NBA 2021/22 on Thursday, 31.03.2022
The game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies is also worth tuning in for because both teams are great entertainment at the moment – especially the visitors are really delighting NBA fans!
Nevertheless, in my Spurs Grizzlies tip, I am not leaning towards a favourite win. After yesterday’s success over the Warriors, the dark blue team could shift down a gear, while the Texans, on the other hand, will have to keep up the tempo until the end.
I have the impression that you can’t go wrong betting on the Grizzlies at the moment. Because even without their superstar Ja Morant, no franchise is shaking up the NBA like the Dark Blue are doing right now.
In my Grizzlies Warriors tip yesterday, however, I was conservative and “only” expected the home side to win by at least six points in the absence of their superstar – after all, the third-place team in the Western Conference was visiting.
In the end, however, Memphis flattened the Californians 123-95! The Warriors were so nervous that even coach Steve Kerr was sent off before the half-time whistle for criticising some of the referees’ decisions too harshly.
I don’t want to give Grizzlies fans false hope: Yes Morant will be out until the playoffs start! At the same time, his performance against the Spurs almost amounted to a “guaranteed win”.
Because in the last direct duel at the beginning of the month, it was the almost certain MIP Award winner, of all people, who not only led the Grizzlies to victory with his 52 points, but also set a franchise record at the same time.
In the end, it was 118-105 for Memphis, which incidentally was also the seventh win in a row over the Spurs. Nevertheless, I expect a more balanced duel this time – and not only because Ja Morant’s absence represents a significant weakening for the guests.
The Grizzlies are – as I already pointed out in the game against the Warriors – more than just a one-man show and even against strong teams they are able to successfully defend themselves without their superstar.
On the other hand, San Antonio has tasted blood in the meantime and has declared open battle against the Lakers, who are tied on points, with regard to the tenth and thus last available play-off seed.
An interception of the Californians is now even in the air, especially since the Spurs have just won four games in a row and were also able to defeat the Warriors in the process – albeit much closer than Memphis (110:108). The bottom line is that the Texans are highly motivated!
In terms of a Grizzlies win, I’m also sceptical because the Dark Blue have already all but clinched the battle for 2nd place with their triumph over the Warriors. Consequently, some key players could be spared from now on.
For tonight, I have two more promising betting options in mind, one more aggressive and one more cautious! The certainly more daring Spurs Grizzlies prediction sees a win for the Texans fighting for every inch.
In the end, however, I prefer the second option, which in my eyes is a tad more likely and takes into account the offensive style of play of both teams. According to this, over 225.5 points will be scored in the end.
The prospect of an entertaining game with enormous forward momentum is also supported by the official NBA statistics, as in the month of March only the Minnesota Timberwolves (124.6) scored more points on average than the Grizzlies (122.7).
As far as the leading bookmakers are concerned, it should come as no surprise that the current Spurs Grizzlies odds seem to favour a win for the visitors.
This is currently being traded at around 1.50 on the markets. However, given the situation I have described, a San Antonio win, which is offered at odds of around 3.00, seems a little more promising to me.
Conclusion: The Grizzlies are as fearsome as real grizzly bears right now. After all, after nine wins from their last ten games and the recent show of power against the Warriors, the bookies are unanimous regarding the role of favourites for tonight.
But the visitors are now out of the woods after the win over the Californians and could take it easy until the end of the regular season, just not to risk any more failures before the start of the postseason.
On the other hand, the Texans have just won four games in a row and are in a long-distance battle with the Lakers for the last available play-off spot. Accordingly, I expect the home side to make a spirited attempt to defeat Memphis.
My Spurs Grizzlies tip is therefore: Over 225.5 points – possibly with a better end for the home side!
