Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (12/20/22)

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Denver Nuggets after losing to the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Nuggets are coming off a win against the Hornets, where Nikola Jokic had a historic stat line. This should be an interesting matchup because these are two of the best teams in the Western Conference and in the NBA overall. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies are a 1-point road favorite against the Denver Nuggets and are at -120 on the money line. There’s also no over/under listed just yet. Expect it to be high because these two teams are very good on offense. The spread should stay where it is before tip-off because these two teams are very evenly matched.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction

The pick: Nuggets +1

The Nuggets have been very good this year. Nikola Jokic is obviously amazing and is the reigning NBA MVP. He is coming off a historic night against the Hornets where he had 40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game that put him legendary status because the last player to do that was Wilt Chamberlain. Jokic is also very close to averaging a triple-double this year and is very much in the NBA conversation again. This year Jokic is not alone and Jamal Murray is finally back and has been very good after all the time he’s missed due to injury. He’s the key for the Nuggets to take an extra step this year and go far in the playoffs. Aaron Gordon has also improved a lot for the Nuggets. As a team, the Nuggets are leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 50.5% and are 7th in the NBA in scoring at 115.8 points per game. The Grizzlies obviously have Ja Morant, but their depth this year is a huge difference maker. Desmond Bane has emerged a ton and is the team’s best three-point shooter. Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. are also very good in the front court and on the wing. As a team, the Grizzlies lead the NBA in rebounding at 49.1 rebounds a game, and they are 6th in the NBA in scoring at 116.2 points per game. Take this bet because while Michael Porter Jr. is still going to be out, the Nuggets are the home team and are playing insanely well, specifically Jokic. The Nuggets are still the play here even though it’s the second of a back-to-back for them too.

Betting Trends

Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.

Key Matchups

Can Jamal Murray go toe-to-toe with Ja Morant? Can Steven Adams slow down Nikola Jokic?

Ja Morant vs. Jamal Murray

Ja Morant beats Jamal Murray in every statistic except three-point shooting percentage and free throw shooting percentage. Morant averages 22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 47% from the field overall. Murray averages 16 points, 4 assists, 1 steal, 36.5% from three-point range, and 87% on free throws. Morant is the better player, but with the game being at home, Murray has a huge spotlight to go up against one of the best point guards in the NBA. This could be huge for Murray after missing some time with his injuries.

Nikola Jokic vs. Steven Adams

Nikola Jokic also beats Steven Adams in every statistic except blocks per game and field goal percentage. Jokic averages 20 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 34% from three-point range, and 83% on free throws. Adams averages 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 58% from the field overall. Adams’ main job is to rebound and play defense and his assignment is the reigning MVP of the NBA. He’s played okay against Jokic before, but he needs to play well for the Grizzlies to have a chance here because Jokic has been on fire recently.

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: John Konchar
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Steven Adams

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Bruce Brown
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokic

Key Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: SG Vince Williams Jr. (Illness) Q

Denver Nuggets Injuries: SF Michael Porter Jr. (Heel) O