The Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets duke it out at the Toyota Center on Monday night. Here’s a Rockets vs Grizzlies Prediction. This article will include a Rockets vs Grizzlies Pick.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies have really struggled to get going lately as they’ve lost nine of their last 12 games overall. They will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting beaten by the Pelicans in a 133-127 loss on Friday. Jaren Jackson Jr led the team with 26 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, Jock Landale added 24 points with 11 rebounds while Cam Spencer chipped in with 21 points and 11 assists on seven of nine shooting. As a team, the Grizzlies shot 49 percent from the field and 18 of 47 from the 3-point line as they hit the ground running on offense and looked to be in control when they led by 13 points late in the third quarter. However, the Grizzlies have had trouble closing out games and it was on display once again as the Pelicans exploded for 40 points to snatch the game away at the end.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been building some momentum with four wins in their past five games overall and they will be feeling good after they took down the red-hot Pistons in a 111-104 road win on Friday. Kevin Durant led the team with 32 points on 11 of 19 shooting, Alperen Sengun added 19 points with five assists while Reed Sheppard provided a spark off the bench with 18 points. As a team, the Rockets shot 49 percent from the field and nine of 26 from the 3-point line, but this win was more about their defense as the Pistons had the momentum going into the second half. Before the Rockets dominated the third quarter by 34-20 to take a 14-point lead, which was more than enough to hold off a late rally from the misfiring Pistons.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last 11 home games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Grizzlies have lost 12 of their last 13 road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against the Grizzlies.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The underdogs have won each of the Grizzlies’ last three games.
- The Rockets have lost three of their last four games as favorites following a road win.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the last four games between the Grizzlies and Rockets.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Rockets’ last 10 games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last five night games have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Alperen Sengun ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (13.7) this season.
- Tari Eason ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for 3P% (46.6%) this season.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of only two qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
- Cam Spencer ranks 4th amongst qualified players for FT% (91.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (48.8).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (38.7).
- The Grizzlies are one of only two teams to record four or more wins when trailing by a margin of 10+ points through Q1 this season.
- The Grizzlies are one of only two teams to record five or more losses when leading by a margin of 10+ points at HT this season.
Rockets vs Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing Ty Jerome, Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr and Zach Edey, but Santi Aldama might make a return. The Rockets have ruled out Steven Adams, with Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith both likely to rejoin the lineup. Two teams trending in opposite directions collide in this one as the slumping Grizzlies visit the rising Rockets. The Grizzlies have been dealing with a long list of injuries since the start of the season, but they might have Aldama returning. However, it might not be enough to slow down the Rockets who are starting to heat up again. The line is hefty for this one, but I think the Grizzlies’ struggles continue here as the Rockets win comfortably at home.