Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets on Thursday, January 7 looks like a mismatch on paper. Our ratings give the Rockets about a 87% chance, and the Grizzlies would need an unusual night to change that.
Why the gap is wide
The Win Meter reads the Rockets 87%, with a projected score of Memphis Grizzlies 107, Houston Rockets 119. The rating gap is 230 points in favor of the Rockets, and home court and rest add about 100 rating points for the Rockets on top of that.
A reading this high has real meaning, but upsets of this size happen. Nearly one game in 8 like it goes the other way.
Recent form
The Grizzlies are 2-0 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -14.2. The Rockets are 2-0 this season and 4-1 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +5.4.
The Grizzlies' best recent win was 123-103 at home against UTA.
The Grizzlies were beaten 147-101 on the road by UTA not long ago.
The Rockets' best recent win was 115-96 at home against LAL.
The Rockets were beaten 98-78 at home by LAL not long ago.
Injuries to watch
Day to day or questionable: Cedric Coward (MEM) and Reed Sheppard (HOU). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the Rockets lead 7-1, with the Rockets outscoring the Grizzlies by an average of 11.3 points per game. The last meeting was MEM 101, HOU 132.