NBA Betting Lines: Memphis At Houston

Coming into the new NBA season, one of the more intriguing storylines was in regards to how the Southwest Division would play out this year. How would the Spurs adjust to life without Tim Duncan, and would the Rockets be able to rebound from what was a truly horrific season last year? The Memphis Grizzlies were a team heading into the new season with some question marks about what they would do this year, and as we approach the halfway point, those questions are starting to be answered. The Spurs have adopted a business as usual mentality, but they are being pushed to the limit by a resurgent Houston Rockets team, led as always by the enigmatic James Harden. The Grizzlies are a little way of the pace set by those two, but are still in a playoff spot right now. Friday night should be a good one, as Memphis will hit the road to take on the Houston Rockets, with the home team looking at potentially stealing the lead in the Southwest.

In Depth Analysis On The NBA Betting Lines: Memphis At Houston

When: Friday, December 13 at 8 PM EST Where: Toyota Center, Houston TV: ESPN Radio: WMFS and KBME NBA Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are the perfect example of just how strong the Western Conference in when compared to the East. The Griz currently have a 24-17 record on the season, good enough for the 7th seed in the West. If they were playing over in the other conference, they would be sitting top 4. Memphis could actually be in a better spot if they could find a way to be a little more consistent. They are 5-5 in their last 10, and while they are in a comfortable spot in terms of playoff positioning right now, a winning streak could move them up quite quickly. The Memphis Grizzlies won their game against the Rockets earlier this season, although that one came on home court.

Why bet on the Houston Rockets

Houston look like a team reborn this season, and their 9-1 record in the past 10 games serves as testament to that. They are just a half game back of San Antonio in the division, and currently hold the #3 seed in the Western Conference. James Harden and his triple-double heroics may be getting all the press in Houston, but make no mistake, the whole team is making valuable contributions this year. A big part of the success that Houston have seen this season can be attributed to their play in their own building, where they are an impressive 16-3. They are also 6-3 in divisional play, although they did lose an earlier meeting in Memphis.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This series has been split right down the middle the past 3 season, with both teams enjoying an even share in the 4 games played each year. The Rockets are hot right now, and almost impossible to beat at home, which given them the edge in this one.

Memphis Grizzlies 103 Houston Rockets 109