The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Miami Heat at the FedExForum on Friday night. Here’s a Grizzlies vs Heat Prediction. This article will include a Grizzlies vs Heat Pick.
Miami Heat Betting Preview
The Miami Heat will be eager to bounce back in this game after falling just short to the Magic in a 125-121 road defeat on Wednesday night. The newly acquired Norman Powell led the way with 28 points, nine rebounds, and four assists on nine of 19 shooting. Andrew Wiggins added 18 points on six of 12 shooting, Davion Mitchell tallied 16 points with 12 assists, while Bam Adebayo chipped in with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
As a team, the Heat shot 48 percent from the field and 12 of 35 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 39 points in the first quarter. However, that still wasn’t enough to take the lead into halftime as they allowed 69 points in the first half. The Heat blew an early 12-point lead and just couldn’t stop the Magic down the stretch as they committed 19 turnovers and leaked 35 points in the fourth quarter to come up just short in a disappointing finish.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies will be aiming for a second straight victory after sneaking past the Pelicans in a 128-122 home win on Wednesday. Ja Morant led the team with 35 points on 13 of 20 shooting in just 29 minutes, Jaren Jackson Jr added 18 points with eight rebounds and six blocks, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 15 points on two of eight shooting.
As a team, the Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field and 11 of 37 from the 3-point line as they really struggled to get going and looked to be in trouble when they trailed by 11 points at halftime. Before they flipped the script and took control with a 41-22 third quarter explosion to erase a 15-point deficit and come away with the solid win at home. It was a scrappy game with the Grizzlies committing 17 turnovers and they had two players foul out including Jaren Jackson Jr who played just 27 minutes.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won 14 of their last 15 games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Heat have lost each of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Grizzlies’ last six games.
- The Heat have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Heat have won four of their last five games as road underdogs against the Grizzlies.
- The Grizzlies have lost four of their last six games as home favorites on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The road team has covered the spread in eight of the Heat’s last nine games.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the Heat’s last 10 night games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last five games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Jaren Jackson Jr. ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
- Jaylen Wells has recorded the most three-point field goal attempts without a two-point attempt (8) of any player in the league this season.
Miami Heat Player Facts
- Davion Mitchell ranks 1st amongst qualified players for assists per game (12.0) this season.
- Bam Adebayo ranks T9th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for blocks per game this season (12.0).
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (35.0).
- The Heat rank T1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (100.0%).
- The Heat rank T1st in the league for Q3 win percentage this season (100.0%).
Grizzlies vs Heat Prediction
The Heat are going to be shorthanded once again with Tyler Herro out with injury and Terry Rozier on immediate leave due to FBI investigation. The Grizzlies have ruled out Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, and Ty Jerome, with Ja Morant listed as questionable with ankle soreness. These two squads met twice last season, with the Grizzlies winning on both occasions, but they have a list of players out injured and could also be adding Morant to that list.
This is a game that I would rather pick just before tipoff given the injury cloud hanging over Morant. However, assuming that he plays, I would back the Grizzlies to build on their success on opening night with another win and cover at home in this spot.