NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Georgia to meet with the Atlanta Hawks. It should be Ja Morant vs Trae Young, but both of these guys are not sure for tonight’s matchup. Morant more than Young, who had a minor injury, while the Grizzlies’ superstar struggles with his back. If they meet on the court, it will be a spectacle worth watching. Regarding the overall situation, these two units were supposed to lead the new wave in the league, but for the moment, Memphis is pushing much better than the rivals from Atlanta.

Preview

Memphis Grizzlies (48-22, -140) won the past four games, two at home to the Pelicans and the Knicks and one on the road, in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis. The event with the Pacers saw a very dominant performance of the Grizzlies, who won 135-102.

Morant didn’t play, but that didn’t prevent one of the most diverse offenses in the NBA from demolishing the rivals. Just to mention that Memphis’ rise began with Ja injured and sidelined. Everything was solved in the first half, with the Grizzlies taking a 74-49 lead. At one point, they were up 43 points.

Desmond Bane had 21 buckets, Jarren Jackson Jr. 19, De’Anthony Melton 18 off the bench, while Steven Adams posted 13 points and rebounds each, seven on the offensive end.

Atlanta Hawks (34-35, +120) lost in Charlotte, after winning three consecutive events at home, against the Clippers, the Pacers and the Blazers. Again, the Hawks are posting much better performances in Georgia than on the road.

The reason why Hawks lost in North Carolina was the final period, in which they scored 21 points and allowed 31. Also, poor defense in crucial situations was another factor for this outcome. Yet the biggest thing here was Young’s poor performance. Trae had nine points, with 15 boards, having six turnovers and missing all six threes, while shooting 3-for-12 from the field.

De’Andre Hunter scored 21 buckets, Clint Capela posted a double-double with 17 points and 15 boards, Kevin Huerter scored 16, Onyeka Okongwu scored 14 and Bogdan Bogdanovic 12. Both of the Hawks’ biggest stars, Young and Bogdanovic, aren’t playing consistently, resulting in Atlanta’s mixed results.

Head to Head Games

The Grizzlies hosted the Hawks on November 26 at the FedEx Forum. They experienced one of the nastiest home losses in a while, with the Hawks beating the rivals 132-100. Trae scored 31 points with 10 assists, Clint Capela scored 23 and had 17 boards, while John Collins had 21 buckets. On the other hand, John Konchar had a team-high 17 points, while all the other players weren’t at their expected level.

Prediction

The Grizzlies are sharp even without Morant, and we don’t have to remind you about their winning streak earlier this year with Ja out. On the other side, the Hawks’ are way more productive at home than on the road, which is why we suggest betting on Over points here, with the total set at 236. The fast pace and offensive-minded game plan on both ends are something that works in our favor here, and we really do expect to see some fireworks at the State Farm Arena.

Pick: Over 236 points.