Game: Memphis Grizzlies @ Philadelphia 76ers
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Odds: Grizzlies +3.5, 76ers -3.5
Total: 220
In a matchup of the third seeds in each conference, Philadelphia hosts Memphis tonight. Both teams have been streaky as of late with the Sixers winning four straight and the Grizzlies three straight. Philadelphia has been extremely hot since Christmas winning 14 of their past 15 games. Memphis has won 16 of its last 19.
Two players, who will both play key roles tonight, are the big reasons why each team has been doing so well. Joel Embiid, once listed at +5000 to win the NBA MVP, is now the frontrunner to win the award at most sportsbooks. In his last ten games, Embiid is averaging a ridiculous 35.2 points and 11.1 rebounds. Embiid hasn’t scored fewer than 25 points in a single game since before Christmas. In the Sixers’ most recent win, a 103-101 victory over Sacramento on Saturday, Embiid had 36 points and 12 rebounds.
For Memphis, it has been the play of guard Ja Morant that has propelled the Grizzlies up the Western Conference standings. Memphis also won on Saturday beating Washington 115-95. Morant scored a game-high 34 points. It was his sixth straight game with 30 or more points. Just recently selected to the All-Star team, Morant is averaging 30 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game since the calendar turned to the New Year.
Both stars have had help though. Dillon Brooks (18.4 ppg), Desmond Bane (17.8 ppg), Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.4 ppg) and Brandon Clarke (10.1 ppg) all average in double figures for Memphis. The Grizzlies are now a top-5 offense averaging 112 points per game.
Tobias Harris averages 18.7 points and Tyrese Maxey 16.4 for the Sixers. Seth Curry (15.6 ppg) and Shake Milton (10.5 ppg) also average in double figures for Philadelphia. Embiid’s supporting cast may have to come through tonight given his track record against the Grizzlies. Embiid has played against Memphis six times in his career. He has never scored more than 16 points against the Grizzlies and that was back in 2018.
Memphis has also had success against Philly as a team. The Grizzlies have won 14 of the last 17 meetings with the Sixers. Bettors love Memphis, especially on the road. The Grizzlies have one of the best records against the spread when playing away from home. Memphis is 17-8 ATS in road games this season. The Grizzlies have also covered in 13 of their last 16 games overall.
The 76ers are no slouches themselves as they have covered in 10 of their last 15 games. The Sixers are also 4-1 ATS in their last five home games against Memphis. The Grizzlies are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 road games.
Philadelphia relies on a top-10 defense that holds opponents to 105.2 points per game. As a result, the Sixers trend Under. In eight of Philly’s last 12 games, the total has gone Under. The total has gone Under in three of the Grizzlies’ last four games.