Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets Betting Preview/Prop Picks

The NBA season is almost over, but there are still a few key games left to be played. Tonight, the Memphis Grizzlies will head to Denver to face off against the Nuggets. Memphis is second in the Western Conference, while the Denver Nuggets are fifth.

The Grizzlies just lost to the Utah Jazz in a game where their defense gave up 121 points. They were on the road there too.

The Denver Nuggets might be able to make a move forward in the conference with a win here. At the moment, they're only a game behind the Utah Jazz. They haven't yet clinched a spot in the playoffs, but it's likely they will.

In the Nuggets' last game, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 116-97. Today, they face one of the best offenses in the NBA, a true test of their defense. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Grizzlies haven't yet begun to rest players

Although they haven't started resting players, there's still one very notable injury. Ja Morant is out with a knee injury, leaving them without their best scorer. However, in their loss to the Utah Jazz, Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 28 points on his own.

With Jackson Jr. elevating his game, the Grizzlies have a chance to win here. The matchup to watch is Steven Adams vs. Nikola Jokic.

The key to the Nuggets winning any game is Nikola Jokic. Steven Adams is a physical center for the Grizzlies and can definitely stand his ground in the paint. However, the mobility of Jokic could be a problem for Adams.

Rudy Gobert had 22 points and 21 rebounds against Adams in the Jazz's win over Memphis. If the Grizzlies' defense plays like that, they're in for a long game.

Denver Nuggets: A lot on the line for the Denver Nuggets

Denver could either move up in the conference with a win or take a step back if they lose here. The Minnesota Timberwolves are following closely behind the Nuggets and could overtake the No.5 spot.

Denver has a strong offense, ranking 10th overall in points per game at 112.25. Their defense, however, is the weak spot since the Memphis Grizzlies have the No.2 scoring offense.

Obviously, the best way for the Nuggets to win is to get Nikola Jokic the ball. If they can get him going earlier in the game, the better chance they'll have to win. In their loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Jokic had 41 points.

He also amassed 17 rebounds in the game as well. With a lot on the line here, the Nuggets can't afford a loss. So, who's the better pick between these two teams?

Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets Betting Prediction

The Grizzlies' offense is great, but they're missing their best component, Ja Morant. Without him, the Nuggets can focus their defense on stopping players like Jaren Jackson Jr.

On the opposite side, Steven Adams had a hard time slowing down Rudy Gobert. If that's any sign of what's to come in tonight's game, expect a huge game from Jokic. 

Denver comes in as five-point favorites in this game; the last time they played the Grizzlies, they lost by four.

Even without Ja Morant, Memphis has remained a hot team and will be looking to bounce back from its overtime defeat against Utah. Take the Memphis Grizzlies with the points and pair it with the over.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Memphis Grizzlies (+5), OVER

Prop Pick

Memphis (-120) OVER 113.5 Points

Memphis is averaging 115.4 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 2 in the league. That average increases to 122.6 points per game over the Grizzlies last 10 contests. Scores have gone OVER in five of the Grizzlies’ last six games as a Vegas road underdog.

With Dunkel predicting a Memphis victory by the score of 124-112, take the Grizzlies (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 113.5 points against the Nuggets.

Monte Morris (-120) UNDER 12.5 Points

Morris is averaging 12.6 points per game, which ranks No. 4 on the Nuggets. That average decreases to 12.0 points per game in three game versus Memphis and 10.4 points per game over his last 10 games overall.

With Dunkel predicting a Nuggets loss, take Morris (-120) to finish UNDER 12.5 points against the Grizzlies.

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