Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies 4/1/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview (4/1/22)

Two of the best teams in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns, will duke it out at FedExForum in what would usually be a statement game. Unfortunately, the Memphis Grizzlies will be without nearly their entire starting lineup due to an assumed “punt.” There is not much to play for besides ego if you are the Grizzlies as they will not catch up to the Suns before the playoffs start. Additionally, they have second place in the Western Conference locked down, so there is no reason to risk injury in a game that could get heated!

Phoenix is one of the only other teams in the NBA besides Memphis that can still win the vast majority of its games without one of its best players. The Suns did exactly that when Chris Paul went down with a finger injury for several weeks. Luckily, the Suns have CP3 back in the lineup and have amassed a 3-0 record since his return. They have now won nine straight games and 11 of their past 12. More than likely, this will be the Western Conference Finals matchup, but the circumstances of this game are undoubtedly different.

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies are going to punt this game; Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Tyus Jones, and Steven Adams are all doubtful for this matchup with the Phoenix Suns. The spread reflects the fact that those guys will be unavailable, as otherwise, it would be much tighter. Despite the Grizzlies being so incredible without Morant this season, they have done that with the majority of their other players healthy. That will not be the case for this matchup, so I can’t justify betting with them in this spot. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns have been phenomenal on the road this season, putting together a 31-6 record away from Footprint. As a matter of fact, they have a better record on the road than at home, which is quite astounding for any team in professional sports, especially one with such a strong home record.

How To Watch

Date: 4/1/22
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Arena: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
Channel: NBA TV

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Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Jae Crowder
C: Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns Analysis

It has been nine straight wins for the best team in the NBA, and they don’t seem intent on slowing down. Phoenix has continually answered the bell despite injuries to Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, and Deandre Ayton in the past couple of months. Since the All-Star break, Phoenix has the fourth-best offensive rating, fifth-best defensive rating, and a 14-4 record. There has been little doubt in the second half of the 2021-22 season that the Suns are the best team. This winning culture starts with the organization, head coach Monty Williams, and the Suns’ stars, Devin Booker and Chris Paul. “Winners work” is a phrase you may have heard around the internet recently, which came from a sound bite of Booker finishing a lift after a win. Booker and Paul have gotten everyone on the team to buy-in, which is dangerous in a professional league. Another Finals appearance is not only possible but likely, at this rate.

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: De’Anthony Melton
SG: Dillon Brooks
SF: Ziaire Williams
PF: Kyle Anderson
C: Brandon Clarke

Memphis Grizzlies Analysis

Here’s another team with a winning culture built into the organization. The Grizzlies are in second place in a tough Western Conference and have accumulated a 19-2 record without Ja Morant, which is borderline unfathomable. It would be hard to convince me that any other team could pull this off; even the Phoenix Suns had a few losses in less time when Chris Paul was out with a finger injury. Memphis has incredible chemistry and avoids defensive breakdowns and silly turnovers. It ranks fifth in team assist-to-turnover ratio and has the best defensive rating in the NBA since the All-Star break. When the postseason starts, expect the Grizzlies to make some serious noise!

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Daily Fantasy Picks

With so many players injured for the Memphis Grizzlies, and a presumed “punt” incoming, there are only a few choices for your DFS lineups that make sense. However, the player that makes the most sense is Dillon Brooks. Brooks had been injured for most of the second half of the 2021-22 NBA season but has picked up right where he left off before. Brooks has posted averages of roughly 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists in his past five games on 48% from the field. While he has not shot particularly well from the free-throw line or from behind the arc, that should change as he is a solid shooter in this league. It would not shock me to see Brooks shoot 25 times in this game in an attempt to keep it close with the Phoenix Suns. There are not many offensive weapons outside of Brooks, so he will probably see an unbelievable amount of offensive usage, and you should prepare for that by sticking him into your DFS lineups!

How important is Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns? The answer is very important. Bridges is one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA, never misses games, and shoots with unbelievable efficiency for a small forward. Additionally, Bridges does all of the intangibles that teams need to succeed. Amazingly, he is capable of doing all of that and putting up impressive stats simultaneously. Over his past 11 games, Bridges has averaged just shy of 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists, despite being considered a secondary scorer at best for this Phoenix Suns squad. Bridges has had games of 26 and 27 points during that stretch and can pull down a lot of rebounds if needed. Give him a look for your DFS lineups, or if you are in a legal betting state and enjoy betting on player props!