Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Grizzlies the obvious favorites

The NBA Regular Season has been in its closing stages and we are entering a phase where each game’s value becomes only more relevant. This is also a period where we see a close finish during the latter stages and a win/loss can change the destiny of a team. However, for some teams, the season is over way before the last couple of months. One of those teams, the Houston Rockets will take on title aspirants Memphis Grizzlies.

The Rockets enter the game after losing 112:133 against the Nuggets despite a 17 points and 12 rebounds outing by Tari Eason. This was the tenth straight loss for Houston which has been putting up losing streaks like this all season long. Their season is a replica of last season and they have only won 13 times while losing 48 times. Since James Harden has departed, the team has been rebuilding and this has been a hard and painful rebuild thus far. Jalen Green has been identified as a leading guard scorer, Kevin Porter Jr. has developed well, and Alperen Sengun has shown long-term promise but the team needs a strong Wing to tag along with the promising Power Forward Jabari Smith Jr.

The Grizzlies come into the fray after beating the Lakers 121:109, thanks to a 39 points and 10-assists outburst by Ja Morant. Memphis has won two in a row and five of their last seven games. Before this window, they had lost eight of their nine games, following an 11-game winning streak. Due to their strong winning streaks, they have done enough to scoop up 37 wins and 23 losses.

Ja Morant has once again led in the scoring and playmaking end, averaging over 27 points and eight assists. He has a great help in the backcourt through off-guard Desmond Bane, who is averaging around 21 points while Jaren Jackson jr. the defensive enforcer is averaging around 17 points and a league-leading 3.3 blocks a game. The team is missing their leading rebounder Steven Adams whose physicality is being missed.

• Rockets: OUT: Kevin Porter Jr. Game-Time Decision: Jae’Sean Tate;
• Grizzlies: OUT: Steven Adams. Game-Time Decision: Jake LaVaria.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(28+ Points), Jalen Green(20+ Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jabari Smith Jr.(9-11 Rebounds), Xavier Tillman(8-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Ja Morant(7+ Assists), Alperen Sengun(6-9 Assists).

The Rockets are one of the worst teams in the league and it is no secret that they enter with a knack for losing games. The Grizzlies had a dwindling period but have recovered lately and will be looking to further their ambitions as we inch closer to the Playoffs. That’s why I favor the Grizzlies here and predict a scoreline of 121:104 in their favor.