NBA 2021/22 on Saturday, 05.02.2022
The game between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies may not be the most exciting basketball game on this night. However, it is the one I am most likely to expect a high score from.
Because both opponents bring the right conditions to conjure up a high final score on the table. The exact reasons for this will be revealed bit by bit in my Magic Grizzlies tip!
Before this game I think we will get some entertainment. That’s because we have two teams meeting that, in terms of playing style, have the perfect ingredients for a high-scoring game.
The Grizzlies are a young, dynamic team that simply excels going forward. In fact, Memphis has consistently scored over 115 points in six of their last seven NBA games.
The only exception was a 91-104 defeat against the Nuggets, but that was a surprise. Denver possesses a tough defence that is expected to keep the Grizzlies busy
The Magic are not the Nuggets, however, and come primarily through their offense. Again, like the Grizzlies, we find some phenomenal young talent, but they also seem to be made for scoring rather than preventing baskets.
The trade of the Wagner brothers has done Orlando good, by the way. Even if the Floridians remain the worst team in the NBA with a record of 12:41, the ball has been moving a bit more smoothly lately.
After all, the home side won three of their last four games thanks to better ball handling and fewer turnovers – and not against just anyone. In fact, they even managed to beat the Mavs and Pacers.
What has worked better and better for both opponents over the course of the last week, and what prompts my Magic Grizzlies tip, is the uptick in offensive production, which can also be proven statistically.
After all, both the Magic (10th) and Grizzlies (6th) are among the top-10 NBA teams in scoring during their last six games, averaging 115.8 and 118.3 points per game, respectively!
In fact, I think another high-scoring game is inevitable, as Orlando has no real answer to the visitors’ main weapon, Ja Morant. Especially as the home side will be limited by a host of injuries.
Among the Magic’s absences are a number of key defensive players who could slow Ja Morant’s advances towards the basket somewhat. The home side won’t be able to do much about that in the current line-up.
Carter-Williams, Fultz, Hampton, Isaac and Moore are all out with persistent knee and ankle injuries. Precisely because Memphis has all its players together except for Brooks, I’m secretly leaning towards an away win.
Sure, Brooks is an important element, but the Canadian has been injured for some time and the offensive flow of the young guns has by no means stalled as a result – quite the contrary: under conductor and budding “MIP” Ja Morant, the ball runs smoothly for Memphis!
Even though the Magic have strung together a few wins now, that doesn’t mean the season so far can be ignored.
Accordingly, the home side’s odds of victory are high compared to those of the visitors. These are currently around 3.40, while those of the Grizzlies are hovering around 1.30.
Conclusion: While I’m leaning slightly towards a Grizzlies win, I’ve been impressed with the way the Magic have run the ball in recent games. It’s not for nothing that the NBA’s worst team has suddenly won three of its last four games.
What stands out, however, is the offensive production of both opponents. Over the last ten games, both the Magic and the Grizzlies are among the top ten in the NBA in terms of “most points”!
In addition, the respective playing styles are also right to assume a high-scoring game. Because Memphis in particular has more to offer on the way forward than when defending their own perimeter!
Thus, my Magic Grizzlies tip is: Over 219.5 points!
