Free NBA Pick: Grizzlies vs. Rockets NBA Odds
Looking for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Grizzlies taking on the Rockets on Friday, October 21st, 2022 at the Toyota Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Grizzlies-Rockets matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(1-0) Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets (0-1)
Date: Friday, October 21st
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
NBA Moneyline Odds: Grizzlies -225 | Rockets +155 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Grizzlies -5.5
NBA Betting Total: OFF
Friday, October 21st finds the Memphis Grizzlies facing the Houston Rockets for the first time this season. Both teams tipped off their season on Wednesday with the Grizzlies needing overtime to dispense of the Knicks (115-112) while the Rockets lost 107-117 to the Hawks.
Last season, the teams played four times with the Grizzlies taking three of the four contests. The Rockets hold the all-time record having bested the Grizzlies in 64 of their 106 matches
Memphis Grizzlies
With Jaren Jackson Jr. out injured there were questions about how competitive the Grizzlies could be. Never mind that head coach Taylor Jenkins simply knows the buttons to push to get the most out of every one of his players.
Or the fact that when Ja Morant is your leader you have a chance to win every night.
The latter was on full display in the season opener as Morant made a game-saving block, dished timely dimes, and dropped critical baskets as required posting 34 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and a block.
The Grizzlies held a 19-point lead but took their foot off the gas allowing the Knicks back into the game and only Morant’s heroics plus a timely clutch 3-point by Tyus Jones saved the day.
Santi Aldama replaced the injured Jackson and delivered a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The other Memphis double-figure scorers were Desmond Bane (16), Tyus Jones (15), and John Konchar who also posted a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds).
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are sure to top most hoop heads’ NBA League Pass favorite lists as they are a club that plays with energy, excitement, and athleticism.
This team is still a year or two away from being a true playoff contender but adding one more key youngster and the right vet will change the dynamics of this squad.
Given the depth of the 2023 draft class, it’s not likely the Rockets will try to expedite that process and risk losing the opportunity to add Victor Wembanyama to their roster.
In their opening night game, they were some impressive moments within the game with Houston dominating the glass (54-38), especially the offensive boards (15-4) to generate second-chance points.
Areas Stephen Silas needs to get his crew to clean up is their turnovers (they committed 16 leading to 28 Hawks’ points) and transition defense as they allowed the Hawks to win the fastbreak battle (28-10).
The Rockets youngsters all delivered with Kevin Porter Jr. leading scoring with 21 points (plus seven rebounds, seven assists, 2 steals). Last season’s rookies Jalen Green offered 16 points while Alperen Sengun was one rebound shy (15 points, 9 rebounds) of a double-double.
Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. had a strong debut with 17 points and seven rebounds although he shot 3 of 11 from the perimeter. Veteran Eric Gordon was the other double-figure scorer (11) — will the constant refrain in Houston be whether the team moves him at the deadline or not?
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Grizzlies are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games playing on 1 day’s rest.
- The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Under is 8-3 in the Grizzlies’ last 11 road games.
- Over is 6-2 in the Rockets’ last 8 overall.
- Under is 30-14 in the last 44 meetings in Houston between these clubs.
Free Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets NBA Prediction:
The one area where JJJ was clearly missed was his rim protection and the Grizzlies’ own scoring in the paint — a battle they lost to the Knicks who were +20 there (68-48).
The Rockets are another squad that likes to get easy buckets at the rim (they outscored the Hawks 60-56) so Jenkins will need to make some tweaks to address this young athletic Houston group.
This should be an entertaining match but look for the Grizzlies to have better focus and not make the same mistake they did versus the Knicks by letting up on their intensity.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Grizzlies ATS
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