Rockets at Memphis, Dec. 15: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet
Led by Ime Udoka, the early theme of the 2023-24 season for the new-look Rockets has been a staggering split between home and road performances. They’re 11-1 at home, but 1-8 away from Houston.
Yet, that one victory was a big one at defending NBA champion Denver, and it came in Houston’s current four-game winning streak. On Friday, they’ll look to build on that versus a Memphis squad that has already lost twice to the Rockets by double digits. Those first two outings, including Wednesday’s game, were in Houston.
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.
Friday’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 Friday’s lines:
- Point spread: Rockets -3.5
- Money line: Rockets -160 / Grizzlies +135
- Over/under: 211.5
Rockets at Grizzlies injury/status report:
Houston’s injury report lists Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) as out and Amen Thompson (illness) as 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 Friday, the Grizzlies will be without 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).
Like Thompson, Desmond Bane is also questionable with an illness for the Grizzlies. Both players missed Wednesday’s game while ill.
Advice and prediction
In Friday’s rematch, which will serve as Dillon Brooks’ first return to Memphis since leaving the Grizzlies for Houston in 2023 free agency, the Rockets should again have the upper hand in terms of talent. The Grizzlies are still dealing with widespread injuries throughout the roster, and superstar guard Ja Morant is serving the final days of his 25-game suspension from the league office.
In those absences, Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up with a career-high 44 points on Wednesday, which helped keep Memphis in striking distance for much of the second half. Between the likes of Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason, Houston believes it is capable of an improved defensive showing For the season as a whole, the Rockets still rank No. 2 in the league on defense.
While Memphis could have some upside due to playing at home and a potential Bane return, the Rockets are unlikely to have both Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun each struggle for a second straight game. With that in mind, Houston appears due for a second road win.
Prediction: Rockets 109, Grizzlies 104
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
