NBA Picks and Betting Tips: Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction 9th November

NLB Staff

08.11.2024 12:13

Wizards and Grizzlies

As the Washington Wizards have shown steady improvements in their rebuilding efforts, they will face a Memphis Grizzlies squad that has shown vital growth this season with Ja Morant looking like his former self again. With the Wizards currently on a two-game losing skid after dropping a 13-point loss to the Golden State Warriors, their opponents in Memphis just had an impressive 131-114 win over Los Angeles. This game will take place on November 9th at 6:30 A.M. in Fedex Forum, Memphis. Below are our key betting tips, player props, head-to-head trends, and injuries to make an accurate prediction for this matchup.

Wizards vs Grizzlies Key Betting Tips & Predictions

1. Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline Pick

The moneyline in this game is at -333 for the Memphis Grizzlies with them having a great chance to win it. Seeing the ability of Ja Morant and Luke Kennard complementing each other’s games, they can easily have an advantage over Carlton Carrington and Jordan Poole. With their ability to knock down threes and mid-range, it frees up space for Jaren Jackson Jr. to find great spots in the middle and score as well. Kyshawn George and Alexandre Sarr will be in a huge mismatch with Zach Edey and will help Memphis win the boards battle. Looking at this the Grizzlies should have a moneyline victory at -333 and their 2nd straight vs Washington.

2. Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Point Spread Pick

Seeing the spread is at -7.5, the Grizzlies should easily win this game on both ends of the floor. As Ja Morant gets a matchup against Jordan Poole, many people would think Poole’s defense would help, having someone as athletic as Morant should continue being a great scorer. Although the Wizards have an advantage with Bilal Couliably, Santi Aldama could keep switching on him to make it tougher for him to be as efficient. With Jaren Jackson Jr. really having the ability to lockdown Alexandre Sarr or Kyshwan George, this should be a game where they can handle the paint. As Zach Edey will be there too, it will be hard for Poole to find the middle and it will force them to take a lot more shots than needed. Looking at this, the Grizzlies should easily win this game at the -7.5 spread.

3. Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Over/Under Pick (Total Points)

As the over/under in this game is at 222.5, this game should end up going over that limit. Seeing both teams, they have extremely athletic point guards who can shoot the three ball and give their wings chances. Even though the Grizzlies have the massive advantage at power forward, Washington will keep it close with their small forward being one of the best scorers based on percentage. Seeing this and the fact their 2nd to last game went for 219 points, these improvements on both ends should help this score go over.

Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Player Props

Ja Morant over 7.5 assists at 1.80: As Ja Morant has shown a great development in his passing, his athletic ability will help find Luke Kennard open for three with Carlton Carrington worrying about Santi Aldama. With this happening, he can also hit Edey for dunks and Jaren Jackson Jr. for easy layups during the game. With Ja averaging 9.1 assists this season, he should definitely hit the over.

Alexandre Sarr under 8.0 rebounds at 1.98: With Zach Edey guarding Alexandre Sarr in this game he will have a huge advantage on the boards. In addition to this there could be a double with big Jaren Jackson Jr. causing Sarr to miss out on a lot of opportunities. As his season average is 7.0 rebounds he won’t be able to cross it in this game.

Wizards vs Grizzlies Injury News & Impact

Washington Wizards Injuries: As the Washington Wizards have multiple injuries in this game, their biggest one is the loss of Kyle Kuzma due to a groin problem. Someone who averaged 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds, he was a key for them in the middle as a scorer plus leader. Now with Kyshawn George starting there, they will miss out on a player with a high ceiling and are even more depleted with leader Malcolm Brogdon, 15.7 points with 5.5 assists last year, still ruled out due to his thumb injury. Even though Jordan Poole has shown great replacement ability at that position, Carlton Carrington has struggled and could be a major issue for this roster. The other key injury is a bench piece named Sadiqq Bey, who was a great three-point shooter and rebounder for this 2nd unit.

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: Although Ja Morant will most likely play on Friday after suffering a hamstring injury, this team is without Desmond Bane, 18.8 points per night, as their primary three-point shooter. Not having him and being without John Konchar because of a quad problem has taken their two shooting guards out of this game, making Ja Morant’s job a lot harder to finish. As Vince Williams Jr is close to returning to backup the Grizzlies star point guard, Morant will have to continue playing his expanded role every night. With Marcus Smart also ruled out due to a right ankle sprain, his 5.8 points on the bench and veteran leadership will be something this Grizzlies squad will miss. Seeing the number of key guys out, this Grizzlies squad will have to rely on their top players to be at their full potential in this game.

Wizards vs Grizzlies Head-to-Head Trends

As the Memphis Grizzlies have a slight lead in victories with 3 over the past 5 matchups against Washington, they will try to open up a winning streak against this Wizards squad as they did for four straight games between 2019-2021. With this Memphis team close to healthy once again, this game will follow the trend of either being a complete blowout or a close game with the Grizzlies just losing due to pure negligence. Although these teams very rarely meet, Memphis managed to score over 100 points in 3 of their previous 4 outings. With the Grizzlies being 3-2 against the spread, they should build on it in this matchup if they can play to their top levels.

Betting Insights & Public Trends

In this game, the public trends show that 76.9% of the bettors believe Memphis will knock off Washington.

Wizards vs Grizzlies Final Prediction

As the Washington Wizards enter this game being very unhealthy, they face a Grizzlies team is finally starting to reload with everyone and should return everyone sooner or later. Although Memphis have their injury issues too, this has to be a game they dominate with their stars being a key part during this matchup. As Ja Morant will most likely start at point guard, he will play a much improved Jordan Poole defensively. But, the one key here is Morant has always show great dribbling skills and athletic ability to get towards the basket while also finding ways to take shots with space. As Zach Edey will start at center for Washington against Alexandre Sarr, he should use his size advantage and strength to win the rebounding battle. This will be close since both of them have struggled offensively, but Edey has shown to play better on both ends. With Jaren Jackson Jr. no longer having to face Kyle Kuzma, he can attack at his own will against a much weaker defender in Kyshawn George. Having the ability to block shots with ease and space the floor as well, he will continue being a great two way threat for the Grizzlies against a young Wizards forward. With the Wizards having Bilal Coulibaly starting at small forward, he could be the one advantage they have as the Grizzlies are without Desmond Bane. Coulibaly has shown to be a great spot up shooter and should use his abilities to control the young Jaylen Wells if Santi Aldama doesn’t start there. But, with Luke Kennard back as top three point shooter for the Grizzlies, his efficeny will be key for this team to keep firing away and should really benefit from being guarded by Carlton Carrington. This game will be a complete blowout unless Jordan Poole and Bilal Couliably can continue scoring, while this Wizards defense can stop Santi Aldama.

Our prediction: Memphis Grizzlies win and cover -7.5 spread, while score goes over 222.5 points.