Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks
11:10am, FedEx Forum
The Bucks look a decent play laying a 5-point head start against the Grizzlies.
Memphis is on short rest after losing a blowout to the Nets last night, and while home-court advantage is a minor positive, keep in mind Taylor Jenkins’ side finished 2-12 last year in the second game of a back-to-back.
Surprisingly, Memphis has won five in a row over the Bucks dating back to 2022, but it’s become clear early that the Grizz don’t have enough big bodies to match superstar forwards/centres like Giannis Antetokounmpo for four quarters.
With Marcus Smart potentially on the sideline nursing an ankle injury, this could be another tough night for the Memphis crowd.
Tip: Back the Bucks to Cover the Line (-5 Points) @ $1.90
Player Pick
As mentioned, the Grizzlies have given up an average of 27 points to opposing power forwards, so go ahead and play on Giannis’ points total.
There is blowout risk and the off chance they manage his minutes as he battles through a minor knee injury, but after allowing 30 points to Zach LaVine and 20 to Nikola Vucevic in Tuesday’s loss to the Bulls, Memphis’ size should offer up a nice matchup for the Greek Freak.
Tip: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over Points Total
Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns
1:30am, Intuit Dome
Not a huge shock to see the Clippers as slight favourites when they return home to host the Suns on Friday.
Ty Lue’s side has played to a 2-1 record to start the season, backing up a three-point opening loss to this same Suns team with back-to-back road wins over the Nuggets and Warriors.
The Suns got 25 points out of Kevin Durant and 24 from Bradley Beal when they first met, but it sounds like Beal might miss this game with a sprained right elbow.
For the Clips, they can take confidence into this game knowing they outscored Phoenix 62-42 in the paint during that first meeting, while they’ve also been one of the toughest teams to beat on the glass – currently allowing the eighth-fewest rebounds to opponents.
Tip: Back the Clippers to Cover the Line
Player Pick
As I wrote above, KD and Beal balled out last time they met, while Devin Booker made only nine field goal attempts on his way to finishing with 15 points.
With Beal potentially on the sideline, his offensive role and overall minutes should increase, while it’s also worth noting it was Booker’s birthday yesterday.
Tip: Devin Booker Over Points Total