The NBA season continues with games on Monday. The Memphis Grizzlies will hit the road and take on the Miami Heat. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Grizzlies-Heat prediction and pick.
These two teams have had very similar starts to the season. The Memphis Grizzlies are 13-10 and have won their last four games. While the Miami Heat are 14-10, but are coming off an embarrassing loss. This should be a great matchup.
Here are the odds for the Grizzlies-Heat Monday night NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Grizzlies-Heat Odds
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Memphis Grizzlies: +4.5 (-110)
Miami Heat: -4.5 (-110)
Over: 215 (-110)
Under: 215 (-110)
Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
The Memphis Grizzlies have been having a very solid season so far. Two games ago they managed to win by the widest margin in NBA history. In their last game they came out ahead over the Dallas Mavericks, winning 97-90. This Grizzlies team has managed to consistently improve and become one of the more competitive teams in the NBA. Injuries will definitely impact the outcome of this game for Memphis, but they have shown that they can persevere. Expect the Grizzlies to come out strong, trying to steal a win on the road.
Though injuries are never a good thing, they do allow some players to get opportunities that they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. One of those players for Memphis is Desmond Bane. Bane is in his second year in the league, and has managed to improve every aspect of his game. In their win over Dallas, Bane had 29 points and 9 rebounds. The Sophomore guard is really coming into his own, and if he can manage to sustain this level of play then things are looking really good for Memphis. If Bane can get going then the Grizzlies could definitely take down Miami.
Another player who has stepped up for Memphis is Jaren Jackson Jr. Jackson continues to improve his production and remains a key part of this Grizzlies team. While he only managed to put up 13 points in their last game, in the two games prior he scored 27 and 25. Jackson is a big man who can score the ball, and has been a big part of the Grizzlies success. If he can win the battle down low for Memphis, then they could end up winning this whole game.
Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
The Miami Heat have had a pretty impressive season so far. However, they have also been a victim of injuries. This Miami squad has been fully healthy for some time, and that will remain the case for Monday's game. In their last game they got demolished by Milwaukee, losing 124 – 102. The Heat will look to bounce back on Monday at home and get a win against a vulnerable Memphis team. Both of these squads have injuries and will be looking to grind out a win.
One player who has stepped up amidst the injury crisis is Tyler Herro. Herro himself had to miss some games this season, but when he has played he has been phenomenal. In his third year in the league, Herro is emerging as a premier offensive threat. On the season he is averaging over 21 points a game and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. It is likely that Miami will once again turn to their budding star, with their other top players likely to be out. Expect Herro to come out firing and to potentially have a big night.
Another player that has managed to step up for the Heat is Max Strus. Strus hasn't had a lot of opportunity to make an impact for Miami, but recent injuries have led to a bump in playing time for the third year guard. In their loss to the Bucks, Strus managed to score 25 points in only 24 minutes. This type of efficiency could easily be an outlier performance, but if Strus can continue producing on the offensive end then the Heat should have no problem winning this game. It is unlikely that Strus will repeat his performance from last game, but it's a good sign to see success from bench players.
Final Grizzlies-Heat Prediction & Pick
This is kind of a tough pick. Both of these teams are not at 100% right now so that could make this anyone's game. There is the potential of Jimmy Butler returning for Miami in this game, which would have a huge impact on the outcome. However, the Grizzlies have had a lot more success than the heat recently and banking on an injured player to come back and ball out is not a winning move. Memphis is the better pick between these two injured teams. Pick the Grizzlies to cover.
FINAL GRIZZLIES-HEAT PICK: Memphis Grizzlies +5 (-110)
FINAL GRIZZLIES-HEAT SCORE PREDICTION: Grizzlies 99 – Heat 97
Follow Us
Subscribe