- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: January 30, 2025
- Who: Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Time: 6:30 p.m. PST
- Where: FedEx Forum (Memphis, TN)
The Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) are set to face off against the Houston Rockets (32-14) tonight at FedExForum.
If you’re looking for a solid pick, I’m all in on Memphis to cover the spread of 4.5 points at -118 odds. Let’s break down why this is the play to make.
Houston
The Rockets have been on a roll, winning four straight games, including a close 100-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Green has been lighting it up, scoring 25 points in that game.
However, Houston has struggled offensively in recent matchups, scoring 114 or fewer points in four of their last five games. This inconsistency could be a problem against a Grizzlies team that has averaged 125 points in three of its last four games.
Memphis has shown they can score in bunches, and with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the charge, they have the firepower to pull away.
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Jackson has been on a tear, scoring 20 or more points in his last five games, and he’s a key player to watch tonight. If he can continue that trend, the Grizzlies will have no problem covering the spread.
Another factor to consider is the pace of play. The Grizzlies lead the NBA in pace, averaging 104.74 possessions per game. This frantic style of play can create mismatches and lead to high-scoring affairs, which is exactly what Memphis thrives on.
The absence of Alperen Sengun for the Rockets could further tilt the tempo in Memphis’s favor, allowing them to exploit their speed and athleticism.
Memphis
First off, the Grizzlies are coming off a rough 143-106 loss to the New York Knicks, which snapped their six-game winning streak. That kind of defeat can be a wake-up call, and I expect Memphis to come out with a chip on their shoulder.
They’ve been a covering machine lately, hitting the spread in 9 of their last 12 games. With their home-court advantage and a chance to avenge three previous losses to the Rockets this season, the motivation is sky-high.
Defensively, the Grizzlies rank seventh in efficiency with a 110.5 rating. They’ve been able to clamp down on opposing offenses, and with the Rockets struggling to find their rhythm, Memphis’s defense could be the difference-maker tonight.
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The Grizzlies are also coming off two days of rest, which should help them recover from their previous loss and come out fresh and ready to compete.
Let’s not forget the psychological aspect of this matchup. The Grizzlies have lost all three previous meetings against the Rockets this season, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow.
They’ll be looking to avoid a season sweep and prove they can hang with the best in the West. The motivation to get revenge is palpable, and I expect them to channel that energy into a strong performance.
Rockets-Grizzlies Best Bet
The Grizzlies are in a prime position to cover the spread tonight. With their recent form, home court advantage, and the desire to avenge their previous losses, Memphis is ready to roar.
Backing the Grizzlies at -4.5 is the smart play, and I’m all in on them getting the job done.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
