Houston Rockets (11-9) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6-16)
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies 12/15/23 – As the NBA season continues to unfold, the upcoming matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies is garnering attention. Set for Friday, December 15, 2023, at the FedExForum, this game promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams. The Rockets, standing at 11-9, have shown resilience and skill this season, while the Grizzlies, with a 6-16 record, are seeking to turn their fortunes around. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly seeking free daily NBA advice to navigate this intriguing contest.
Houston has surprised many by getting out to a strong start this year behind the brilliant play of second-year center Alperen Sengun. Sengun has taken his game to new heights, averaging 20.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists per contest. His rare blend of interior scoring and playmaking has powered Houston’s fifth-ranked offense so far. However, the Rockets still have plenty of room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball, an area they’ll need to shore up come playoff time.
Meanwhile, Memphis has sorely missed the production of star Ja Morant this season. Even with Desmond Bane enjoying a breakout campaign by leading the team in scoring (24.8 ppg), the Grizzlies have posted the Western Conference’s second-worst record without Morant running the show. Bane has done his best to pick up the slack, but Memphis ranks in the bottom third of the NBA in both offensive and defensive rating on the year. Simply put, they have struggled mightily without their dynamic franchise cornerstone.
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 15, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | FedExForum |
| TV: | BSSE |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Alperen Sengun (C) vs. Desmond Bane (SG)
Alperen Sengun has taken a monumental leap for the Rockets this season, cementing himself as a foundation piece for Houston’s rebuild. The versatile center stuffs the stat sheet on a nightly basis by averaging 20.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. He dominates the paint with crafty post scoring while also displaying impressive playmaking vision for a big man. His unique inside-outside game poses a tough matchup for opposing defenses. If Sengun can continue producing at this rate, he’ll be a prime candidate for Most Improved Player and lead Houston back to playoff contention.
Desmond Bane has admirably stepped up as Memphis’ alpha scorer. He’s enjoying new career-highs across the board, posting 24.8 points per contest on efficient 43.6/33.7/78 shooting splits. Bane excels as an elite shooter and savvy off-ball mover who constantly relocates to create openings along the perimeter. He’ll have ample opportunities to get hot from outside against Houston’s 23rd-ranked three-point defense. While Bane doesn’t offer the dynamic playmaking of Morant, he remains capable of erupting for 30+ points on any given night, which could spell trouble for Houston’s shaky defense.
When these two young promising talents clash, it will be a matchup to watch closely. Bane should have plenty of chances to cook from deep against Sengun and the Rockets’ porous perimeter defense. Meanwhile, Sengun’s craftiness down low could exploit Memphis’ lack of consistent interior defenders beyond Steven Adams. If Sengun continues his torrid play while helping limit Bane’s production, that could tip this contest in Houston’s favor.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds are yet to be determined, but they will offer valuable insights once available. Considering the teams’ performances and trends, bettors will need to weigh these factors carefully.
Houston Rockets Betting Trends
The Rockets have excelled against the spread recently, covering in 13 of their past 17 overall contests. They also sport a superb 12-2-2 ATS record over their last 16 matchups with Western Conference foes. While Houston has typically struggled on the road, they’ve reversed that narrative this season by covering lines in six of their 10 away contests thus far.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends
Despite hovering around .500 ATS on the young season, the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies have posted an ugly 6-14 straight up record over their last 20 games. However, they’ve given Houston fits at home in recent years, covering five of their previous seven home matchups with the Rockets. Memphis also comes in with a stellar 5-1 record ATS over its last six road contests, signaling they might be undervalued from a betting perspective tonight.
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies 12/15/23 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and trends, this game appears to be a closely contested affair. The Rockets have the edge in offensive efficiency and rebounding, but the Grizzlies’ defensive prowess cannot be overlooked. For bettors looking for premium tips today, the key will be to monitor the odds closely, especially the point spread and total points.
The better pick seems to be the Rockets, considering their overall performance and ability to cover the spread. However, prop bets on individual player performances, especially for key players like Sengun and Bane, could be lucrative. The over/under will largely depend on the defensive strategies employed by both teams.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Rockets 108, Memphis Grizzlies 102