Memphis Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/12/2023, 07:25  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 15/12/2023 at 07:26 in NBA Predictions

The Houston Rockets will travel to the FedEx Forum for an away game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. The Grizzlies currently hold a record of 6-17, placing them 13th in the Western Conference, while the Rockets 12-9 has them in eighth place. These two faced off on Wednesday night, with Houston coming out 117-104 winners. 

Houston has surprised many by getting out to a strong start this term and continued their strong run of form with another win on Wednesday night. Tari Eason played a key role, leading the team with 25 points and 14 rebounds coming off the bench in the victory. Notably, Houston's bench outscored the Grizzlies' substitutes 58-19 in that game. The Rockets currently rank 26th in the league in scoring offence, averaging 109.8 points per game, which is only 2.9 points less than the 112.7 points the Grizzlies concede on average. However, Houston stands out as the top-ranked team in scoring defence, allowing an average of 105.5 points per game. Heading into this matchup, the visitors are on a four-game winning streak since their victory over the Thunder on December 7.

Meanwhile, it has been a woeful season to date for the Grizzlies. Despite Jaren Jackson Jr.'s impressive performance with a career-high 44 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday night, Memphis couldn't avoid a third consecutive loss and their fourth in the last five games. Scoring has been a struggle for the team this season, ranking at the bottom of the standings with an average of 106.4 points, and this drops further to 104.4 at home. On the defensive end, though, they have performed above average, currently standing tenth in the league, allowing an average of 112.7 points per contest. In terms of injuries, Brandon Clarke and Marcus Smart are confirmed to miss this match, while Desmond Bane is a doubt.