The Houston Rockets (13-14) and their sensational offense travel to Memphis as 3-point favorites to play the Grizzlies (16-12) and their stifling defense. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 203 points and it will air on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Odds
In the Rockets’ last contest, they comfortably covered the 5.5-point spread against the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-111. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, were defeated by the Miami Heat, 100-97, resulting in a push. The Houston game finished 10.5 points over the projected point total of 226.5, while the Memphis game went 5 points under the projected point total of 202.
The Rockets had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 25.1) and had a free throw rate of 0.318 (above their season average of 0.204). Memphis, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 6.9 (better than their season average of 12.1). Mike Conley had a solid outing for Memphis with 22 points and eight assists. Houston, meanwhile, rallied around James Harden, who notched his first triple-double this season. He dominated, registering 50 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, the Rockets won 105-83. Houston’s 0.564 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Memphis, who had a mark of 0.401. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Rockets are involved, as 55.6 percent of their games have finished over the total. Houston holds records of 13-14 straight up (SU) and 11-16 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Houston, games involving the Grizzlies have typically gone under the O/U total (59.3 percent). Additionally, Memphis owns records of 16-12 SU and 16-11 ATS.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams battle. Memphis ranks 29th in possessions per game (98.2) and Houston is 28th (98.9). Additionally, the Rockets rank fifth in offensive efficiency (110.3), while the Grizzlies rank fifth in defensive efficiency (103.3).
Rockets vs. Grizzlies Odds Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies rank 18 in assists per game (23.178571428571427) while the Rockets rank 26 (21.22222222222222).
- Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (41.4) while Memphis ranks 26th (27.5).
- The Rockets rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.0) while the Grizzlies rank 23rd (15.0).
- Memphis scores 19.0 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Houston ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed (17.7 per game).
- Houston ranks 5 in rebounds allowed per game (42.592592592592595) while Memphis ranks 18 (45.25).
- The Grizzlies rank second in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Rockets rank 23rd (8.3).
- The Grizzlies rank 4 in second chance points allowed per game (11.714285714285714) while the Rockets rank 21 (14.037037037037036).
- Houston ranks 8 in blocks per game (5.703703703703703) while Memphis ranks 15 in blocks allowed per game (4.964285714285714).
- Memphis ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Houston ranks 22nd (50.9).
- When allowing less than 100 points, Memphis is 8-2 and Houston is 4-2.
- When reaching the century mark, the Grizzlies are 11-4 and the Rockets are 11-8.
- Memphis is 9-4 ATS at home, while Houston is 5-10 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Grizzlies’ 13 home games, while 8 of the Rockets’ 15 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Houston and Memphis have both had 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Grizzlies are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 2-3.
- During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 96.6 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
- The Rockets\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 0.5 for the season.
