The Memphis Grizzlies (1-0) and Houston Rockets (0-1) meet Friday. Tip-off from Toyota Center is at 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Grizzlies vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting, Rockets won 3-1 last season
The Grizzlies kicked off their season with a 126-124 win at the Utah Jazz Wednesday, but didn’t cover as 2.5-point favorites. G Ja Morant had 22 points, 10 assists and 5 boards in his first regular-season action since suffering a shoulder injury that ended his season last year.
The Rockets were 8-point home favorites against the Charlotte Hornets in their season opener Wednesday, but lost 110-105.
Grizzlies at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Grizzlies +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Rockets -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Grizzlies at Rockets key injuries
Grizzlies
- F GG Jackson (foot) out
- C Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) doubtful
- G Luke Kennard (foot) out
- G Vince Williams Jr. (leg) out
Rockets
- C Steven Adams (knee) out
- G Dillon Brooks (knee) probable
- F Cam Whitmore (knee) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Grizzlies at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 118, Grizzlies 113
Moneyline
The Rockets (-145) were very good at home last season at 27-14. G Jalen Green scored 28 points in the opener, and C Alperen Sengun added 25 with 18 boards.
Morant in the lineup is a scary proposition, but the Grizzlies barely survived Utah.
I like the Rockets to win on their home court, but you can get a little better value with the spread.
PASS.
Against the spread
Neither team covered the spread in its season opener.
In Houston’s 3 wins last season over Memphis, all were by at least 7 points.
A 2.5-point spread is small enough to think that if the Rockets win, it is likely going to be by more than 2 points.
BET ROCKETS -2.5 (-110).
Over/Under
The Rockets’ season opener had 215 points, but the Grizzlies’ opener had a total of 250.
The 3 Houston wins over Memphis last season stayed below 223 points, but Memphis’ win had a total of 234.
Expect the pace to be quick in Houston.
BET OVER 223.5 (-115).
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