The Memphis Grizzlies (18-22), 4.5-point underdogs, will try to slow down the Houston Rockets (26-12) at FedExForum. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 238 points and it can be seen on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Odds
Both teams easily covered as favorites in their last outing. The Grizzlies (6.5-point favorites) defeated the Golden State Warriors 122-102, while the Rockets (11-point favorites) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 139-109. The Memphis game went 1.5 points under the projected point total of 225.5, while the Houston game went 16 points over the projected point total of 232.
The Rockets, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.538, had an absurd mark of 0.611 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.9 (above their season average of 24.0). The Grizzlies, meanwhile, had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 34.0 (above their season average of 22.0), while the Warriors had a turnover percentage of 17.9 (above their season average of 12.5). Jonas Valanciunas had a solid performance for Memphis, putting up 31 points and 19 rebounds. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook played a pivotal role for Houston with 30 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, James Harden led the Rockets to a 107-100 victory. He recorded a double-double with 44 points and 10 rebounds. Houston covered as a 6-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 207 points, which was well under the projected point total of 230.5. One of Houston’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, while Memphis went 21 times.
Vegas tends to set the total high when the Rockets are playing, as 55.3 percent of their contests have finished under the total. Houston holds records of 26-12 straight up (SU) and 20-18 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Houston, games involving the Grizzlies tend to finish over the total (55.0 percent). Further, Memphis is 18-22 SU and 21-18-1 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Memphis figures to have a noteworthy edge. The sharp-shooting Grizzlies offense ranks seventh in the league in that metric at 0.534, while the Houston defense is ranked 17th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.522). Furthermore, the Rockets, who rank second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.230), could get to the line a ton against the Grizzlies, who rank 27th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.224).
Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank 10th in steals per game (8.0) while the Grizzlies rank 17th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Memphis ranks first in assists per game (27.9) while Houston ranks 29th in assists allowed per game (25.9).
- The Rockets average 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.4).
- Houston averages 44.2 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. Memphis ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (34.0).
- Houston ranks fifth in rebounds per game (47.5) while Memphis ranks 14th (45.6).
- The Grizzlies average 54.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the league. The Rockets rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.6).
- The Rockets average 13.5 second chance points per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 26th in second chance points allowed per game (14.4).
- Houston averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Memphis ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- Memphis ranks fourth in fast break points per game (16.9) while Houston ranks 27th in fast break points allowed per game (15.9).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Houston is 3-0 and Memphis is 1-0.
- When reaching 100 points, the Grizzlies are 18-17 and the Rockets are 26-10.
- Houston is 10-10 ATS on the road, while Memphis is 12-10 ATS at home.
- The Rockets have 13 unders and 7 overs in 20 road games.
- Of the Grizzlies’ 22 home games, they have 14 overs and 8 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Houston and Memphis have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 3-2.
- During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 127.2 points per game (13.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 5.5 for the season.
