Rockets vs. Grizzlies prediction and odds for Friday, March 24

It was a true ramp up for Ja Morant in his first game back against Houston on Wednesday. Morant came off the bench to play 24 minutes in the Memphis Grizzlies 130-125 win over the Houston Rockets. Now, Memphis is 45-27 and two games ahead of Sacramento for the second seed in the Western Conference. They have a chance to add to that lead over the Kings with another game against the Rockets who are in the basement of the West at 18-55.

Rockets vs. Grizzlies odds, spread and total

Rockets vs. Grizzlies prediction and pick

The Grizzlies are big favorites again after not covering in their win on Wednesday. Memphis is a much better team at home than they are on the road, so it was surprising to see them not able to cover against Houston. However, it is understandably weird to have your superstar coming back from a suspension and playing off the bench. However, there is something more concerning for Memphis against Houston than just the vibes being off.

In March, Memphis is 29th in defensive rebounding percentage. They’ve been a mediocre to bad rebounding team all year, but it’s been much worse since Steven Adams went out with an injury. Adams won’t be back for a few weeks still and that means Memphis is susceptible on the glass. On Wednesday, they were outrebounded, 48-36 and Houston grabbed 20 offensive boards.

That’s no surprise because Houston is No. 1 in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage, 34.6% and in March that’s up to 36.7%, still the best this month. Houston will be able to steal extra possessions against Memphis in this one and I think the Rockets will hang around just like they did on Wednesday.

Pick: Rockets +13 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change