The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors play in an inter-conference matchup on Tuesday. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Grizzlies-Raptors prediction and pick.
The Grizzlies and Raptors each enter play on Tuesday needing a win. Each of these teams has lost three of their last five games. Memphis is down their best player, Ja Morant, as he suffered a leg injury last week in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Toronto will be looking to improve on their 2-7 home record, and their 9-12 overall record. Each of these teams could be at risk of slipping out of the playoff race if things don't go well over the next few weeks. The Raptors come in as home favorites over the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
Here are the Grizzlies-Raptors odds for this Tuesday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Grizzlies-Raptors Odds
Memphis Grizzlies +3.5 (-110)
Toronto Raptors -3.5 (-110)
Over 216.5 points (-110)
Under 216.5 points (-110)
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Why The Grizzlies Can Cover The Spread
The Grizzlies responded to losing Ja Morant by blowing out the Sacramento Kings in their next game. Memphis scored 128 points in that game, so apparently they do have the ability to create offense without Morant. They will face a little tougher task on Tuesday however when they will be on the road vs. the Raptors. Toronto also struggles on the defensive end, however. The Raptors allow 110.5 points per 100 possessions, which ranks 24th in the NBA. The Grizzlies are sneaky underdog pick on the road vs. a Toronto team that has lost three of their last four.
Memphis is 3-5 on the road this season, and 11-9 against the spread. They are at a decent value as a firm underdog vs. what has been an underwhelming Raptors team so far this season. Be on the lookout for a letdown game though, as it may be tough to sustain their performance from last game in the absence of Morant.
Why The Raptors Cover The Spread
Toronto should be able to beat the Grizzlies without Ja Morant on their home floor, but it doesn't mean they will. The Raptors are just 2-7 at home this season. Memphis may be due to regress some after excelling in their first game without Morant, though. The Raptors beat the Grizzlies in Memphis last week when they did have Morant, for what it's worth. The Raptors have since lost their last two games by double-digits. Toronto will be without one of their best players as well on Tuesday as OG Anunoby is listed as out. Anunoby is the Raptors' leading scorer so far this season, averaging over 20 points per game.
Toronto is just 8-13 against the spread this season, and again 2-7 at home. They do not feel like the safest pick as home favorites, but the Grizzlies are without their offensive engine in Morant.
Final Grizzlies-Raptors Prediction & Pick
Take the over here. Yes, they are both missing their leading scorer, but these teams are really bad on defense. Memphis allows a league worst 114.8 points per 100 possessions, while the Raptors aren't a whole lot better. These teams should be able to hit the over despite not having some of their top firepower. Memphis will likely still look to push the pace and get shots in transition, while the Raptors likely can play whatever pace they want vs. Memphis' league worst defense.
FINAL GRIZZLIES-RAPTORS PREDICTION & PICK: Over 216.5 (-110)
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