The Memphis Grizzlies have won four in a row since Ja Morant returned. Can they extend it against the defending champs?

Catch the game tomorrow at 10:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Memphis Grizzlies (10-19, 8-8 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Ja Morant
• Marcus Smart
• Desmond Bane
• Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Bismack Biyombo

Confidence is overflowing in the Grizzlies locker room right now as Ja Morant’s return from a 25-game suspension has spearheaded a four-game winning streak. It has come at a crucial time too since they are 13th in the West and would need to climb fast in the standings.

Morant will be in his fifth game back, and will look to stay hot. He’s averaging a full line of 28.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block per game on 50.6% shooting in four games this season. He, Jaren Jackson Jr. (21.7 PPG, 1.7 BPG), and Desmond Bane (25.2 PPG) form an interesting trio that should be able to bring Memphis back as a playoff contender. Ace defender Marcus Smart should prove to be more effective too.

The Grizzlies are averaging 118.0 PPG in their last four games, a 12-point improvement from the 25 previous contests.

HOME: Denver Nuggets (22-10, 12-2 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Jamal Murray
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• Michael Porter Jr.
• Aaron Gordon (out) / Peyton Watson
• Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets head to the game on a five-game winning streak. They are also 8-1 over their last nine games, averaging 119.0 PPG with a +10 net rating in that span.

While the defending champs are red-hot, a challenge is ahead as key forward Aaron Gordon will be out for an extended period due to suffering facial injuries from dog bites. It will be interesting to see how the team will adjust since he’s basically their primary muscle in the paint.

Nikola Jokic (26.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.7 APG) and Jamal Murray (19.8 PPG, 5.7 APG) will stay as the maestro and high-scoring, sweet-shooting point guard, respectively, and it’s expected, so it’s on Michael Porter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and the rest of the supporting cast to fill the void left by Gordon.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Nuggets (-7.5) fail to cover.

Over/Under: The total goes under 225.