The Miami Heat are sizzling. They get a chance of extending their win streak to four games this Sunday morning on the road against the highly potent Memphis Grizzlies, who are feeling good after a day of rest and a win over the Golden State Warriors. 

Catch this game live on Sunday, October 31, at 8 AM, Manila time

Road: Miami Heat (4-1/1-1 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Kyle Lowry
  • SG: Duncan Robinson
  • SF: Jimmy Butler
  • PF: P.J. Tucker
  • C: Bam Adebayo

If there’s a team that can neutralize the Grizzlies, it’s got to be the Heat. Since losing to the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 24 to the tune of a 102-91 score, the Heat have put together a three-game win streak. That stretch includes their 114-99 home win over the Charlotte Hornets. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo had a field day dominating the Hornets, as they scored 32 and 26 points, respectively. Butler has put up MVP numbers of late, having averaged 28.3 points on 56.9 FG%, 9.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.3 steals over the last three Miami games. 

He’ll be working with Kyle Lowry in trying to contain the Grizzlies’ backcourt. Miami’s defense is legitimately good, as evidenced by the fact that it’s limited the Milwaukee Bucks to only 95 points and the Brooklyn Nets to just 93. The Heat’s defense is also actually no. 1 in the league with 95.8 points allowed per game. Miami doesn’t give up lots of easy shots, which is why players are shooting a measly 39.1 FG%  against the Heat this season. The Grizzlies can’t flex too much muscle on the board against this Miami team as well. Miami is leading the NBA with a 56.6 REB%.

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Home: Memphis Grizzlies (3-2/1-0 at home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Ja Morant
  • SG: De’Anthony Melton
  • SF: Desmond Bane
  • PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
  • C: Steven Adams

A tough early-season schedule hasn’t stopped Memphis from rolling. Two of their wins were scored against playoff contenders on the road, beating the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 24 (120-114) at STAPLES Center and the Golden State Warriors Friday in the Bay Area (104-101 OT). Against the Warriors, Ja Morant continued his torrid start to the season, scoring 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting from the field. There was certainly no shortage of scoring support for Morant, with three other starters chipping in at least 12 points each.  

Morant is averaging 30.4 points per game on 54.4 FG% so far this season and he’s also shooting 40.6% from deep. The Murray State product along with Desmond Bane (41.5 3FG%) and De’Anthony Melton (40 3FG%) are giving opposing teams headaches with their excellent outside shooting, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams pound defenses inside. The Grizzlies are fifth in the NBA with 14.2 threes per game and sixth with 51.6 points in the paint per contest. Memphis can attack from almost everywhere on the court and have plenty of success. This offensive versatility plus their ability to retain possessions with elite offensive rebounding have played big roles in the Grizzlies’ booming start.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: 

Miami is playing the second leg of a back-to-back home-and-away set this Sunday, but I’ll still buy the Heat as the underdog in this matchup because they matches up real well against Memphis’ strengths — at least on paper. Plus the Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last four games on zero days of rest. Take the Heat to cover (+2.5).

Over/Under:

Shots will be limited here for the Grizzlies. As for the Heat, they won’t score as many as they did against Charlotte, but can take advantage of that soft Memphis defense that’s second-worst in adjusted defensive rating. Take the Over (217.5).