Memphis at Rockets, Dec. 13: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

After three straight years at the bottom of the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets (11-9) had ample experience as an underdog during their first 20 games of the NBA’s 2023-24 season.

But as the wins start to pile up — and particularly at Toyota Center, where the Rockets have now won 10 straight games at home — they’re starting to earn more respect from the gambling community.

So, how will the Rockets handle the role of being a clear betting favorite? They struggled on offense for much of Monday’s home win versus San Antonio, though Houston did pull away late for an 11-point victory that ended up narrowly covering the -8.5 spread.

As for Wednesday’s matchup versus Memphis (6-16), if you’d like last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.

Wednesday’s game starts at 7 p.m. Central and can be seen on the Space City Home Network and NBA League Pass.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s lines:

• Point spread: Rockets -5.5
• Money line: Rockets -250 / Grizzlies +195
• Over/under: 212.5

Grizzlies at Rockets injury/status report:

Houston’s Dec. 13 injury report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) as out, while Amen Thompson (illness) and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) are both designated questionable.

Young prospects Cam Whitmore, Nate Hinton, and Jermaine Samuels Jr. are away from the team while playing for Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.

On the other side, the Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant (league suspension), Marcus Smart (left foot sprain), Steven Adams (right knee PCL surgery), Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon repair), Luke Kennard (left knee bone bruise), and GG Jackson (G League).

Advice and prediction

On offense, the Rockets tend to go as third-year guard Jalen Green goes. He struggled versus San Antonio, but previously torched the Grizzlies in a blowout Houston victory when these teams met at Toyota Center in late November. With Smart sidelined, this should again be a favorable matchup — and Houston is usually formidable when its able to combine a strong defense with an efficient Green.

Prediction: Rockets 111, Grizzlies 103

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.