Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/11/2023, 17:20  by Joseph King | Modified on 23/11/2023 at 17:41 in NBA Predictions

The wounded Memphis Grizzlies host the red-hot Phoenix Suns for this Black Friday NBA In-Season Tournament clash. Memphis are 0-3 in the NBA Cup and have been eliminated from possible progression to the quarter-finals. With the Lakers wrapping up the group with a 4-0 record, the Suns (2-1) can only advance to the next stage by securing the best second-place record in the West.

It’s been a nightmare start to the 2023/24 campaign overall for Memphis, who are still awaiting the return of star point-guard Ja Morant after his 25 game suspension. On the year, Memphis have only managed a 3-11 record which places them 14th in the Western Conference. If things continue on the way they’ve been going, Memphis could dig themselves into an inescapable hole to make the playoffs even when Morant returns. They’ve lost their last two in a row following a 111-91 blowout loss to the Rockets on Wednesday. Memphis will now return to the FedExForum where they are still searching for their first win of the season. The Grizzlies, who had the best home record in the NBA last season at 35-6, are 0-6 to start the year in front of the home fans.

The Phoenix Suns will likely have to secure a massive win to boost their overall points differential if they are to qualify as the best second-place team. After a shaky start to the season, Phoenix has now rattled off five straight victories to move to 9-6. Their most recent was a 123-115 win over the Golden State Warriors, marking the fifth straight win that the Suns have also eclipsed the 120+ point mark. The scary thing about Phoenix’s winning run is that they have done it with only two of their ‘big three.’ Durant, Booker and Beal have yet to actually take to the court together this season, with one of Booker or Beal having missed time earlier in the year. Bradley Beal is out again meaning the pair of Durant and Booker will be tasked with shouldering the offensive load.