Grizzlies vs Spurs Prediction
The Grizzlies are hosting the Spurs in the first play in-game for the Western Conference. DeMar DeRozan will head into Memphis with hopes of either playing the Warriors or the Lakers for the 8th seed. It will be an exciting contest to see what Greg Popovich schemes up to stop Ja Morant and company. Find out what my Grizzlies vs Spurs prediction is right here.
This matchup will be hosted in Memphis, where the Grizzlies had just a slightly worse record at home (18-18) than on the road (20-16) this year. The Spurs were also better in away games this year, snagging 19 of their 33 wins on the road.
The Grizzlies are 38-34, while the Spurs are 33-39. Memphis holds the 9th seed and has won 6 of the last 10 games, playing consistently for the past few weeks. The Spurs, on the other hand, have not been playing well, losing their last 4 games and winning just 2 of the last 10.
Grizzlies Are Young, But They Know How To Win
In an extremely challenging Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies still managed to win 38 games. They had a chance against the Warriors on Sunday to make it to the 8th seed but could not find any answers against Steph Curry. If they’re able to win this matchup, they will face the loser of the Lakers vs Warriors extravaganza.
The Grizzlies had won 5 in a row before the disappointing loss in Golden State and 4 of those at home. This game will be in the FedExForum, and the limited fans that are in attendance will provide a boost for the Grizzlies players.
In Sunday afternoon’s game, Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Ja Morant posted a 16 points and 9 assists stat line. Jaren Jackson had only 14 points but looked good as he just came back from injury.
The Grizzlies will have to play great defense and make sure DeMar DeRozan isn’t able to torch them. Memphis has been led by Ja Morant all year, and they shouldn’t have any issues against this sub-par Spurs squad.
The Spurs Have Literally Nothing To Lose
The Spurs dynasty and playoff streak ended last year when they weren’t able to make the postseason. This year is no different, but they were able to squeeze into the play-in game for a chance to make some magic. DeMar DeRozan continues to be the Spur’s most consistent player, but he needs some help from the younger guys.
Amidst a four-game losing streak, the Spurs couldn’t find any momentum heading into this playoff game. Two losses against the phenomenal Phoenix Suns and one loss each against the Nets and Knicks were tough to swallow for Spurs fans. They will look to rebound against Memphis.
In Sunday’s game, Demar DeRozan dropped 23 points in 25 minutes. San Antonio’s young core, such as Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker, and Dejounte Murray, were each held to single digits. These guys must step in order to compete against the high-paced Grizzlies.
The Spurs will compete in this game, and if they lose, everything will be alright. Greg Popovich will head into the summer, hoping to turn Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker into superstars. Don’t ever count the tough-minded Spurs team out, especially in an important game.
Pick and Prediction
The Grizzlies are -4 and are favorites to win by almost every expert out there. I will go ahead and agree, believing the Grizzlies offensive firepower will be too much for the Spurs to handle. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson will lead the way and put up big numbers. I’ll take Memphis -4.
DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray will give it all they have, each posting 20+ points. It won’t be enough to match Ja Morant’s 22 points and 11 assist stat line or Jaren Jackson’s 20 points and 8 rebound night.
You can watch this game on ESPN at 7:30 P.M. Eastern time.
Pick: Grizzlies -4
