The Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs game is one of eight games scheduled for Friday in the NBA. It’s a battle between two of the worst teams in the Western Conference this season. However, the presence of Victor Wembanyama makes this a must-win match.
Memphis won the first two meetings against the Spurs this season, November 18 in San Antonio and January 2 at FedEx Forum. The Grizzlies enter Friday’s game on a 12-game winning streak against the Spurs dating back to January 30, 2021.
The Spurs haven’t beaten the Grizzlies since December 23, 2020 and haven’t won against them in San Antonio since January 5, 2019. Nonetheless, they still lead in this all-time head-to-head 74 -38. . If San Antonio can’t beat them tonight, they’ll get another chance on April 9.
•
Read also: Ja Morant warns league about Grizzlies blue-chip prospect GG Jackson II
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs preview, predictions, odds and betting tips
The Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs game will take place on Friday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. It begins at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on Bally Sports SouthEast-Memphis and Bally Sports SouthWest-San Antonio.
Money line: Grizzlies (+220) vs. Spurs (-260)
Spread: Grizzlies -6.5 (-110) vs. Spurs +6.5 (-110)
Total (P/U): Grizzlies o217 (-110) vs Spurs u217 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies have the third-worst record in the Western Conference at 23-47. They’ve been ravaged by injuries this season and it’s pretty impressive that they were able to surpass 20 wins. They just lost 137-116 to the Golden State Warriors.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs (15-54) have the worst record in the West and third-worst in the entire NBA. The Spurs have been more competitive since the NBA All-Star break, with Victor Wembanyama playing most of the time. Wemby’s rapid development means Spurs’ schedule may have just moved forward.
Read also: Baffled NBA fans react to Victor Wembanyama and France’s dream court after Joel Embiid dislike
Memphis Grizzlies starting lineups, replacements and rotation vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Memphis Grizzlies have 12 players listed on their injury report, with eight out and two questionable. Head coach Taylor Jenkins has no choice but to build a roster composed of:
PG: John Konchar | SG: Jake LaRavia | FS: GG Jackson II | PF: Saint Aldama | VS : Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies will likely use all of the remaining players on their roster, such as Trey Jemison, Dejon Jarreau and Maozinha Perreira.
In contrast, the San Antonio Spurs only have two players listed on their injury report. Head coach Gregg Popovich is expected to stick with his usual starting five:
PG: Tre Jones | SG: Devin Vassell | FS: Julien Champagnie | PF: Jérémie Sochan | VS : Victor Wembanyama
The Spurs’ current rotation also includes Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Dominick Barlow, Blake Wesley and Cedi Osman.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs predictions
Victor Wembanyama has a plus/minus of 22.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks for Friday’s game. He is averaging 20.4 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in his last five games. Bank on Wemby to get under his points and his blocks, and on his rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is favored to score under 25.5 points against the Spurs. Jackson has only scored more than 25.5 points once in his last five games. Don’t take any risks and bet on JJJ to go below 25.5 points.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
The San Antonio Spurs are the slight favorites to win Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs may have the worse record between the two teams, but they are healthier and the presence of Victor Wembanyama makes a huge difference.
Nonetheless, bettors are predicting a surprise victory for the Grizzlies. They also predict that Memphis will cover the spread +6.5 and the total will exceed 217 points.
