of their chances from the charity stripe. Unfortunately, that’s been a recurring theme all season, as they entered this game ranked 21st in free throw shooting percentage. The Grizzlies were also sloppy with the basketball, turning it over 19 times. That’s a problem and has been all season, as the Grizzlies rank 29th in turnovers.
Morant played relatively well last week, scoring 27 points while shooting 9-for-22. However, he did commit three turnovers. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points while shooting 9 for 15. He also committed three turnovers. Desmond Bain finished with 21 points while shooting 8-for-14, but also had four rebounds. Somehow, the other two starters combined for just eight points.
The Grizzlies will cover the spread if they can convert on their chances from beyond the arc, with Morant, Bain and Jackson leading the way. Then they have to play better defense and not fall into a big hole again.
Why the Rockets might cover the spread/win
The Rockets haven’t played since their last game (ironically against the Grizzlies), as The NBA canceled the game against the Atlanta Hawks due to icy conditions. Whether that causes rust problems for them is anybody’s guess. Regardless, they’ve beaten the Grizzlies twice this season, and their stars have come out to play.
As mentioned, the Rockets recently blew the door open with 45 points in the first quarter. Surprisingly, this fast start allowed them to dictate the pace and put the Grizzlies on their heels. Alperen Sengin was incredible with 32 points while shooting 12 for 20. Likewise, Jalen Green added 27 points while shooting 11 for 21. Fred Van Vleet filled the third option with 22 points while shooting 8 for 13.
The Rockets won this game despite shooting just 42.7 percent from the floor, including 38.2 percent from the field. Those numbers likely dropped as the game wore on, given their 45-point outburst in the first quarter. They more than made up for it by collecting 13 steals, which helped lead to 19 turnovers.
The Rockets will cover the spread if they can get off to another hot start. Next, they need to play solid defense and not allow Morant, Jackson or Bain to take over the game and beat them on the boards.
Final Grizzlies-Rockets Prediction & Pick
The Grizzlies are 25-14 against the spread, while the Rockets are 22-15 against the odds. Furthermore, the Grizzlies are 11-8 against the spread on the road, while the Rockets are 11-8 against the odds at home. The Grizzlies are 2-4 against the spread when facing the Southwest Division, while the Rockets are 8-1 against the spread when facing the division.
Both the Grizzlies and Rockets have had incredible seasons and sit atop the Western Conference. Until now, the Rockets had their number. Still, I think the Grizzlies have enough juice to steal him. Furthermore, I think they will have the motivation to go to Houston and at least make this game. Expect the Grizzlies to cover the spread while making the proper adjustments this time around.
Final Grizzlies-Rockets Prediction & Pick: Grizzlies +2.5 (-112)
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2025-01-13 03:54:00
