The Memphis Grizzlies (44-21) visit Toyota Center Sunday to take on the Houston Rockets (15-48). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Rockets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Grizzlies have jumped over the Golden State Warriors for second place in the Western Conference following a 124-96 home win over the Orlando Magic as 16-point favorites Saturday. They are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10 games.
Memphis ranks third in points per game (114) and 14th in opponents’ points per game (109). The Grizzlies’ 22-11 road record is the second-best in the West.
The Rockets are just 8-21 at home this season and have covered just three times in their last 10 games. It’s been several tough weeks for Houston as it is just 4-12 ATS over its last 16 outings.
Houston has the worst defense in the NBA and allows the 30th most points per game (118).
Grizzlies at Rockets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:33 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Grizzlies -700 (bet $700 to win $100) | Rockets +470 (bet $100 to win $470)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -10.5 (-108) | Rockets +10.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
Grizzlies at Rockets key injuries
Grizzlies (not officially submitted)
- G Dillon Brooks (ankle) out
Rockets
- G Dennis Schroder (ankle) questionable
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Grizzlies at Rockets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 125, Rockets 112
Money line
PASS.
I wouldn’t bet a team on the road at -700, even if it is Memphis. Similarly, the Grizzlies have been good enough to make the Rockets (+470) unplayable as well.
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Against the spread
BET the GRIZZLIES -10.5 (-108).
Memphis covered Saturday as a 16-point favorite. The Grizzlies have been electric and are led by G Ja Morant who is a top nominee for Most Improved Player.
Memphis is the best-covering team in the NBA at 43-22 ATS, and it’s 10-3 ATS as a road favorite. The Rockets are the sixth-worst team in the league when covering as a home underdog at just 8-17 ATS.
Considering the Grizzlies rank first in offensive rebounding and the Rockets rank 23rd in defensive rebounding, Memphis should have a plethora of second-chance opportunities.
The Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS when spotted double figures. They’ve more than proven that they can handle their business, especially on the road. I expect them to win big in this one.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 234.5 (-115).
If there’s one thing both teams have been good at this season, it is going over the projected total.
Memphis is 34-30-1 O/U this season and is 9-4 O/U over the course of its last 13 games. The Rockets are 5-5 O/U over the last 10, but their lack of defense has allowed them to be 35-27-1 O/U on the year.
With the second chances Memphis should see, it should get easy points and a good amount of them. The Rockets also sit atop the league in pace with Memphis ranked eighth.
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