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Suns vs Grizzlies Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Suns Face Grizzlies In Battle Of Top Records In NBA

Phoenix Looks To Send Message In Trip To Memphis

The top two teams in the league square off on Friday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Memphis Grizzlies for a potential playoff preview. The Suns have already clinched the top record in the league and have won nine straight heading into Friday. The Grizzlies have won six straight and are looking to clinch the second-best record, as they lead the Miami Heat by five games with five to play. This game should have a playoff atmosphere, so before you bet online let us give you an in-depth preview of the contest.

Let’s check the latest NBA Picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA Odds for Suns vs Grizzlies. We’ve plenty of NBA Predictions.

Suns vs Grizzlies Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Suns vs Grizzlies Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Suns Streaking To The Finish

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the top teams in the league all season despite dealing with various injuries to key parts of their rotation. The defending Western Conference champions are looking their best right now, especially with All-Star point guard Chris Paul healthy and running the show.

Paul had 15 points and eight assists in the Suns’ win over the host Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night and is not looking like the 36-year-old he is. Paul leads the NBA in assists per game with 10.7 while also scoring 15.0 points and making clutch baskets whenever Phoenix needs them.

His backcourt mate, Devin Booker, is also an All-Star and leads the Suns in scoring at 26.4 points per game, good for 10th in the league. Booker is also a shot-maker down the stretch of close games, and the dynamic duo will be the biggest keys to another long playoff run.

Center Deandre Ayton is also a big part of the Suns’ success, as he’s averaging 17.2 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 63.8% from the floor. Ayton’s presence in the paint allows the defenders to play tight on the perimeter, knowing he can cover up any mistakes.

Surprising Grizzlies Ready For New Role

The past few seasons have seen the Memphis Grizzlies fighting just to make the postseason, as they’ve played in the play-in tournament in each of its two years of existence. But this season’s team in Memphis is going to be one of the favorites in the Western Conference heading into the postseason after winning the Southwest Division for the first time, and they’re ready to play that role instead.

“Definitely a big milestone,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said after Wednesday’s win over San Antonio that clinched the division crown. “I told the group, a special accomplishment for a special group, but we’ve got more work to do.”

What has been most impressive about the Grizzlies’ success of late has been that it’s come with MVP candidate Ja Morant sidelined with a knee injury. Morant, who leads the Grizzlies with averages of 27.6 points (seventh in the league) and 6.7 assists, has been out since mid-March but should be ready to go for the postseason.

Instead, it’s been players like guard Desmond Bane picking up the offensive slack. Bane has averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, though he’s considered doubtful for Friday’s game due to left ankle soreness.

Another question mark for this one is forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who is dealing with a thigh injury that has him listed as doubtful as well. Jackson played against San Antonio on Wednesday but wasn’t very effective, finishing with nine points and five rebounds. The league’s leading shot-blocker at 2.3 per game, Jackson is also averaging 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this season.

Suns vs Grizzlies Head-to-Head

The road team has come out on top in each of the first two meetings between these teams this season, with the Phoenix Suns winning by 25 as the visitor in November. The Memphis Grizzlies returned the favor with a one-point win in Phoenix in late December.

The Grizzlies’ win snapped a three-game winning streak in the series for Phoenix, though Memphis took four straight against the Suns prior to that. The injury problems for the Grizzlies are why the NBA lines are favoring the visiting team in this one.

Suns vs Grizzlies Game Information

Suns vs Grizzlies Betting Lines

Suns vs Grizzlies Prediction

This could be an exciting Western Conference finals matchup, assuming both teams are healthy, but for this one, the Memphis Grizzlies are likely to be a shell of themselves due to injuries. The Phoenix Suns are building toward another long playoff run, and we like them to take care of business with an easy victory in this one.

When making your NBA picks, take Phoenix to win and cover on the road.

Pick: Phoenix Suns -7 1/2 (-110)

Playoff Picture Week 24
Playoff Picture Week 24

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