Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Two of the best teams in the NBA face off against each other on Friday night. The Phoenix Suns, currently on a nine-game winning streak, look to extend it to ten. To do this, they’ll have to face the Memphis Grizzlies, the good news being no Ja Morant in the lineup.

Phoenix, however, does have their starting point guard Chris Paul back. So, this should be a fun one to watch. 

The Grizzlies won’t be without just Ja Morant either; they’re missing quite a few players. How they’ll overcome these injuries is a big question. We’ll detail the injuries more below, but it’s important to note they’re on a six-game winning streak.

They come in as heavy underdogs in this game due to the injuries. Can they rise up and defend their homecourt against Phoenix?

Phoenix Suns: Booker & Paul lead the way against Memphis

The Phoenix Suns have quite a few impressive wins under their belt during this streak. They’ve taken down teams like the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers. This offense, led by Devin Booker, averages 115.21 points per game.

The Memphis offense averages more points regularly but is now dealing with injuries. This definitely will impact the flow of this game tonight.

As a defense, the Suns rank seventh in the NBA in points allowed, 106.82. With this team already clinching the best record in the NBA, they don’t have much more to prove.

However, they aren’t looking to slow down any time soon. One player to watch in this game is Deandre Ayton at the center position. If Steven Adams of the Grizzlies is out, Ayton will have a big game.

Memphis Grizzlies: Injuries hurt the excitement of this game

It’s unfortunate that Ja Morant will miss this game as it could be a preview of the conference finals. The rest of the Grizzlies will have to make due in his absence and put together a strong game.

Tyus Jones was a big factor in their win against the Spurs, putting up 25 points on his own. However, the intensity that he played with landed him on the “day-to-day” list today. 

Desmond Bane and Steven Adams are both on that list as well. This makes it tough for the Grizzlies, who have to battle one of the best offenses in the NBA.

However, even with the injuries, they’ve found a way to win six straight games. The Grizzlies average 115.36 points per game, but can their defense hold up? On average, the Grizzlies allow 109.14 points per game.

Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick

These two last played each other in December of 2021, and the Suns came in favored by 7.5. Memphis ended up winning the game, 114-113, in a very entertaining game. Memphis plays well against the Suns and has a great record against the spread this year.

So far, the Grizzlies are 50-27 against the spread this season, perhaps the best ATS record in the NBA. Because of this, we feel like we can trust them to cover the spread tonight at home. Even without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies should be able to keep it within 7.5 points. 

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +7.5, UNDER

Prop Picks

Phoenix (-115) UNDER 118.5 Points

Memphis is allowing 109.1 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 12 in the league. That average decreases to 107.0 points per game at home. Scores have gone UNDER in each of the Grizzlies’ last four games overall.

With Dunkel predicting a Memphis victory by the score of 114-111, take the Suns (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 118.5 points against the Grizzlies.

Chris Paul (+100) UNDER 14.5 Points

Paul is averaging 15.0 points per game, which ranks No. 3 on the Suns. That average drops to 14.0 points per game in two games versus Memphis this season and 12.1 points per game in Phoenix losses.

With Dunkel predicting a Suns loss tonight, take Paul (+100) to be held UNDER 14.5 points against the Grizzlies.

Be sure to check out all our Daily Basketball Picks!