Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Will Nikola Jokic and the Denver Dominate?

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Will Nikola Jokic and the Denver Dominate?

I’m going to be honest, the NBA slate is weak today. While there are marquee matchups on paper, nearly every team in playoff contention will be without one of its stars tonight. But have no fear. I have combed through this disgusting set of matchups to bring you guys a Friday night NBA play.

In a matchup of the top two seeds in the West, the play tonight is the Denver Nuggets -5 at home against the Memphis Grizzles. The Nuggets enter play with a 44-19 record, while the Grizzles boost a 38-23 record. The two teams last met less than a week ago (people sleep February only has 28 days), where the Grizzles were in control of the game from the opening tip to the final buzzer, defeating the Nuggets 112-94. However, tonight will be different, largely due to the off-court drama surrounding each team’s superstar.

Nuggets vs. Grizzlies Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: Friday, March 3, 2023
• Start Time: 10:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN

Click Here for Nuggets vs Grizzlies Odds

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction

Let’s start off with Ja. At this point, I’m not even sure what to say. While this is technically an old story resurfacing, there is one new essential element, which I will not mention here. Let me get one thing straight. I’m not a Ja hater. Quite the opposite. I love Ja. He’s one of the most electric players in the entire league. At some point though, we need to hold this dude accountable. The off-the-court distractions are beginning to get out of hand, not something a young team wants to experience due to its best player. I expect Ja not to have his best performance tonight.

Now to the less heavy drama. Nikola Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, has found himself the center (there was seriously no pun intended there) of the MVP controversy. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to be fatigued by the big man’s run of MVPs, questioning whether he’s done enough in the postseason to warrant a third MVP. Kendrick Perkins even accused Jokic of having Westbrook-like stat-padding tendencies, something I find ridiculous. I expect Jokic to respond in a big way on ESPN tonight, and even am expecting a Perkins shoutout after he posts a triple-double and beats the Grizzles.

In summation, Jokic has the motivation, and Ja…. well, Ja should just focus on basketball tonight. It’s worth pointing out that two key Nuggets starters are game-time decisions tonight, power-forward Aaron Gordon and small-forward Michael Porter Jr. While their injury designations are worth checking out before you deploy your units, each is likely to play according to sources. Take the Nuggets with me tonight, and let’s start the weekend off on the right foot.

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Pick

• Nuggets -5.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Collect $210) Click here for the best odds, available at DraftKings