NBA Predictions: Can Grizzlies hang with Durant, Warriors? 12/20/17

Grizzlies vs. Warriors Pick

Are the Memphis Grizzlies going to be able to keep up with the host Golden State Warriors tonight at 10:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Warriors are listed as an 11.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 205 points.

Memphis enters with a 9-21 overall record and 10-19-1 ATS after a 102-93 home loss to the Celtics. Golden State is 24-6 overall and 14-16 ATS following a 116-114 overtime win at the Lakers, its ninth consecutive victory. The Grizzlies won the first meeting this season by a count of 111-101 on their home floor. Memphis is 3-2 straight up and 3-2 ATS in five meetings since the start of last season. The under is 3-2. 

Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 30 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists. in the loss to Boston. Tyreke Evans contributed 25 points, five assists and three rebounds. Dillon Brooks added 14 points. Memphis was outscored 31-20 in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Durant scored 36 points and hit the tiebreaking jumper with 7.8 seconds left in overtime to send Golden State to the win at LA. He added 11 rebounds, eight assists and three blocked shots. Klay Thompson contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Omri Casspi added 14 points, 10 boards and three assists off the bench. The Warriors outscored the hosts 14-12 in overtime.

Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last five meetings in Golden State. The under is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings.

Bet on Grizzlies vs. Warriors

Golden State is still the walking wounded with Steph Curry set to miss at least one more week and backup point guard Shaun Livingston also ruled out for tonight. Additionally, Draymond Green and Zaza Pachulia are doubtful to play. Luckily, the Warriors have received ample contributions from role players such as rookie Jordan Bell and veteran Omri Casspi. Durant has also played out of his mind since Curry went down. This is a tough matchup for the Warriors since the Grizzlies will want to slow the pace and are strong defensively, but winning shouldn't be an issue for the hosts. However, with so many players down it is really impacting Golden State's ability to blow teams out. I like Memphis' chances to keep it close with Gasol and Evans leading the charge as usual. The Grizzlies have caused issues for GSW in recent meetings and it was a healthier Warriors team those times. Bet on Memphis tonight.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES +11.5