Rockets vs. Grizzlies: 3 Best Bets
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Pending the result of the New York Knicks' protest, the Houston Rockets are one win away from entering the All-Star break on a winning streak.
The Memphis Grizzlies stand in their way, as the two teams have one final matchup this season. Houston has won all three games so far and is looking to make it a season sweep of the Grizzlies, who have been battling injuries all season.
Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reacts after a call during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams have loaded injury reports, with Reggie Bullock Jr. questionable for Houston. Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Fred VanVleet are all out. Memphis will be without Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Ziare Williams, Jake LaRavia, and Scotty Pippen Jr. Derrick Rose is questionable.
Before tipoff, keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Grizzlies +2.5 (-110)/Rockets -2.5 (-118)
Money line: Grizzlies (+120)/Rockets (-150)
Over/under: 218.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Dillon Brooks OVER 16.5 points (-110)
Despite only averaging 14.1 points per game this season, expect a big night from Dillon Brooks. Over his last four games, he has been on a tear, averaging 20.0 points on 53.6 percent shooting from three. On top of that, this is a revenge game for him, and he has averaged 16.6 points against his former team this season.
Opponent pick: Jaren Jackson Jr. OVER 25.5 points (-133)
Someone has to score for the Grizzlies, and Jackson Jr. has been the guy this season. He is posting an average of 22.3 points per game this season and has increased it to 26.2 points over his last five games. He is averaging 29.6 points against the Rockets this season, including a 44-point, four-steal masterclass on Dec. 13.
Team pick: Rockets -2.5 (-118)
Houston has beaten Memphis by an average of 13.3 points in the three matchups this season, and the Grizzlies have not covered this line once. The Grizzlies are still very much depleted, so don't expect that streak to change tonight. Houston should win with ease.
