The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies have met twice already this season, but Wednesday’s game will be the first time they’ll square off at FedEx Forum.  With that said, it’s time to check out a preview of this game along with our picks for the spread and totals.

Catch this game live on Wednesday, January 12, at 9 AM, Manila time

Away: Golden State Warriors (30-9/12-6 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Stephen Curry
  • SG: Klay Thompson
  • SF: Andrew Wiggins
  • PF: Andre Iguodala / Nemanja Bjelica
  • C: Kevon Looney

The Warriors were not going to let themselves lose in Klay Thompson’s first NBA game in over 900 days, as they took care of business Monday and defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, 96-82. Thompson still looked rusty but managed to score 17 points on 7/18 shooting, including three triples. With an outing finally under his belt after a long absence, Thompson must be acclimated more to the NBA’s game speed by the time he faces the Grizzlies this Wednesday. 

Draymond Green did not make the trip to Memphis, which means the Warriors will less have defensive options and one less playmaker.

That’s not good news for Memphis, which couldn’t stop the only available member of the Splash Brothers in a 113-104 loss to the Warriors back in December at Chase Center. Stephen Curry sizzled for 46 points on 13/22 shooting and eight 3-pointers in the win against the Grizzlies, while Gary Payton III came up with 22 points. Curry clearly loves playing against Memphis, as his career average versus the Grizzlies is 25.9 points to go with a 44.8 3FG% in 34 appearances in the matchup. Golden State is 15-12-2 ATS this season in games after a win.

Home: Memphis Grizzlies (28-14/14-8 at home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Ja Morant
  • SG: Desmond Bane
  • SF: Ziaire Williams
  • PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
  • C: Brandon Clarke

Memphis is like an unstoppable freight train right now. The Grizzlies just demolished the Los Angeles Lakers in a 127-119 win in Tinseltown on Monday to record their ninth win in a row. The Warriors may have Klay Thompson back, but with how things are playing out over the past several games for Memphis, the Grizzlies look like the last team that’s going to lose sleep over the return of the Splash Brothers to action. For one, they have Ja Morant, who’s been making loud noises of late. 

Morant is on a tear, having averaged 27.8 points to go with a 52.5 FG% and a 50 3FG% during his last eight games.  He had 30 points on 11/22 shooting in the Grizzlies’ 104-101 win in Golden State last October, then poured 21 points in the second meeting. Another key factor that’s powering Memphis surge is Morant’s running mate, Desmond Bane, who’s put up 22.9 points on 50.4 FG% and 47.8 3FG% in his last eight appearances. The Grizzlies welcome Golden State this Wednesday with a 12-10-0 ATS record in home games this season.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Warriors are a sentimental pick with Thompson back, but the Grizzlies have gotten so confident and better since the last time these two teams met. Memphis (+1) covering in this game looks like the safer pick.

Over/Under: With Klay back and Morant and Bane shooting the lights out, an Over (218.5) pick makes more sense.

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