Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 13, 2025

The Memphis Grizzlies are set to take on the Houston Rockets this Monday night. After falling short in their first two matchups, Memphis will be determined to turn things around in this third meeting. With Marcus Smart still sidelined, Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. are ready to lead the charge for the Grizzlies.

On the other hand, the Rockets are riding high on a three-game winning streak and aim to get another win over the Grizzlies. However, they will be without Jabari Smith Jr., who is out for several weeks with a fractured hand. Coach Ime Udoka will have to rely on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson to keep the momentum going.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, will host the Grizzlies-Rockets game. Fans can also stream the action by subscribing to NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Grizzlies (+115) vs. Rockets (-135)

Odds: Grizzlies (+2.5) vs. Rockets (-2.5)

Total (O/U): Grizzlies (o236.0 -110) vs. Rockets (u236.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets preview

Two areas stand out in the Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Houston Rockets this season: rebounding and fastbreak points. The Grizzlies were significantly outrebounded and dominated in transition, which they must address in their third matchup.

Another critical area for the Grizzlies to focus on is turnovers. In the first game, both teams had 19 turnovers, but in the rematch, Ja Morant and his teammates had 20 errors compared to Houston's 13. By limiting turnovers, Memphis can increase their chances of securing a win.

The Rockets' defense remains solid even with Jabari Smith Jr. out with an injury. Amen Thompson has stepped up to fill the void left by Smith on that end. While Thompson's scoring can improve, Ime Udoka continues to lean on him defensively.

Houston needed big scoring nights from Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun to hold off the Grizzlies on Thursday. They will be difficult to beat if the trio can sustain that output.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets predicted starting lineups

Grizzlies

PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Zach Edey

Rockets

PG: Fred VanVleet | SG: Jalen Green | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Amen Thompson | C: Alperen Sengun

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets betting tips

Alperen Sengun had 16 points and 15 rebounds in the first Grizzlies-Rockets game. He followed it up with 32 points and 14 rebounds in the rematch. The Turkish international has had his way against rookie center Zach Edey and backup big man Santi Aldama.

Sengun likely tops his 32.5 (O/U) prop for combined points and rebounds.

Ja Morant is averaging 25.5 points in two games against the Rockets. He is likely to beat the 21.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies pushed the Houston Rockets to the limit in their last meeting in Memphis. With Houston hosting the upcoming game, the Rockets are favored to remain undefeated in the season series against the Grizzlies.