New York Knicks vs Memphis Grizzlies: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (10/19/22)
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The New York Knicks will travel south to a much warmer climate to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference during last season. Check out my prediction, the current odds, the most updated injury report, and the projected starting lineups below!
New York Knicks Vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds
After Dillon Brooks was listed as doubtful on the Memphis Grizzlies’ injury report, the line has moved significantly from between six and 6.5-points in favor of Memphis to merely four points. This movement has a lot to do with Brooks’ antagonizing defense on opposing forwards, which in this case, would have bothered R.J. Barrett. Last season, Memphis covered 66% of its home games, while the New York Knicks managed to cover the spread in 56% of away games.
New York Knicks Vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
My entire outlook on this matchup between the Knicks and the Grizzlies has changed after Dillon Brooks was listed as doubtful and Ziaire Williams was confirmed to be out. Memphis had a few significant advantages heading into this game against New York, including its matchup of Brooks against R.J. Barrett, and its terrific depth off the bench; however, without Williams and Brooks, I’m less confident in Memphis gaining the separation I formerly believed it would when the starters rest in this game.
Another concern I have is the matchup of Santi Aldama versus Julius Randle. While Aldama has terrific height and length, Randle is a bulldozer and could play “bully ball” with him on the interior. If Aldama struggles to keep Randle off the boards, then one of the Grizzlies’ biggest advantages over teams (rebounding) becomes obsolete. I don’t have confidence quite yet in Aldama as a starting four in this league, and between Brooks’ injury and Memphis losing depth, the spread starts to look a little less flattering.
While Memphis still very well could win, four points is a solid deal for the new-look New York Knicks who finally have a stable, solid point guard and enough offense to be somewhat competitive, even against a high-scoring Grizzlies squad. I will take the New York Knicks against the spread because there is value, but I’m not thrilled about it, as this team was incredibly inconsistent last season.
Betting Trends
- The Grizzlies were 2-0 last season against the New York Knicks.
- Memphis was the league’s best team ATS last season with a record of 31-16.
- The Grizzlies were 34-16 without Dillon Brooks in 2021-22
.@memgrizz status report, Oct. 19 vs @nyknicks:
DOUBTFUL
Dillon Brooks – LT Thigh SorenessOUT
Danny Green – LT Knee Surgery Recovery
Jaren Jackson Jr. – RT Foot Surgery Recovery
Ziaire Williams – RT Knee Soreness— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) October 18, 2022
Key Matchups
Check out a few of the key matchups for the New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies game below, including the battle of the frontcourts and the ensuing battle between Desmond Bane and R.J. Barrett.
Steven Adams and Santi Aldama Vs. New York Knicks’ Frontcourt
The Memphis Grizzlies finished last season as the best rebounding team in the NBA, ranking first in total rebounds per game, first in offensive rebounds per game, and second in total rebounding percentage. Steven Adams was a large contributor to that effort, averaging ten rebounds per game in just over 26 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks only did a few things well in the 2021-22 season, but rebounding happened to be one of them; they ranked fourth in offensive rebounds per game and fifth in total rebounding percentage.
Still, there are questions about whether Memphis will have the same impact on the glass without Jaren Jackson Jr in the lineup. Not only that, but the Grizzlies have seemingly decided to go with Santi Aldama at the four in the starting lineup over Brandon Clarke, likely due to shooting and spacing concerns. Aldama has a tough first matchup against Julius Randle, and it will take a concerted effort from the entire Grizzlies team on the glass to eliminate one of New York’s biggest strengths.
Desmond Bane Vs. R.J. Barrett
With Dillon Brooks likely getting scratched due to left thigh soreness, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a massive defensive void on the perimeter. It’s probably that John Konchar will slide into the starting lineup, and Desmond Bane will be moved to the three, thus forcing him to guard R.J. Barrett on the defensive end of the floor.
Barrett was in line for a long night before Brooks was ruled out, but he could have a different approach with Bane guarding him. I don’t expect a massive night from Barrett, but I’m certainly more bullish on him than I was before the Brooks news dropped.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Evan Fournier
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Mitchell Robinson
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineups
PG: Ja Morant
SG: John Konchar
SF: Desmond Bane
PF: Santi Aldama
C: Steven Adams
Key Injuries
New York Knicks Injuries: Quentin Grimes (Out)
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: Dillon Brooks (D), Ziaire Williams (Out), Danny Green (Out), Jaren Jackson Jr (Out)
