Two of the rising powers in the Western Conference will face off on Thursday night as the Houston Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Houston is an excellent team playing outstanding basketball right now, which is why I’m taking them to win outright in my Rockets vs. Grizzlies predictions below.
Let’s break down this matchup and see what other bets stand out tonight in my NBA picks for Thursday, January 9.
Rockets vs Grizzlies prediction
My best bet
Rockets moneyline (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies are currently in a tight battle for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. While both teams were seen as up-and-coming contenders, few saw these two squads becoming top-tier teams this quickly.
What’s most impressive is that both teams have kept their standings despite some key injuries. The Rockets have recently lost Jabari Smith Jr. (11.9 ppg) to a fractured left metacarpal and could be out for up to two months, but Houston has won two games since that injury, and tonight, they’re facing a Memphis team dealing with far larger roster issues.
Ja Morant (21.2 ppg) is getting closer to returning for the Grizzlies, but it appears that his shoulder sprain will keep him out for at least one more game tonight. Desmond Bane (16.7 ppg) is questionable with a sprained ankle, while reserves Marcus Smart (9.2 ppg) and Santi Aldama (13.0 ppg) are also on the mend.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.7 ppg) has picked up the scoring slack for Memphis, and the team is loaded with young talent, including Rookie of the Year contender Zach Edey (10.6 ppg), but the injuries are taking their toll on this outstanding young team.
The Grizzlies have now lost three of their last five games, marking one of the worst stretches of the year for Memphis. This team is still capable of competing — they beat the Mavericks on Monday — but we have to acknowledge that this team is playing below what its record and its season-long peripherals would suggest.
On the other hand, Houston looks like it's bouncing back from a recent rough patch, having won three of its last four games (including its own win against Dallas). Jalen Green (20.3 ppg) is pacing the offense, Alperen Sengun (19.0 ppg) has the skills and body to more than match Edey in the post, and Amen Thompson (12.5 pp) has done a great job stepping up in Smith’s absence.
Houston is one of the most imposing defensive units in the league — it ranks third in defensive rating at 106.9 — which will make life even tougher for a Memphis team missing many of its best scorers.
Rockets vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Rockets moneyline
Over 233.5
Jalen Green 20+ points
Along with betting on the Rockets to win tonight, I also think there’s a clear side to take on the total. These are two of the better offensive teams in the league, and they have both been playing to the Over as of late. The Over is 5-2 in the last seven games between these teams, and they combined for a total of 236 points in their first game this season.
If we’re expecting a lot of points from the Rockets, it only makes sense to place a bet on Jalen Green to hit a solid scoring total. I’m going with the 22-year-old to score at least 20 points tonight, something he’s done in each of his last four games. Green is averaging 20.3 ppg, and this should be a high-scoring environment for him tonight.
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Rockets vs Grizzlies odds
Rockets vs Grizzlies live odds
Rockets vs Grizzlies opening odds
- Spread: Houston -3.5 | Memphis +3.5
- Moneyline: Houston -160 | Memphis +135
- Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Rockets vs Grizzlies spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Rockets are 21-15 against the spread this season, while the Grizzlies have gone 24-13 ATS on the year.
- Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Memphis.
- The Over has a 22-14-1 record when the Grizzlies have played this season; the Rockets have played to an even 18-18 record on each side of the total.
- Memphis is averaging a total of 237.8 ppg on the season, with Houston coming into this game with an average total of 219.7.
Rockets vs Grizzlies trend
The Rockets have won each of their last four road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Rockets vs Grizzlies
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date: | Thursday, 1-9-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Space City Home Network, FDSN - Southeast |
Rockets vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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