Grizzlies vs Golden State Prediction and Betting Tips 20 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction

NLB Staff

20.12.2024 01:33

Grizzlies vs Golden State Prediction Grizzlies vs Golden State Prediction

With the Memphis Grizzlies having silently been one of the strongest units through the early part of this season, they play a Golden State squad that keeps on losing at the moment. Seeing that Memphis came off a tough 116-110 loss against Los Angeles, this Warriors unit lost to Dallas by 10. The game will be played on December 20th at 6:30 A.M. IST in FedEx Arena of Memphis. Below are our key betting tips, vital player props, important injuries, and head-to-head trends for a key prediction in this matchup. 

Grizzlies vs Golden State Key Betting Tips & Predictions

1. Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Moneyline Pick

Seeing that the Grizzlies have a -150 money line during this game, it is a must because they have been a much stronger squad throughout the early part. Led by Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in the backcourt, this group should outscore Stephen Curry plus Buddy Hield. Seeing that Jaylen Wells can create rebounds plus inside shots at a higher rate than Andrew Wiggins, it will help Jaren Jackson Jr. create a rare scoring and blocking advantage against Draymond Green. Knowing Brandon Clarke continues getting boards as well and hitting his inside plus outside shots, the -150 money line is great for Memphis and should be their new streak start. 

2. Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Point Spread Pick

As the spread is at -2.5 for Memphis, this looks like a strong pick because they have proven to be a more consistent side. Led by Ja Morant at point guard, his strength to finish inside and create strong deep looks will be key throughout this game. Also known as a great passer who can provide assists at a very high rate, he should be in a competitive battle with Stephen Curry. Even though Curry will score his points and create shots for others, Morant’s speed plus athletic abilities will let him do it at a higher rate. Also seeing this, Morant has proven to be a stronger stealer and should finish down the other end with ease. Knowing that Desmond Bane continues being a very strong knockdown shooter, he will continue hitting mid-range and threes against someone like Buddy Hield. Being a big-time scorer who has been hot over the last couple of games, his ability to get boards will be vital against someone like Hield, while also closing out on the Warriors guards threes. Knowing Jaylen Wells can get into the paint and dunk or create layups from his small forward position, his outside shooting adds finishing touches to someone who can play an all-around game against Andrew Wiggins. Knowing Wiggins hasn’t been consistent offensively, the Grizzlies guard should create blocks and steals while taking it down the other end for finishes. With Jaren Jackson Jr. being a big-time rebounder plus finisher inside, he should create a mismatch against Draymond Green, while Brandon Clarke can control Kevon Looney plus Trayce Jackson-Davis. All in all, this -2.5 spread makes sense for the Grizzlies. 

3. Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Over/Under Pick (Total Points)

With the over/under being at 229.5 points for this game, both teams should operate on offense at a high level. Seeing that Golden State is led by one of the best passing and scoring guards, his abilities will open up space for their shooting guard to continue knocking down long-range looks. Having a small forward who can produce from outside or in, their center continues to be a strong finisher. Meanwhile, Memphis is led by one of the most explosive point guards that can also spread the ball around, while their shooting has started playing at a much higher level over the past week. Seeing that the small forward continues attacking the rim and creating dunks, the small forward remains a key mid-range finisher plus layup taker throughout. Having a center that can hit mid-range shots and score inside, the totals should go over 241 points from last time. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Top Player Props

Andrew Wiggins under 16.5 points at 1.67: Being a small forward that continues being very inconsistent in how he attacks the basket, this will be a harder game going against a tougher defense. Having to play an explosive defender like Jaylen Wells, Wiggins will have a tougher time finding his shot while having to force up a lot of looks. Averaging 17.7 points a night, he will be a bit under that during this matchup. 

Ja Morant over 24.5 points at 1.80: Seeing that the Memphis Grizzlies point guard is a continuous force on offense, this is a game where he should show up again. Although Curry is known for his stealing abilities, Morant’s quickness will allow him to attack the cup very easily while knocking down outside shots too. Scoring 22.0 points a night, he should pick it up even more after another masterful performance. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Injury News & Impact

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: With G.G. Jackson, 14.6 points, still out due to a foot injury, this group will be without Vince Williams Jr. because of a right ankle sprain. 

Golden State Warriors Injuries: This group will be without Moses Moody, 7.4 points, because of a knee injury. 

Grizzlies vs Golden State Head-to-Head Trends

Although Golden State has won three straight games against Memphis, times have changed and the Grizzlies look back to build on previous streaks they had. Scoring over 100 points in 17 straight games against the Warriors, this unit has averaged 117 during their last two. Heading into this game with a 5-5 record against the spread over their last 10 matchups, Memphis hopes to take the lead in this matchup. 

Betting Insights & Public Trends

Looking at the current betting insights and public trends, Memphis is favored by 60.0% of bettors to beat Golden State in this matchup. 

Grizzlies vs Golden State Final Prediction

As the Memphis Grizzlies have been on a hot streak and can’t be stopped on either end, they get a matchup advantage against a struggling Warriors unit. A team trying to build on their record and compete for the first place spot with OKC, this should be a big-time must-win game for them. With Ja Morant leading the way at point guard, his ability to shoot and create for others has been a vital presence for this offense. Being someone who can launch deep shots or drive in, he should handle Stephen because of his quickness plus dribbling ability. Although Curry will keep it very close throughout the game with his elite scoring, Morant has proven to be a stronger defender throughout the last couple of seasons. Being a piece that can take away passes and finish down the other end, he should continue doing this with ease. Having Desmond Bane showing prowess as an outside shooter after struggles through the early part of this season, he will create an advantage against Buddy Hield. As the Warriors shooting guard continues being a vital force that can knock down looks from the perimeter areas, he will be closed out a lot in this game by Bane’s size and ability to force bad looks. Knowing Bane will score with ease against a weaker defender, he should have additional points by creating turnovers on Hield’s weaker dribbling as well.

Knowing that Jaylen Wells continues dominating as a rebounder and finisher, he has been a prototypical hustle player who can control anyone. Being in a matchup with Andrew Wiggins, he should force him to take tougher looks from three as Wells will create havoc in the paint with his blocking strength. Someone who has underrated strength he can create dunks plus layups over Wiggins, while also having that outside shot. Seeing that Jaren Jackson. Jr’s height is a key mismatch against Draymond Green as he should have more rebounds and points throughout, his blocking ability will come in key. With Brandon Clarke beating out Trayce-Jackson Davis plus Kevon Looney in the middle, this Grizzlies bench will help provide Santi Aldama plus Scotty Pippen Jr. Meanwhile, Golden State can keep it close if Bradin Podziemski and Johnathon Kuminga play at strong levels. 

Our prediction: Memphis Grizzlies should win this game and cover their -2.5 spread, while the score goes over 229.5 points.