Houston is easily the No. 1 under team in the NBA. In fact, four of their last five games have gone under by at least 17.5, the last two by a stunning 89 points combined.

The Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game in the NBA and that is not just a function of their slow-ball style. They are fourth-best in points allowed per possession, ninth in field goal percentage defense.

The Rockets bench will likely have to play a larger role. It could hardly play a less significant role than in the win in Oklahoma City, combining to make just 3 of 19 shots for eight points, but in the second half of a back-to-back, the Rockets might want to turn to reserves, especially after extending the playing time of James Harden, Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza again. That is good for the under. Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas has greatly improved his defensive play.