Houston vs Memphis Prediction: We will bet on the home team

Houston has lost 3 of 4 home games against Memphis in the last two and half years. The odds on the Rockets' win have risen sharply, although the Grizzlies have serious roster problems. Should we take advantage of the situation and bet on the home team?

The Rockets were one of the slowest teams last season, even though they have explosive players like Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. in the back line. Green has played up and started to hit at the end of the season, and there is now hope that the young defender can build on his success. Houston traded Christian Wood in the summer, and now the big young men will have more playing time. Alperen Sengun should have been the Rockets' clear-cut center, but Bruno Fernando popped up out of nowhere, getting more playing minutes in the regular season opener. High hopes have been placed on Jalen Smith Jr., who can defend at nearly every position and has a good long-range shot. Tari Eason is currently filling in for the injured Jae'Sean Tate, has proven himself in the preseason. Also, the rookie TyTy Washington Jr. is on the sideline.

Stephen Silas' team had a decent preseason with 3 wins in 4 games but lost to Atlanta in the regular season's opening game 107-117. Jalen Green had a poor game, hitting just 7 of 20 shots on the night, with Jabari Smith Jr. also missing many shots. The Rockets made only 9 of their 35 three-pointers, and Kevin Porter Jr. was the team's best shooter with a game-high 21 points. Houston's winning offensive rebounding was no saving grace, and their 15 offensive rebounds were partially offset by their high number of losses.

The Grizzlies made the 1st round of the playoffs last season as the youngest team of the postseason, and in the current regular season, they are making an even bigger bet on their prospects. After an injury to Jaren Jackson Jr. it looked like Brandon Clarke would get a big role, but out of nowhere, Santi Aldama showed up. Steven Adams regained his spot in the rotation after a disappointing playoff run and even got a contract extension with Memphis. The weakest position in the lineup right now is at small forward with Ziaire Williams and Danny Green in the sideline, while Dillon Brooks' return is still questionable.

Nevertheless, Taylor Jenkins' team battled through its losses in the regular season opener and defeated New York, 115-112, in overtime. Desmond Bane had a poor game, sinking 6 of 22 shots on the night, while the only other player to hit the floor was Aldama, who had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies had Ja Morant as the young playmaker added 9 assists to his 34 points. Overall, the game was very dynamic. Each team shot over 100 shots from the field, but the execution was poor. Memphis's defense struggled in the paint, but they didn't allow RJ Barrett to turn around at the arc.

The Grizzlies have not been known for their exemplary defense, even in elimination games, and they could very well miss a whole haul from the same New York team. The defensive slump under the basket, in particular, and Houston's big men should have some room to spare. Jalen Green has looked very confident in the preseason, and compared to the game against Atlanta; he should improve. In addition, the Rockets will play in front of their own fans, and the club's leaders are not looking to lose as often as they did last season. Head-to-head encounters between the teams are often productive, so our prediction for Houston vs Memphis is as follows:

• Total Over 230.5 points for 1.80;
• Handicap 1 (+5.5) for 2.18;
• Houston to win including overtime for 3.20.