Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips, Lineups & Predictions - NBA 2024-25

As the Memphis Grizzlies look like an elite squad with Ja Morant returning, they will take on a re-developed Rockets squad from 2 seasons ago. This game will take place on Thursday, October 26th at 5:30 A.M. IST in Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Below are our betting odds, predictions, previews, and starting lineups for this game. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Betting Odds
 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Match Preview

As the Memphis Grizzlies had a very disappointing season last year with Ja Morant and Marcus Smart missing a chunk of time, they are trying to make this season much different. A group that was just the 2nd seed 3 seasons ago, they started on the right foot after being fully healthy once again by beating Utah 126-124. With Morant being a point guard back in form, his 22 points and 10 assists were a key reason why they won. His play-making ability helped Desmond Bane, 24 points, find his form and create off the dribble. As Zach Edey, 5 points with 5 rebounds, made a short debut for this squad, he looked like someone could use his height as an advantage to get every missed shot. Looking at this Grizzlies squad, their biggest positive was the improvement of Santi Aldama, 27 points, as he looked like a forward who could score from anywhere. In just 31 minutes, he looked like a very efficient scorer and could create an amazing combo with Desmond Bane as the top shooter. Looking at new forward Jay Huff, 13 points with 5 rebounds in the season opener as well, the depth has become a lot stronger on this roster. If this Grizzlies team can stay healthy and Marcus Smart can provide more, they will be great contenders in the West. 

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have continuously grown into playoff contenders year after year while getting stronger under head coach Ime Udoke. Jalen Green, 28 points, showed his greatness as a high-scoring guard with his ability to now do it at an efficient level. Given that they have Alperen Sengun, 25 points with 18 rebounds, has turned into an athletic center who can grab boards from anywhere on the court. As a passer, he added 5 assists against the Hornets, making him a complete center that the Rockets really could use. Fred VanVleet is a typical point guard who scored 14 with 6 assists against Charlotte, his ability to set up the offense gives them an uncharacteristic leader who can help put everyone in the right place. The biggest issue on this team though has been Jabari Smith’s regression as a scorer and defender which caused the Rockets to lose their first game because of a huge 4th quarter run. Even though this is true, Amen Thompson, 13 points with 4 rebounds, has slowly turned into a solid role player who can provide off the bench. If Jabari Smith and Dillon Brooks could play better, this is a team that could fight for a play-in spot. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups 

Memphis Grizzlies Starting 5 - Ja Morant(PG), Marcus Smart(SG), Desmond Bane(SF), Santi Aldama(PF), Zach Edey(C)

Bench- Scotty Pippen Jr.(PG), Brandon Clarke(PF/C), John Konchar(PG, SF), Jake LaRavia(SF), Jay Huff(C), Yuki Kawamura(PG)

Houston Rockets Starting 5 -  Fred VanVleet(PG), Jalen Green(SG), Dillon Brooks(SF), Jabari Smith Jr.(PF), Alperen Sengun(C) 

Bench -  Aaron Holiday(PG), Reed Shepard(PG/SG), Cam Whitmore(SG/SF/PF), Tari Eason(SF/PF), Steven Adams(C), Amen Thompson(PG/SG), Jae’Sean Tate(SF/PF), Jeff Green(PF/C) Jock Landale(C)

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Betting Tips

Total Match Points Over 217.5- As the Grizzlies have a pretty strong offense, the Rocket's defense will be able to slow them down with Dillon Brooks having prior knowledge of the system. During their previous meeting, there was a combined 234 points, but now that Memphis has no Jaren Jackson Jr., it could change a lot of things even if Jabari Smith Jr. hasn’t been great. 

Total Points in the First Half Over 108.5 - The last time these squads played, both teams combined for 97 points. But, now that the Rockets have seen a growth in Jalen Green’s early scoring and Sengun continues to grow, this Houston roster should help the half-time score be much higher.

Houston Rockets Score Over 107 Points During Whole Game- As the Rockets have scored 100+ points in 7 straight matchups against the Grizzlies, Ime Udoke will have his guys continue being efficient on the offensive end. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Match Prediction

As the Memphis Grizzlies have shown their strong offensive ability once again, the leadership of Marcus Smart is something that has propelled them. Even though that is a huge key, they will miss the impact of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the middle and have to keep putting in Santi Aldama. The Spain national did have a very good first game, but now that he will get doubled with Sengun and Smith Jr. due to his defensive struggles, a lot of the shots will have to be forced out to a non-scoring factor like Smart. Since Dillon Brooks will be locked on a shooter like Desmond Bane as their best defender, Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green will try to create traps for Ja Morant from driving. SInce Zach Edey can’t score from outside, it will be a massive issue as Sengun will have a lot more points in this mismatch being much smaller and more athletic. But, if Santi Aldama could replicate his performance from the season opener, there is a chance for Memphis to win. 

Our Prediction- Houston Rockets to Win