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The Houston Rockets will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday (October 22) in the NBA.
The two teams are coming off contrasting results in their opening game of the season. Below are the Betting odds and predictions:
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The Houston Rockets are placing most of the responsibility on their young core to have a better season this time.
After ending the 2021-22 season at the bottom of the Western Conference, the Rockets signed rookie superstar Jabari Smith Jr. in the draft. Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green are the torchbearers for the struggling Rockets, as they established themselves as two of the best young players in the NBA.
Green ended the season second in scoring for Houston, while Porter led in assists. The dynamic duo has started well this season. Porter played spectacularly against the Hawks on opening night, recording 21-7-7 splits. If he carries on this form for the rest of the season, the Rockets could deal quite a few blows.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, were phenomenal last season, finishing third in the West and reaching the Conference semi-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions Golden State Warriors. The Grizzlies' home record was particularly sublime last season, going 30-11.
Their incredible results came thanks to a transformed Ja Morant, who deservedly won the Most Improved Player award. He averaged nearly 28-6-7 a night, making him one of the most productive guards in the league.
Morant has started the 2022-23 season with a bang as well. In the opening game, he put on an absolute show against the Knicks, recording a 34-4-9 split, with Santi Aldama contributing 18 points. If their offense keeps on firing similarly, they could have a strong season.
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Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Betting Odds
Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Match Details
Fixture: Memphis Grizzlies @ Houston Rockets
Date and Time: Friday, October 21; 8:00 pm ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Grizzlies vs Rockets Best Pick
The obvious pick is Ja Morant. The superstar guard has been lighting up the NBA in the last few seasons and has also started this one in a similar vein.
He exceeded his expected return in the first game, scoring 34. The Rockets have notoriously been a leaky defense, allowing nearly 119 points per game last season. If their defense doesn’t tighten up, Morant could run riot.
Ja Morant; Points: Over 28.5 (-110)
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Rockets vs Grizzlies Final Prediction
It’s early days in the season, so it's difficult to predict how well the Rockets’ young core would gel together. However, one thing’s for certain, the Grizzlies go into this game with great momentum and stability.
On paper, Memphis is massive favorites and have the upper hand in form, quality, and squad depth. The Rockets' defense has struggled to keep things tight in the last few seasons; it might not stop the force of nature that's Ja Morant.
Memphis Grizzlies: -7 (-112)
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