Even without Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies will give the Phoenix Suns fits
April 1, 2022
Suns at Grizzlies
FedExForum – Memphis, TN
8:00 PM ET
Phoenix -7.0
It’s a battle between the two best teams in the Western Conference. The Suns have clinched the Pacific Division and the No. 1 seed, rolling into the game on a nine-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are going to win the Southwest Division and secure the No. 2 seed, riding a six-game winning streak.
It’s a battle of titans in the West. That should mean it’s must-see TV. But there’s a little luster off of this one.
Ja Morant remains out with a knee injury, removing a lot of the star power for Memphis. Granted, they’re 19-2 this season without the MVP candidate. But he’s a player that draws eyeballs. Without him, the Grizzlies are a team that is far too anonymous to most casual NBA fans.
Tyus Jones has done a great job filling in for Morant. In Memphis’ most-recent win, the point guard dropped 25 points on San Antonio, powering the Grizzlies to a 112-111 win.
He’ll have to be equally good tonight, as Phoenix comes to town with arguably the most-talented backcourt in the league. Devin Booker and Chris Paul are a handful. Booker is averaging 26.4 points per game, while Paul is putting up 15.0 points and 10.7 assists on a nightly basis.
Phoenix Suns at Denver Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been remarkably resilient this season. Taylor Jenkins should be a favorite for the NBA’s Coach of the Year honors. But keeping their winning streak alive tonight is a tall order.
That said, seven points is way too many. At home, Memphis will keep it close. A moneyline play is tempting, but probably too much to bite off. Take the Grizzlies and the points.
Jason Schlefsky’s Pick: Memphis -7.0 (+110)
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Friday’s NBA Quick Picks
Sacramento -2.5 (-110)
Milwaukee -7.5 (-110)
Denver M/L (-145)
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Thursday’s NBA Winners
Milwaukee M/L (+110)
Atlanta -5.0 (-110)
Chicago -3.5 (-110) Utah -13.0 (-110) – PUSH
