The Memphis Grizzlies (14-15) travel to the Toyota Center Sunday to play the Houston Rockets (11-20) at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Grizzlies-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Grizzlies split a two-game miniseries with the Los Angeles Clippers, where each team won by at least 20 points, and they have lost three of their previous four games. The other two losses were to a red-hot Phoenix Suns team and a surging Dallas Mavericks.
Houston has plummeted since losing starting big Christian Wood and has lost all 10 games he has been out of the lineup. Over that stretch, the Rockets have the lowest-rated offense and the worst rebounding rate.
The Rockets routed the Grizzlies 115-103 in the first meeting this season, but Wood was active in that game and starting Memphis big Jonas Valanciunas didn’t play.
Grizzlies at Rockets: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Grizzlies -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Rockets +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
- Against the spread/ATS: Grizzlies -4.5 (-110) | Rockets +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Grizzlies at Rockets: Key injuries
Grizzlies
- SG Grayson Allen (concussion) out
- PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
Rockets
- C Christian Wood (ankle) out
- SG Victor Oladipo (rest) out
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Grizzlies at Rockets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Grizzlies 116, Rockets 108
Money line (ML)
PASS because I like Memphis to win, but the Grizzlies (-190) is too expensive for an NBA regular-season favorite.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The GRIZZLIES -4.5 (-110) play the exact style that the Rockets aren’t equipped to play against. For instance, Memphis scores the 4th-most fast-break points per game and Houston is 29th in fast-break points per game allowed.
Furthermore, the Grizzlies scores the most paint points per game, and big Valanciunas should feast on a Rockets defense missing their best interior presence and rim protector in Wood.
Finally, there are a couple of notable pro-Grizzlies situational trends for this game including the Rockets being 1-5 ATS at home against losing teams and as a home underdog.
TAKE GRIZZLIES -4.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS with a lean on Over 223.5 (-110), but my predicted score aligns with BetMGM‘s projection – so I cannot bet it.
However, both teams play at a top-10 pace, and if the Grizzlies aren’t forcing turnovers, their defense isn’t that good. Memphis is ranked 27th in defensive effective field goal shooting, and the Over has cashed in four of Houston’s previous six games.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Stephen Silas says Christian Wood is starting on-court activities with Rockets (Rockets Wire)
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: PGA Tour double-dip and what’s up with James Harden’s MVP odds?
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
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