The Phoenix Suns will take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Suns-Grizzlies prediction and pick.
This should be an exciting matchup between two potential playoff teams. The Suns have only lost three contests on the year and are in the middle of a six-game win streak. Another victory here would help them close the gap on the Golden State Warriors, who currently sit in the first seed in the Western Conference.
The Grizzlies haven't been quite as good as the Suns have, but they're still hanging on to the eighth seed in the West. Memphis already has some impressive wins on their record, as they've beaten the Warriors and the Denver Nuggets twice. Beating the Suns here would add another impressive victory to their record while boosting the team's confidence immeasurably.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for the Suns-Grizzlies game.
NBA Odds: Suns-Grizzlies Odds
Phoenix Suns: -2 (-108)
Memphis Grizzlies: +2 (-114)
Over: 222.5 (-110)
Under: 222.5 (-110)
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Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
Phoenix is one of the hottest teams in basketball right now. They have rattled off six straight wins and own one of the best records in the NBA. Their success is in large part due to their offense. The Suns average 111 points per game, making them the fourth-best offense in the league by that measure. Phoenix also ranks inside the top five in the NBA in effective field goal percentage, shooting percentage, and field goals made per game.
To make matters even better for the Suns, the Grizzlies have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Memphis currently allows a whopping 114 points per game, while also allowing their opponents to shoot 53 percent from the field on two-point attempts. This is the same Grizzlies team that gave up 132 points to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Suns should be able to score at will in this one.
Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
While their struggles on defense are obvious, the Grizzlies don't have those same problems on the offensive side of the floor. Star point guard Ja Morant is leading his team to an average of nearly 110 points per game, a number that is good enough for the 11th-best in the league. Memphis also ranks inside the top five in the NBA in fast-break points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game. This is a dynamic offense that has the capability to give anyone trouble.
The Grizzlies have also been one of the best teams in the league against the spread. Memphis is currently 7-4 ATS overall, but they also own a 4-2 record against the spread and straight up at home. The Suns have only played three away games on the season, so entering a hostile environment in Memphis against a team that defends the home court well should give Phoenix some trouble.
Final Suns-Grizzlies Prediction & Pick
This is a pretty simple pick. The bookmakers are giving the Grizzlies too much credit in this matchup, making Phoenix the obvious selection. The Suns have been rolling lately, and it's fair to expect that to continue in this matchup with a slightly overrated Memphis squad.
Final Suns-Grizzlies Pick: Phoenix Suns: -2 (-108)