Memphis Grizzlies (6-15) vs. Houston Rockets (10-9)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets 12/13/23 – The struggling Memphis Grizzlies take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Today’s top NBA free picks could provide value on the spread and over/under for this Western Conference matchup. The Grizzlies are looking to improve their standings, while the Rockets aim to solidify their position.
The Grizzlies have lost eight of their last ten games and have not lived up to expectations so far this season. Their defense has regressed compared to last season, giving up the fifth-most points per game at 117.3. Scoring has been inconsistent as well, hitting the century mark in just over half their games. For Memphis to get back on track, stars like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane need more help.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have been a surprise team in the West thanks to the emergence of young players like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Houston is 7-4 at home this season, scoring 114.9 points per game. Their shooting has improved to 46.8% from the field, fueling the NBA’s fourth-ranked offense. Defense remains a work in progress but the Rockets play with pace and can overwhelm less athletic teams.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Toyota Center |
| TV: | SportsNet |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Desmond Bane (SG) vs. Alperen Sengun (C)
Desmond Bane has taken on a larger role for the Grizzlies this season, increasing his scoring to 24.6 points per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. The SG continues to be an elite three-point threat at 41.5%. However, he does not create much offense for teammates with just 5.1 assists per contest. Bane’s size can make him a defensive liability against bigger guards.
Alperen Sengun has already made a huge impact in his second NBA season, averaging 20.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. The Turkish big man is a crafty scorer from the post and perimeter, utilizing his wide array of moves along with nice touch. Sengun has also improved as an outside shooter and passer this year. While not a rim protector, he holds his own on the glass and should have the edge inside against the smaller Grizzlies.
With both teams struggling defensively, this matchup between Bane and Sengun could be crucial. If Bane gets hot from three, it could force Sengun away from the basket which would help Memphis control the paint. However, if Sengun commands double teams down low it could lead to open shots for Houston’s perimeter players. Ultimately, Bane needs to limit Sengun’s efficient scoring around the rim.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are yet to be announced. However, considering the Rockets’ better overall performance and home advantage, they might be favored in this game.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends
The Grizzlies are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games and have struggled to contend with playoff-level competition so far. Memphis is just 1-8 straight up in non-conference games as well. However, they are 4-3 ATS over their last seven road matchups and 7-3 ATS in the last ten meetings with Houston.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
The Rockets have covered in nine of their last thirteen contests, showing value as an underdog for much of the season. They are 6-1 ATS at home over the past seven games. Houston has also gone over the total in six of their last nine overall. In two meetings with Memphis last season, the over hit both times.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets 12/13/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical analysis and recent trends, the Houston Rockets appear to have an edge over the Memphis Grizzlies in this matchup. The Rockets’ more consistent performance, both in scoring and defensive play, makes them a favorable pick.
In terms of betting, looking at the over/under and prop bets on key players like Bane and Sengun could be interesting. Including pro handicapper’s picks, the Rockets, with their home-court advantage and better overall stats, seem to be the safer bet in this game.
Free Pick and Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies 101, Houston Rockets 110