Suns vs. Grizzlies Odds, Pick, Prediction: Multiple Ways to Bet this Game (January 16)

On Monday evening, the Phoenix Suns conclude their four-game road trip with a game against the surging Memphis Grizzlies.

Times have been tough for the Suns, who have lost 11 of their previous 13 games and will continue to be without their star players. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games.

Here’s a look at the odds, as well as our pick and prediction for Suns vs. Grizzlies.

Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne have all been declared out for Monday’s game, so expect the Suns’ offensive woes to continue. Phoenix is last in Offensive Rating (106.4) in its previous five games, per NBA Advanced Stats. The Suns have failed to reach 100 points in five of their previous seven games.

With their primary guards injured, the Suns have had to rely on second-year guard Duane Washington Jr. and journeyman Damion Lee in the backcourt. The results have not been ideal, as they have committed 19, 20 and 22 turnovers in their previous three games. Memphis has the best Defensive Rating in the league and should cause trouble for the Suns.

Landry Shamet is questionable for Monday’s game. He was the main beneficiary of minutes when Booker first went down with an injury, but Shamet has been dealing with a hip injury and has missed three consecutive games. He was also struggling with his shot as opposing defenses have been able to clamp down on him.

The Grizzlies have been unstoppable as of late. One of the main reasons is due to Jaren Jackson Jr.’s impact, particularly on the defensive end. He is averaging 3.2 blocks per game this season and the On/Off numbers show the Grizzlies’ Defensive Rating improves by 6.5 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, per Basketball Reference.

Memphis tends to get off to fast starts. The Grizzlies are 27-14-1 against the spread in the first half, per EV Analytics. This record is the second-best in the league, trailing only the New YorkKnicks. At home, Memphis is 14-6-1 ATS in the first half. Their bench unit, led by Tyus Jones and Brandon Clarke, is one of the most productive in the league.

After losing to the Suns at home on Dec. 27, 2022, the Grizzlies will have revenge on their mind. Matchups between these teams have been chippy, so expect the Grizzlies to bring their best. The Grizzlies are first in the league in points in the paint and second in the league in fast-break points. I anticipate their relentless attack on the offensive side of the ball will really give this undermanned Suns team trouble.

Suns-Grizzlies Pick

There are two ways to attack this game. First, with the Suns struggling on offense and the Grizzlies being the best defensive team, one angle I am looking at is the under on the Suns’ team total. They are only averaging 100.4 points per game in January and I would play this number down to 106.

Secondly, I would eye a first-half play on the Grizzlies. As mentioned, the Grizzlies are the second-best first-half ATS team in the league, and they set the tone of the game fast and early. Given the injury situation for the Suns and the revenge angle for the Grizzlies, I would play this up to -7.