At different points earlier this week, the Grizzlies and Rockets each owned the NBA’s longest winning streak. But the seven-game streak by Memphis ended with a Tuesday blowout by Indiana, while Houston’s six-game run concluded with a similar crash on Wednesday at Oklahoma City.
On Thursday night at the FedExForum in Memphis, both teams are looking to make amends and potentially start a new streak.
The Rockets (10-10) are on the second night of a road back-to-back, which means they will be more fatigued and short-handed. John Wall will return after resting during the loss to the Thunder, but backcourt mate Victor Oladipo is likely to sit out for planned maintenance.
The Grizzlies (9-7) are led by prized young guard Ja Morant, which likely factored into Houston’s choice to save its floor general for Memphis. If Oladipo is out, Eric Gordon will make his second straight start.
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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Grizzlies -2.5 (-105), Rockets +2.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Grizzlies -150/Rockets +125
- Over-under: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
- Player O/U Scoring Props: Ja Morant 20.5 (-110 O, -115 U), Dillon Brooks 16.5 (-115 O, -110 U), Brandon Clarke 13.5 (-115 O, -110 U), Kyle Anderson 11.5 (-115 O, -110 U); Christian Wood 23.5 (-105 O, -125 U), John Wall TBD
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
According to NBA.com’s game notes, projected starters for Memphis in Thursday’s game are Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clarke, and Xavier Tillman Sr. Meanwhile, Houston counters with John Wall, Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate, PJ Tucker and Christian Wood.
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The Grizzlies have a lengthy injury report, with Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols), Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee), Sean McDermott (left shoulder), Jonas Valanciunas (health and safety protocols), Justise Winslow (left hip), and Killian Tillie (left foot) all out.
Though Oladipo is out for the Rockets, defensive ace David Nwaba (left ankle sprain) was upgraded to questionable on Thursday morning after missing each of Houston’s last two games with the injury. His potential return could be significant for a weary and short-handed group.
Advice and prediction
The uber-athletic Grizzlies have the NBA’s No. 5 defensive rating, which will likely force the Rockets to shoot far better than Wednesday’s 38.4% showing (26.1% on 3-pointers) to have a chance. On the second night of a road back-to-back, that could be a tall order.
Expect Wall to be fresh after sitting out Wednesday and aggressive with Houston coming off a loss, so the over on his point total could be a worthwhile consideration. For the 2020-21 season overall, the Rockets are 8-4 when Wall plays and 2-6 when he does not.
Prediction: 110-106, Grizzlies
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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