The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Gotham Thursday looking to return to their winning ways after a loss in Philly. Up next for them is a date with the rejuvenated New York Knicks, who are looking to win back to back to start the month of February.
Catch this game live on Thursday, February 2, at 8:30 AM, Manila time
Away: Memphis Grizzlies (35-18/16-9)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ja Morant
- SG: Desmond Bane
- SF: Ziaire Williams
- PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- C: Steven Adams (questionable)
Despite another big night from Ja Morant, the Grizzlies failed to extend their win streak to four games after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers on the road last Tuesday in overtime, 122-119. Morant dropped 37 points against the Sixers, though he also missed all five 3-point attempts and committed nine of the Grizzlies’ 14 turnovers. Morant will still be undoubtedly the focal point of Memphis’ attack this Thursday versus the Knicks.
Expect him to cut down on his turnovers against a New York side that is only 23rd in the NBA in opponents’ turnover rate (12.0%). The Grizzlies are also hoping that Desmond Bane sustains his momentum after going off for 23 points on 12/21 shooting against the Sixers. A relentless offense that’s so good at attacking the rim, scoring on second chances, and finishing on the break could be too much for the Knicks. Memphis arrives at Madison Square Garden with a 17-8 record against the spread in road games this season.
Home: New York Knicks (24-27/13-14)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Kemba Walker
- SG: Evan Fournier
- SF: RJ Barrett
- PF: Julius Randle
- C: Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks returned home after going winless in a recent three-game road trip and blasted the visiting Sacramento Kings Tuesday, 116-96. New York, which is now 2-0 straight up in its last three games in the Big Apple, shot 50% from the field against the Kings – a rare feat for the Knicks, who are only making 43.7% of their field goal attempts this season. Perhaps that offensive explosion against the Kings will turn out to be the beginning of a turnaround for New York. Alec Burks and Quentin Grimes provided much-needed support off the bench for the Knicks, as they scored 21 and 14 points, respectively.
Burks could be flirting with a starting gig against Memphis, as Kemba Walker barely did anything as part of New York’s starting unit the last time out. Walker scored zero points in 17 minutes against. With how Morant and Bane are playing, the Knicks will either have to deploy a better scoring backcourt or put up a stingy defense to slow down the Grizz’s duo. On the season, the Knicks are fifth in both points allowed per game (104.6) and opponents’ shooting percentage (44.1%).
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Grizzliesa are only 3-point favorites in this game, which feels a bit trappy, even though they’re the road team here and are coming off a loss. That said, Memphis could be playing mad in this game especially after losing to a Joel Embiid-less Sixers.
Over/Under: The Knicks will do their best to slow down the Grizzlies. Going to pick the Under (217.5) for this contest.
