Play: Houston +2 -103
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Both teams had a Christmas break with three rest days, but which one should that benefit? Well, the Rockets are 3-1 ATS in their last four under that circumstance and Memphis is 0-4 ATS. Houston has won eight of its last 11. The Grizzlies have dropped three straight and have averaged just 93.0 ppg over that span. Two of those losses came at home. The Rockets are 9-2 on the road and have a higher scoring differential in away games. Houston's defense allows just 96.3 ppg, opponents shoot just 43.1% against it and it is forcing 16.5 turnovers per. In its last contest Memphis fell 97-91 to struggling Utah and it was outrebounded 49-34. The Rockets hammered Portland 110-95 on Monday and James Harden totaled 44 points, seven assists and five steals, and he turned the ball over just once. Harden is scoring an NBA-leading and career-best 27.0 ppg and also is putting up career-bests in rebounds (6.2), assists (7.0), steals (2.0), blocks (1.0) and free-throw shooting (88.7%). In his last five road games Harden is averaging 38.2 ppg on 53.2% shooting. Houston got a boost on Monday from newcomer Corey Brewer, who was acquired in a three-team trade last week. He had 12 points, four boards, four assists and five steals in 23 minutes. The Rockets make 11.4 three-pointers per game and the Grizzlies are below average at perimeter defense. Memphis also doesn't shoot many threes, so if it can't get it done inside... Tony Allen (eye) is probable for this one, but he's missed the last four tilts. Zach Randolph (knee) is questionable and he's missed the last two.
Record: 230-175-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +127.26%
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