Memphis Grizzlies (22-11) vs. Phoenix Suns (15-16)
December 31, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Phoenix Suns -7.5; Over/Under: +237.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Footprint Center on Tuesday night. Here’s a Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction. This article will include a Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies Pick.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have been on a great run as they’ve won 14 of their last 18 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back after getting thrashed by the Thunder in a 130-106 road defeat on Sunday. Desmond Bane led the team with 22 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, Jay Huff added 17 points off the bench while Luke Kennard chipped in with 16 points.
As a team, the Grizzlies shot just 38 percent from the field and 14 of 51 from the 3-point line as they struggled to match the intensity of the Thunder early on and were never in the contest after getting dominated by 42-19 in the second quarter. In fact, the Grizzlies trailed in this one by as many as 31 points as they didn’t get nearly enough support from their starters. Jaren Jackson Jr shot just three of 17 from the field and zero of six from the 3-point line, while Jaylen Wells shot just two of 12 from the field and zero of seven from the 3-point line.
Phoenix Suns
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have been in a real slump as they’ve lost eight of their last 11 games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after falling just short to the Warriors in a 109-105 road defeat on Saturday. Kevin Durant led the team with 31 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, Bradley Beal added 28 points on 12 of 24 shooting while Ryan Dunn chipped in with 15 points.
As a team, the Suns shot just 42 percent from the field and nine of 35 from the 3-point line as they poured in 38 points in the second quarter to lead for most of the game, but the Suns never put the Warriors away and it cost them as the Suns scored just five points in the final 6:47 to allow the Warriors off the hook in the end. The Suns will face the Pacers following this one.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last 13 games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Suns have lost four of their last five games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last 11 night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games as home favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Suns’ last six home games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last six games at Footprint Center following a road loss has gone UNDER the total points line.
Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke with Ja Morant listed as day-to-day, while the Suns are still missing Grayson Allen but they could have Devin Booker back in the lineup which would be a massive boost. The Grizzlies were on fire before they got stopped in their tracks by the Thunder in their last outing so it is slightly surprising to see them as such big underdogs in this one. Sure, the Suns are much better if Booker is able to rejoin the lineup, but the Grizzlies just shouldn’t be such underdogs even if they are missing some players. Give me the Grizzlies with the points in what should be a close one.
