Grizzlies Enjoying Resurgence with Morant; Nuggets Test Awaits
Grizzlies vs Nuggets NBA Odds: Denver Opens at -8
The Memphis Grizzlies have enjoyed a resurgence behind star guard Ja Morant. But next up on Thursday (9 p.m. ET) comes their biggest test since Morant’s return: a trip to Denver.
The Nuggets opened as 8-point favorites, but the line was quickly bet down to -6.5. The projected total is also 227.5, down a smidge from 228.5.
What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and assess the Grizzlies vs Nuggets NBA odds.
Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets
Day/Time:
Stream: Ball Arena; Denver
Betting Trends
The Memphis Grizzlies are 13-16 ATS but have covered in nine of their 16 road games. The Grizzlies have also gone Under the total in 12 of their 29 games. Conversely, the Denver Nuggets are 14-17-1 ATS, including 7-6-1 at home. Denver’s record against the Over/Under is 12-19-1, the second highest Under rate (62.5%) in the NBA. That’s important to remember when analyzing the Grizzlies vs Nuggets NBA odds.
Morant’s Return Changes the Equation
The Memphis Grizzlies edged New Orleans 116-115 on Tuesday and are 4-0 since Ja Morant returned from a 25-game suspension to open the season. Memphis struggled mightily in his absence but has seen its record climb to 10-19.
Showing no signs of rust, Morant is averaging 28.8 points on 50.6% shooting to go with 8.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week had 31 points in Tuesday’s overtime win, helping Memphis cover as a 4.5-point underdog.
Amid its slow start, Memphis has seen its odds of making the Western Conference playoffs drop to +350. However, with the likes of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. complementing Morant, the Grizzlies seem due for positive regression. The Grizzlies are also +1600 longshots to win the Southwest Division, well behind Dallas, New Orleans and Houston.
Memphis has been difficult for bettors to trust, with a 13-16 record ATS. But it’s covered in four straight games to move to 8-12 ATS as an underdog. It’s also gone Over the projected total in back-to-back games. Bettors should keep that in mind when assessing the Grizzlies vs Nuggets NBA odds.
Same Old, Same Old for Denver
The Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 120-114 on Christmas for their fifth straight win and eighth in nine games. At 22-10, Denver sits second in the Northwest Division behind Minnesota.
Denver will be without forward Aaron Gordon, who’s away from the team indefinitely after suffering lacerations to his face and hands from dog bites on Christmas. That same day, Gordon registered 16 points and 10 rebounds as Denver continued its resurgence.
The Nuggets continue to be led by Nikola Jokic, who’s averaging 26.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists. The perennial All-Star leads the NBA with 10 triple-doubles and continues to find himself among the favorites for MVP, with sportsbooks pricing him as high as +250. As of Wednesday afternoon, only Philadelphia center, Joel Embiid, the reigning winner, owned better odds (+150).
Denver is also a +210 favorite to win the Western Conference and +425 to defend its NBA title, trailing only Boston (+350) and Milwaukee (+380).
The Nuggets have been favored in all but three games this season, with a 14-17-1 record ATS. Notably, Denver has gone Under the projected total in six of its last seven games. Those are important NBA betting tips to follow.
Handicapping the Game
Memphis may have struggled early, but Morant’s return clearly raised the team’s ceiling. Just look at the NBA scores. The Grizzlies have won four straight, with Morant leading the way. They should only continue to improve as Morant gets his legs back under him and gels more with his teammates.
That said, it’s difficult to bet against the Nuggets. That’s especially the case at home, where they are 12-2.
For the schedule for NBA playoffs, betting odds and analysis, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine
