The Memphis Grizzlies(25-14) and Houston Rockets (25-12) meet Monday at the Toyota Center in Houston. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Grizzlies vs. Rocketsodds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Rockets lead 2-0
The Grizzlies secured a 127-125 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, thanks to a clutch G Ja Morant jumper with 18 seconds left. As a 1.5-point underdog, Memphis won outright with the Over (232.5) hitting. F Jaren Jackson led all scorers with 33 points, while grabbing 8 rebounds. The Grizzlies defense was pivotal, forcing 19 turnovers.
Houston’s game Saturday was postponed in Atlanta due to a winter storm. The last time the Rockets played was a 119-115 win against these same Grizzlies Thursday. As a 2.5-point road underdog, Houston won outright with the total pushing at 234. C Alperen Sengun dominated, posting 32 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and a block. Houston’s defense forced 20 turnovers in the impressive victory.
Grizzlies at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:14 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Grizzlies +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Rockets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies +2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Grizzlies at Rockets key injuries
Grizzlies
- G Marcus Smart (finger) out
Rockets
- F Tari Eason (leg) doubtful
- F Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Grizzlies at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 122, Rockets 116
Moneyline
PASS.
Houston (-140) gets the victory at home Monday night, but I’d rather get better odds on the spread.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS -2.5 (-110).
Houston has dominated this series recently, winning 5 of the last 6, including both matchups this season. The Rockets are also 5-1 ATS in those last 6. Along with the 4-point road win Thursday, Houston beat Memphis 128-108 as a 3.5-point favorite Oct. 25. Sengun was a force in the paint in both victories, tallying 48 points and 29 rebounds.
While Memphis’ 7-foot-4 rookie C Zach Edey has the size advantage vs. the 6-11 Sengun’s, he’s struggled against the Rockets center’s versatility and finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds in the 2 games vs. Houston.
Adding to the Rockets’ edge, they excel at protecting the ball, averaging just 12.5 turnovers per game (sixth in the NBA), while Memphis is near the bottom, averaging 16.5 turnovers (second to last).
The Rockets enter Monday riding a 3-game win streak and hold a massive rest advantage, having not played since Thursday. With momentum, rest, and Sengun’s dominance, HOUSTON -2.5 (-110) is the play.
Over/Under
BET OVER 236.5 (-105).
The Over has hit or pushed in both Houston-Memphis matchups this season and is 6-3-1 in their last 10 meetings. Memphis is 3-1-1 O/U in its last 5 games, while Houston is 2-0-1 O/U in its last 3.
The Grizzlies lead the league in scoring at 123.0 points per game, while the Rockets are 12th at 113.1 PPG. Both teams excel on the offensive glass, creating plenty of second-chance opportunities. With two strong offensive rebounding squads and Memphis’ high-scoring pace, expect plenty of points in this one.
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