Memphis Grizzlies vs. Washington Wizards Prediction: Respect the Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Washington Wizards Prediction: Respect the Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Washington Wizards Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
When: Saturday, January 29, 8:00 pm ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Click Here for Grizzlies vs Wizards Odds
Grizzlies vs. Wizards Line Movement
It's hard to imagine how much more it's going to take the Memphis Grizzlies to get the respect they deserve.
Not only does the new age Grit N' Grind crew have the third-best record in the league despite their starting backcourt of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks having played under 60 games between them, but they're one of six teams with both a top 10 offense and defense. They also have the second-best mark against the spread in the NBA, having covered just under 65 percent of their games with a positive 2.6 margin against the spread that trails only Cleveland and Golden State.
All things considered, it's a little odd that they're giving so few points to a team that is in the midst of a free fall, having dropped into a tie for 10th place with the Atlanta Hawks after four straight losses, all of which came in their own building. Even worse, the Wizards have lost 10 of 11 against the spread and now have the second worse mark ATS in the league. In many ways, they are the polar opposite of Memphis this season, having started fast, only to crumble as the games piled up.
Maybe Vegas thinks Washington will show up with some pride after having blown the second-largest lead in NBA history, but you know the Grizzlies will be expecting that, and they don't take anyone for granted, especially in their own building. Give the points at home.
Grizzlies vs. Wizards Pick
- Grizzlies -5.5 (-105) (Bet $105 to Win $100)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Sacramento Kings Prediction
When: 7:30 pm ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Click Here for 76ers vs Kings Odds
Since their stretch of really putting a hurting on teams, with seven covers in eight games from December 30 to January 15, the Sixers have come back down to earth a bit, alternating covers and drops in their last six games. That said, they've won three in a row, and are poised to finish the month as the best team in the East by both net rating and record.
All that's starting in their way now is a couple of home games. The second game, on Monday, comes against the Memphis Grizzlies and will be no picnic. As a result, you'd figure that Philly will be ready to take care of business here against a Kings team whose coach continues to discover new ways to say "I'm embarrassed" and "I'm sorry" to the fans after every game.
Over their last dozen games, the Kings have had two separate five-game losing streaks, the second of which they're still in the midst of. Their defensive rating over that time looks like a made up number: 126.6, which is like playing 4 on 5. The Sixers may not be perfect, but they can take advantage of a team that doesn't know what it's doing on that end of the court.
Philly is only 4-4 ATS on double-digit spreads, so this hasn't been automatic for them, but this is the right opponent at the right time...or the wrong time if you're the Kings. Give the points at home.
76ers vs. Kings Pick
- 76ers -10.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)