The Memphis Grizzlies look to beat the talented-but-spiraling Phoenix Suns for the third straight time this season.

Catch the game tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Phoenix Suns (27-30, 11-19 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Tyus Jones
• Devin Booker
• Ryan Dunn
• Kevin Durant
• Nick Richards

The Suns are steadily plummeting. They are 27th in defensive rating, and now just 2-8 over their last 10 games, averaging 113.8 points per game with a horrific -10.1 net rating across that span. They’re previous loss was a 127-109 abomination to the lottery-bound, injury-riddled Toronto Raptors. Yikes.

In addition, the Suns are also 0-2 to the Grizzlies this season, losing 117-112 last New Year’s Day, and 119-112 just right before All-Star Break.

Ageless scoring machine All-Star Kevin Durant is leading the offense in the head-to-head with 31.5 PPG on a superb 62.2% shooting, which would be good until Devin Booker’s duds are basically cancelling it out, going a combined 10-of-33 in two meetings vs. MEM. Still, all others would have to step up: Bradley Beal, Tyus Jones, Nick Richardson, Grayson Allen, and rookie Ryan Dunn. Bol Bol is up-and-down us always, but it’s important to note that he had 18 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in his last encounter with the Grizzlies.

Overall, the whole group’s defense is nearly at the bottom, so that’s the area that needs the most improvement. Currently sitting at 11th with zero momentum, they better hurry up too.

HOME: Memphis Grizzlies (37-20, 21-6 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Ja Morant
• Desmond Bane
• Luke Kennard
• Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies aren’t on a good stretch as well. While at second seed out West, they have only gone 2-4 in their last six outings, scoring 114.3 PPG while allowing 120.8 on the other end.

Then again, the guys will come in confident thanks to the pair of victories they have over the Suns. The team’s usual suspects will be the headlining act: Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane are each posting over 25 PPG in the season matchup, so look for them to maintain such numbers, especially while at home against a defensively challenged opponent.

Beyond the three is a mixture of solid support talent: Santi Aldama, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Scotty Pippen Jr., and rookie giant Zach Edey. All have done good with their roles overall, hence the team’s record, but considering the slump, we’ll see how much urgency they have, particularly on help defense as they’ll be needing to stop two elite scorers.

PICKS:

Spread: Suns (-8.5)

Over/Under: Over (245)