The NBA play-in tournament continues this evening with the Western Conference taking center stage. In the first of two games, the No. 9 seed Memphis Grizzlies will host the No. 10 seed San Antonio Spurs. Although the Grizzlies are the higher seed and won the last two head-to-head meetings between the sides this year, road teams have had more recent success in the series. It is sure to be a good one, with the winner earning a shot at a spot in the NBA postseason bracket on Friday night. This Spurs vs. Grizzlies NBA betting picks preview will explore the best NBA betting odds, provide some key betting trends and offer the top NBA picks and predictions for the game.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies Betting Preview: NBA Picks & Odds
Spurs vs. Grizzlies Game Info
San Antonio Spurs (33-39, 19-17 Away) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (38-34, 18-18 Home)
Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2021
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Venue: FedExForum — Memphis, Tenn.
Coverage: ESPN
It is no secret that entering the postseason with a little momentum is ideal for success. The Spurs come into tonight’s elimination matchup with anything but. San Antonio dropped five of their last six games to close out the regular season. Losing Derrick White for the remainder of the season was a major factor behind their sluggish finish. In his absence, the Spurs starting backcourt now features Dejounte Murray and rookie Devin Vassell. Of course, DeMar DeRozan is the leader for San Antonio. Gregg Popovich will also need big contributions from Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl down low in order to pull off an upset as NBA betting underdogs.
The Grizzlies dropped their regular-season finale to the Warriors and are in this elimination game as a result. Ja Morant was critical of his play in that game, and rightfully so. While an early-season injury could be lingering, it has been a rather disappointing sophomore campaign for him. On the positive side, the Grizzlies are as healthy as they have been all season entering tonight’s play-in tournament game. Although inconsistent, Dillon Brooks has improved as a scorer this season. Meanwhile, the tandem of Jonas Valanciunas and Jaren Jackson Jr. gives Memphis a decisive frontcourt advantage in this matchup.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies Betting NBA Picks + NBA Odds Shopping
Using Awesemo’s OddsShopper Tool, we can easily compare the NBA odds for Spurs vs. Grizzlies betting across the major sportsbooks. The odds outlined below are from 10:30 a.m. EST on May 18, so make sure to check out the OddsShopper tool yourself to get the most up-to-date odds.
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NBA Odds: Moneyline
- Spurs: (+155) — William Hill
- Grizzlies: (-169) — PointsBet
NBA Odds: Spread
- Spurs: +4 (-109) — SugarHouse, DraftKings
- Grizzlies: -4 (-105) — PointsBet
NBA Odds: Total
- Over: 222.5 (-110) — SugarHouse, BetMGM, DraftKings, William Hill
- Under: 223.5 (-112) — FanDuel
Spurs vs. Grizzlies NBA Betting Trends
- Spurs are 14-6-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
- Grizzlies are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games following a loss of 10 points or more.
- Grizzlies are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games as an NBA betting favorite.
- Over is 8-0 in the Spurs’ last eight games against teams with a winning record.
- Under is 5-0 in the Grizzlies’ last five games as a favorite.
- The total has gone over in five of the last six head-to-head meetings between the Spurs and Grizzlies.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies Prediction
The initial inkling here is that the Spurs will continue to struggle without one of their best players in Derrick White. The way the team finished the regular season was certainly far from inspiring. It is tough to envision San Antonio having an answer for the red-hot Jonas Valanciunas down low. If Ja Morant is able to rebound from a rough outing Sunday, it could get ugly. Lean to the Grizzlies against the spread and also look into playing the total over. Both teams ranked in the upper half of the league in pace this season, and all three prior matchups between them this season flew over.
Prediction: Grizzlies -4, Over 222.5
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