The Memphis Grizzlies (14-25) host the Golden State Warriors (18-21) as part of the MLK Day NBA schedule. This is the first matchup of the regular season between these Western Conference rivals. Golden State narrowly leads the all-time series 53-50. Draymond Green is expected to return from a 16-game absence (suspension/reconditioning) for Golden State. The top-five scorers for Memphis are all on the injury report with Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Santi Aldama (knee) listed as questionable, while Ja Morant (shoulder), Desmond Bane (ankle) and Steven Adams (knee) are all out.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at FedExForum in Memphis. Golden State is an 8-point favorite in the latest Warriors vs. Grizzlies odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 226. Before making any Grizzlies vs. Warriors picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 13 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 42-23 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Warriors vs. Grizzlies and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Grizzlies vs. Warriors:
Warriors vs. Grizzlies spread: Golden State -8
Warriors vs. Grizzlies over/under: 226 points
Warriors vs. Grizzlies money line: Golden State -327, Memphis +260
GS: The Golden State Warriors have hit the 1Q game total Under in 15 of their last 21 games
MEM: The Memphis Grizzlies are 16-23 ATS this season
Warriors vs. Grizzlies picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Warriors can cover
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Green are the headliners, but the Warriors have had some role players step up recently. Forward Jonathan Kuminga is an athletic, downhill scorer for the Warriors. The 21-year-old is averaging 13.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. In his last contest versus the Bucks, Kuminga dropped a season-high 28 points with three boards.
Forward Trayce Jackson-Davis has been thrust into more playing time as of late. Jackson-Davis is a standout defender and has the length to be a reliable shot-blocker. The Indiana product is tough to stop in the open court and is always cutting to the rim for easy looks. He’s logged 12-plus points and at least one block in four straight games. On Jan. 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans, Jackson-Davis totaled 19 points, five boards and one block. See which team to pick here.
Why the Grizzlies can cover
With the Grizzlies decimated by injuries, guard Luke Kennard is getting opportunities to help carry the scoring load. Kennard thrives at moving off the ball to create space from defenders. The Duke product is putting up 9.1 points while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. In Saturday’s game against the Knicks, Kennard supplied 14 points and two assists. This was his third straight game in double figures.
If Jackson Jr. can go for the Grizzlies, he would give them a massive boost. Jackson Jr. plays lights-out defense around the rim due to his length and recovery speed. The Michigan State product also has a smooth jumper that can stretch the floor. Jackson Jr. logs 21.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. On Jan. 7 against the Suns, he finished with 28 points, 10 boards and six assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Grizzlies vs. Warriors picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 223 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.