NBA 2022/23, on Tuesday, 03/29/2023
“MVP, MVP, MVP!” will once again resound from the stands at Memphis’ FedExForum tonight as Ja Morant once again magically fires up Grizz fans with back-to-back clutch shots.
But the dark blue won’t settle for just a playoff participation certificate. Meanwhile, in my Grizzlies Magic prediction, I make it clear why sports betting fans can’t go wrong with a tip on the euphoric home side tonight.
The whole scandal surrounding Ja Morant could yet take a positive turn for his team. Because the Grizzlies bagged win after win even without their superstar, but now the excitement is reaching its next level of escalation.
Because the superstar’s punishment ended at the weekend – meaning Morant can put on his basketball shoes again tonight and make up on the floor for what he failed to do off the court.
On the court, anyway, there’s no denying that last year’s MIP Award winner is a perceived 20-point difference-maker. Averaging 26.8 points per game and 8.1 assists per game, he is an absolute NBA superstar.
The Magic are – as those who regularly read our NBA picks already know – my absolute favourite team when it comes to placing underdog bets on a supposed underdog who then surprises everyone.
But even I think that the conditions for a strong performance by the Floridians are simply no longer there this time. Because it is now clear that the Chicago Bulls have decided the race for the last available play-off spot in their favour.
So the Magic feel zero motivation to build on their recent successful performances tonight. The fact that Orlando has won four of its last five NBA games deserves some credit, given its 41 losses already this season.
Memphis’ winning streak, the recent return of Ja Morant and the standings are all factors in their favour. The Grizzlies could all but seal second place with a win.
But beyond that, of course, there’s no denying that home court is probably the biggest reason to consider my Grizzlies Magic tip – preferably in combination with a sports betting bonus!
After all, the Grizz is the best home team in the entire NBA. In a whopping 32 of the 37 games played at FedExForum this season, the home side has come out on top – including the last 11, insanity.
And yet, I don’t expect Memphis to pull off a monumental victory over their upcoming opponent – even if they’ll likely only be able to enjoy the approaching playoffs on DAZN to a cold beer and a nice free bet.
Nevertheless, already in the first and only seasonal duel between the two franchises, the Floridians proved to be better than the 3.25 win odds traded on the betting markets at the time would have you believe.
The Grizzlies had to work hard until the end in their 123-115 victory as guests at the Amway Center. Ja Morant, who scored 32 points to keep the Grizz afloat until the end, was the decisive factor in their success.
The dynamism Ja Morant brings to the Dark Blue game is an element the young Floridians don’t quite know how to handle yet.
It’s quite possible that Carter, Wagner and Banchero will again have big problems against the superstar when delivering the half-court.
Sports bettors seem convinced of exactly that scenario at this point. Because in their Grizzlies Magic odds, the guests from the southeastern United States do not come off well.
The average odds for the Grizzlies to win the play-offs are only 1.30. It is advisable to use a handicap bet. Here, it is advisable to use a handicap bet to slightly increase the odds, as the payout is otherwise very low.
Conclusion: It is not only that the home side is the better team on paper. If it were only that, then the equally talented Floridians would not be completely without a chance.
But rather, the perfect storm is brewing for the Grizzlies at the moment. The play-offs are around the corner and the team has proven that it can win even without its superstar.
Moreover, Morant himself has been back for a few games now, which has fueled the mood in Memphis even more positively. People here have long been dreaming not only of their 12th home win in a row, but of much more …
My Grizzlies Magic prediction: Tip 1 with HC -7.5.
