Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in a slump as they’ve lost eight of their last 12 games overall, and they will be hoping to bounce back here after getting thrashed by the Timberwolves in a 141-125 home defeat last night. Ja Morant led the team with 36 points and six assists on 13 of 27 shooting, Desmond Bane added 28 points with six rebounds and nine assists, and Jaren Jackson Jr chipped in with 23 points. As a team, the Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field and 18 of 36 from the 3-point line as they poured in 41 points in the second quarter to take the lead into halftime. Only to get completely blown away by 52-25 in the third quarter, to trail by as many as 23 points at one stage.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been doing it tough lately, as they’ve lost seven of their last 11 games overall. But they will be feeling much better after they put a halt to a four-game slide with a 124-116 road win over the Kings on Wednesday. Christian Braun led the team with 25 points on nine of 12 shooting, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr each scored 21 points, and Nikola Jokic tallied a triple-double of 20 points with 12 rebounds and 11 assists. As a team, the Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they poured in 66 points in the first half to jump out to an early lead. They just kept building on that lead until it ballooned to 16 points late in the third quarter.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Grizzlies have lost each of their last nine games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Nuggets.
- The Nuggets have won each of their seven previous home games against the Grizzlies following a road win.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games as underdogs.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in each of their last five home games against the Grizzlies.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The road team has won each of the Grizzlies’ last seven games.
- The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a win.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven home games against teams that held a winning record.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in 12 of the Nuggets’ last 13 games at Ball Arena.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for assists per game this season (31.0).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (50.6%).
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.4).
- The Grizzlies rank 1st in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (23.4).
Nuggets vs Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing Brandon Clarke and Jaylen Wells, while the Nuggets have ruled out Jamal Murray once again. The Grizzlies have been stuck in a major rut, and their confidence took a real gut shot after they got smashed by the Timberwolves in a tough defeat last night. The Nuggets haven’t been much better as they’ve lost seven of their last 11 games and have had to deal with their coach getting fired, but they are still relatively healthy. They also have the advantage of extra rest, as they haven’t played since Wednesday. This should be a close contest, but in the end, I prefer a play on the more reliable Nuggets to grind out a win and cover at home.