Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Will Grizzlies extend Suns' woes?

The NBA’s world is a strange one. You can lose a prediction by a point or see your stakes fail even when someone misses a free throw, the margins are slim and the environment is as competitive as it gets. However, there are some teams that hit such a fantastic rhythm that they don’t look back. One of those squads Memphis Grizzlies takes on the Phoenix Suns in an inter-Conference battle.

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The Grizzlies enter the game after defeating the Pacers 130:112 as Desmond Bane drilled 25 points. This was Grizzlies’ ninth straight win and they have now won 29 and lost just 13 games. They are on a five-game winning streak at home, having won four straight away from home too which is remarkable. The Grizzlies began their amazing campaign last season and haven’t looked back. They look primed to finish in the top two or three at least. The team just keeps on improving.

What makes them special

Rebounding is a key feature to earn extra possessions and the Grizzlies are number one in rebounding with around 49 a game, they also are low on turnovers, being in the middle so they generate the third-most field goal attempts in the league. Defensively, they have been just amazing, and ever since Jaren Jackson has come back, all areas are packed which has translated into the best defense field goal percentage-wise, limiting opponents to just 44.3%. The defense is full of athletic players with Jackson, Brooks, Morant, and a rock-solid Adams. On the flip side, offensively, Morant opens up the game for shooters and the team has strong shooters in Bane and Brooks who can also put the ball on the floor and work their magic.

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The Suns’ woeful season continued against the Timberwolves as they lost 116:121 despite a 31 points outing by Guard Damion Lee. The Suns have lost eight out of their nine and 17 out of their 23 games, and they have now reached 23 losses and 21 wins. The winning train has completely disappeared since the absence of Devin Booker and not having Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson has further derailed the squad. This season is a follow-up to a season where the team won 64 games and had the best record in the league.

What’s next?

While Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges haven’t been horrible, it is clear that they are role players and can’t act as the Franchise Center-pieces. Their play hasn’t been as effective without Devin Booker, whose absence has derailed the squad for the most part. As a result, the Suns have repeatedly scored below 100 and their defensive confidence has been hit due to numerous losses. The trade deadline is three weeks away and Ayton’s name was floating even during the offseason. Will Ayton be moved?

• Grizzlies: OUT: Danny Green. QUESTIONABLE: Ja Morant, John Konchar;
• Suns: OUT: Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, Cameron Payne. QUESTIONABLE: Landry Shamet.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(30-35 Points)- QUES, Desmond Bane(24-30 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Steven Adams(12-14 Rebounds), Deandre Ayton(9-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmaker: Ja Morant(8-10 Assists)- QUES.

The Suns have completely lost the plot and their downfall has been rather dramatic. The Grizzlies have headed in opposite direction and even if Ja Morant is unable to play, they can simply deploy Tyus Jones who is one of the best backups in the world. The defensive end is tight for the Grizzlies and for a struggling offense of the Suns that can spell doom. That’s why I pick the Grizzlies to win this one and predict a scoreline of 124:104 in their favor.