Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Preview | Oct. 25, 2024

The Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets match up on Friday, marking both teams' second contest of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Memphis (1-0) will try to build upon Wednesday's 126-124 season-opening road win over the Utah Jazz. Big man Santi Aldama led the way, scoring a team-high 27 points on 62.5% shooting. He was one of three Grizzlies to finish with 20-plus points, along with wing Desmond Bane (24) and star point guard Ja Morant (22).

Conversely, Houston (0-1) will attempt to rebound from its unexpected 110-105 season-opening home loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

The Rockets received a combined 53 points from star center Alperen Sengun and shooting guard Jalen Green. However, they couldn't overcome Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball's game-high 34-point performance.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets odds, preview and prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets' showdown is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Friday at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The contest will be broadcast on Space City Home Network and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Grizzlies (+105) vs Rockets (-125)

Spread: Grizzlies +1.5 (-110) vs Rockets -1.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o217.5 (-110) vs u217.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets preview

Friday's clash features an intriguing big-man matchup between Sengun and Memphis rookie Zach Edey.

While Sengun thrived in his season opener, Edey, the No. 9 pick in this year's NBA draft, dealt with foul trouble. He logged only five points and five rebounds before fouling out in 15 minutes. So, Edey will look to make a bigger impact against one of the league's better centers.

While both squads have guard and wing offensive firepower, the Grizzlies should have the edge. Morant, a two-time All-Star, is the contest's top player, while Bane performed at a fringe All-Star level when healthy last season.

However, Green and veteran point guard Fred VanVleet should provide a respectable test. Meanwhile, both teams have pesky defensive-minded wing presences (Marcus Smart and Dillon Brooks).

Houston has more depth, especially with Memphis missing several key players, most notably star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring). The Rockets have multiple high-upside prospects coming off their bench, including Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore. However, they may struggle to find enough minutes for all of them.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets projected starting lineups

With Jackson (hamstring) considered doubtful, Memphis' starting lineup should again be as follows:

PG: Ja Morant SG: Marcus Smart SF: Desmond Bane PF: Santi Aldama C: Zach Edey

Meanwhile, Brooks (knee) is Houston's only starter whose status is in question. However, he is listed as probable, so the Rockets should have their full starting unit:

PG: Fred VanVleet SG: Jalen Green SF: Dillon Brooks PF: Jabari Smith Jr. C: Alperen Sengun

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets betting tips

Sengun's points prop is 18.5. He scored 25 points in Houston's season opener and averaged 21.1 points per game over 63 outings last season. So, he should hit the over in a matchup against a rookie big man.

Meanwhile, Morant's points prop is 21.5. While Morant started the season with a 22-point effort, he has averaged 25-plus ppg in each of the last three years. So, he should also hit the over against an offense-heavy Rockets squad.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets prediction

Houston has more depth, the home-court advantage and will likely be motivated to bounce back from its disappointing season opener. So, it should eke out a tight victory, while covering the spread (-1.5).

The teams also appear likely to surpass their 217.5 over/under point total after Memphis allowed Utah to score 124 points last game.

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