MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS. HOUSTON ROCKETS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — January 30, 2025

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS. HOUSTON ROCKETS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTIONS — January 30, 2025 — Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA coverage here at Godzilla Wins. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Memphis Grizzlies (31-16 SU, 31-16 ATS) hosting the Houston Rockets (32-14 SU, 26-18 ATS).

Here is a look at which squad has the edge going into this matchup and why.

Tipoff

When: Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 9:30 PM ET

Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN

TV: TNT, truTV, and MAX

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets — Regular Season Stats & Betting Trends

Grizzlies Look To Bounce Back From Awful Loss Against The Knicks

The Grizzlies saw their six-game winning streak end with a horrific 143-106 loss against the New York Knicks on Monday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. led a trio of starters that reached double figures. He scored 21 points, connecting on eight of his 14 shot attempts, and converted three of his four attempts from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ja Morant, the team’s second-leading scorer, was limited to 10 points on 5-for-13 shooting from the floor. New York held a three-point advantage (53-50) late in the second quarter. But thanks to a 14-2, the Knicks pushed their lead to 15 points early in the third period. The Knicks won the scoring battle by an 83-54 margin in the second half, including a decisive 41-22 advantage in the final frame.

Rockets Seeking Season Sweep Against Grizzlies

On the other side of this matchup, the Rockets are riding the wave of a four-game winning streak that includes wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and a 100-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Jalen Green paced the team’s offense with 25 points and seven rebounds.

Alperen Sengun finished with a double-double that included 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jae’Sean Tate scored 16 points off the bench, while Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks contributed 11 points each.

Atlanta got within two points (98-96) in the waning moments of this contest before De’Andre Hunter missed a go-ahead 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in regulation. On Houston’s next possession, Sengun broke free for a dunk, sealing the win for the Rockets. The Rockets are seeking their fifth straight victory, and they hope to sweep the season series between these two franchises for the first time in 15  seasons.

Now that we have set the stage for this Western Conference showdown, let’s examine the betting trends for both teams.

Grizzlies vs. Rockets Spread Analysis

With six wins in their last seven outings, the Grizzlies enter this matchup as a five-point favorite (per OddsShark.com). Here is a look at how both teams have fared against the spread this season.

• The Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.
• Memphis is 6-1 ATS in its previous seven matchups against Southwest division opponents.
• The Grizzlies have covered the spread eight times in their last 11 January outings.
• Meanwhile, the Rockets are 4-2 ATS in their previous six contests.
• Houston is 5–2 ATS in its last seven matchups against Memphis.
• In their previous 15 Thursday night road games, the Rockets are just 5-10 against the spread.

Prediction: Houston Rockets (+5)

Grizzlies vs. Rockets  Over/Under Prediction

The projected scoring total for this matchup is 237.5 points (via OddsShark.com). Let’s see why going with the “over” is the intelligent choice.

• The total has gone OVER seven times in the Grizzlies’ last nine games.
• The OVER total is 6-3 in Memphis’s previous nine matchups against Houston.
• The total has gone OVER eight times in the Rockets’ last 12 outings.
• The OVER total has prevailed five times in Houston’s previous seven matchups against Memphis.

Prediction: OVER 237.5 points

Grizzlies vs. Rockets Player Prop Bet

Following his efficient 21-point outing against New York, Jaren Jackson is the key player to watch for the home team. He currently has -105 odds of scoring more than 22.5 points and -125 odds of finishing with less than 22.5 points (via DraftKings.com).

Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.

• During the season, Jackson is averaging 22.8 points per game.
• In 16 career matchups against Houston, Jackson has averaged 18.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per outing.
• Jackson has suited up in 24 home games this season. In those contests, he averages 22.3 points per contest.
• Across his last five starts, Jackson has put up 24.8 points per game, exceeding the point total for this matchup three times during that stretch.

Prediction: Jaren Jackson Jr. OVER 22.5 points