Memphis vs Rockets Prediction 31 January 2025

🔊 Can the visitors contain the best offense in the championship? The NBA regular season pits Memphis against Houston. The hosts benefit from playing fast, but the Rockets are specialists in slowing down the pace. A hard-fought basketball game is predicted, where defense may come to the forefront. The FedExForum is a quite comfortable arena for the Rockets, which is why the game might end in favor of Udoka's team.

📊 HEAD-TO-HEAD

The last encounter ended with a victory for Houston with a score of 120:118. In 6 of the last 7 head-to-head meetings, the Rockets players were better.

🏀 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

The Memphis players have finally started showing stable basketball: 6 wins in the last 7 games. Yes, there was a recent defeat by New York with a score of 106:143. Of course, it can be called an unfortunate mishap. However, with a perfect offense (123.3 points, best in the NBA), Memphis has no backup plan. In the matchup with Houston, the attack may face significant problems: at least because the opponent doesn't allow fast play. When the Grizzlies are forced to play at a measured pace, their terrible defense becomes apparent. On average, the hosts concede 115.6 points per game (23rd). Even in victories, the Grizzlies cannot boast reliability on their half: this was the case with New Orleans (139:126), Charlotte (132:120), and Minnesota (127:125). The home court factor may help, but absolute dominance is out of the question.

🏀 HOUSTON ROCKETS

Houston continues to be one of the best teams in the championship in defensive actions - 108.2 points conceded (5th). They have 4 consecutive victories under their belt, each against very tough opponents: Atlanta (100:96), Boston (114:112), and twice Cleveland (135:131, 109:108). We understand that against Memphis, slowing down the pace will be most important. If the Rockets engage in a shootout, their chances of success may quickly evaporate - on the road, shots don't always go in. On average, the visitors score 113.9 points per game. Additionally, Smith Jr., who is an important offensive option, is injured. Undoubtedly, Sengun and company are capable of scoring consistently. However, primarily from the Rockets, we expect good defense and confident play on the boards. Houston is first in the league in rebounds (48.1). This allows them to aim for repeating their recent success against the Grizzlies (120:118).

📝 EDITOR'S PREDICTION

Bookmakers consider Memphis favorites in this matchup. In terms of talent, the hosts are indeed better. But Houston has a much more fundamental system that allows them to navigate the regular season without significant failures. Even when leaders cannot take to the court. Memphis is more dependent on individual players - for example, Morant. The Rockets will take this into account by building a very aggressive and simultaneously smart defense against this star. It's not very clear how this match will end, but the visitors are capable of staying afloat for all 48 minutes. Defense and tactical discipline should help Udoka's team. We suggest trying a bet on Houston's victory with a spread (+2.5).