Rockets vs Grizzlies NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (1/30)

Thursday night NBA action in Texas with a Southwest Division battle taking place between the association’s 2nd & 3rd ranked teams in the west overall. Grab your popcorn, select a tasty beverage, and sit down for this. This one has superstars, narratives, and is potentially the start of games with playoff implications.

Game Information

• FedExForum Memphis, TN
• Houston Rockets (32-14) visit (31-16) Memphis Grizzlies
• Last Matchup: January 13th, 2025 Rockets Win 120-118

Houston Rockets @ Memphis Grizzlies

The Rockets come into this game coming off an Eastern conference road swing where they went 4-1 including a thriller at the buzzer against the Celtics. However, before they get to go home they have to face a familiar foe. They’ve hit the ignition and the elite defence is getting paired with improved offence. Houston has rocketed off to 8-2 in their last ten and 4 straight. The contributors are different every night on the offensive end but everyone plays defence in Ime Udoka’s rotation.

AMEN THOMPSON ON THE RISE 📈

🚀 HOU is 9-2 in L11 when he starts
🚀 Averaging 18.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, & 1.2 BPG in those games

Thompson and the West’s No. 2 Rockets will take on the No. 3 Grizzlies tomorrow at 9:30pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/UixKNN61e2

— NBA (@NBA) January 29, 2025

Long gone are the dreary days of last season. The clouds have parted and Ja Morant has returned to clear skies in Memphis. The team from Tennessee has quietly returned to their impressive form from years past when Mr. Morant was considered the next face of the league. Furthermore, former Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., has seemingly taken another step offensively.

Both these teams have started their new year right. The Rockets front office has indicated to trade suitors that they are giving this squad a go.  They’re taking off at the right time. The only trades they make will be to tinker.

Memphis is a very deep team with a trio that has played together for years. They have two former defensive players of the year (JJJ and Marcus Smart) and impressive rookie-scale contract contributors.

Simply put, Memphis has the hallmarks of a title contender and Houston believes they may too. The field seems as open as ever this year — and these Texas franchises have big aspirations. Texas sized championship aspirations. Fitting.

NBA Game Analysis

I will not bury the lead here. Memphis is 15-5-1 (71.4%) against the spread at home. That 21 game sample size alone is enough in favour of the Grizzles. The Grizzles just went into New York and got beaten down to the tune of 143-106. I don’t expect a Taylor Jenkins coached team to be singing the blues long. Especially, when the villainous return of their former teammate. Memphis is a game and a half back of the Rockets in the standings. They are likely eyeing a dance move around their divisional rival in order to secure home court when the big dance starts.

This could be a tough one for the Rockets. After an emotional win lead by Dillon Brook, and an Amen Thompson game winner against the defending champs, Houston had trouble beating Atlanta. The Hawks were missing 4 rotation players, shot 40%, and they only lost by four. This team could be tired coming into this one after spending a week out East. They’ve shot the ball better than they have all season but tired legs are difficult to overcome. However, if any defence could do it then it is this one.

Maybe Dillon Brooks starts snatching souls again in a revenge narrative, but offensive fulcrum Alperen Şengün in on the Injury report, so the Rockets chances worry me.

NBA Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies -4.5 (-110)

This is the number I got early last night and it is already moving.

Tonight’s game means a lot for both teams but Memphis is in the better spot as they returned home after a brutal L and caught a day’s rest. The Rockets were out East on a very successful road trip. They head in to face the boys in Beale Street Blue who will more than understand the assignment. They won’t just want to get their lick back after a drubbing in the ‘Mecca of Basketball,’ this is an important matchup for potential playoff seeding. More than half the season has gone by and these two teams see themselves as contenders. I’m backing Ja and crew at home.

Thanks for reading!

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