Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction 1/9/25 NBA Picks
Memphis Grizzlies (24-13) vs Houston Rockets (24-12)
Game Info: Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 8:00 pm (FedExForum)
Betting Odds: Memphis Grizzlies +2.5 -- Over/Under: 232 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have been in great shape as they've won nine of their last 13 games overall and they will be gunning for a third straight victory after blowing past the Wizards in a 135-112 road win on Tuesday. Jalen Green led the team with 29 points on 10 of 22 shooting, Alperen Sengun added 26 points with 10 rebounds and six assists, Amen Thompson scored 20 points with 15 rebounds and four assists while Fred VanVleet tallied 19 points with 12 assists. As a team, the Rockets shot 51 percent from the field and 15 of 38 from the 3-point line as they poured in 37 points in the second quarter to erase an early 12-point lead. The Rockets exploded for 78 points in the second half to make it a complete blowout win in the end. The Rockets will meet the Hawks after this game.
Memphis Grizzlies
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have been in decent shape as they've won four of their last seven games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after blowing past the Mavericks in a 119-104 home win on Monday. Jaren Jackson Jr led the team with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists on 13 of 23 shooting, Scotty Pippen Jr added 18 points with five steals while Jaylen Wells chipped in with 17 points and 11 rebounds. As a team, the Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the field and 12 of 35 from the 3-point line as they held the depleted Mavericks to just 19 points in the second quarter to erase an early 12-point deficit. The Grizzlies dominated the second half by 63-49 to run away with it in the end.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last three games as home underdogs.
- The Rockets have lost five of their last six night games at FedExForum.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in 15 of their last 16 Thursday games at FedExForum.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Grizzlies have lost each of their last eight games at FedExForum when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Rockets have won each of their last six night games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in each of their last six night games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven home games against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Grizzlies' last eight home games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Rockets' last six games at FedExForum have gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
The Rockets are still shorthanded with Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr still out, while the Grizzlies are keeping an eye on Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Santi Aldama who are all questionable. There is a massive injury cloud hanging over the Grizzlies which could affect the line by the time tipoff comes around, so I am not surprised that the Rockets have opened as slight road favorites. I don't give the Grizzlies much of a chance if Jackson Jr sits out as he has been on fire lately, but if he suits up, I think the Grizzlies can pull off the minor upset at home.