Memphis vs Brooklyn Prediction: The odds on the Grizzlies' victory are gradually dropping

Considering the NBA Summer League, Memphis has beaten Brooklyn in the last eight head-to-head meetings. The odds on the Grizzlies' victory are gradually dropping. Will they be able to extend their winning streak against the Nets?

The team again heroically coped with losses in the squad, winning 2 of their 3 opening fixtures. Once again, Memphis's successes have been surprising, with players like Santi Aldama and John Konchar playing more than 25 minutes in the rotation. As for the newcomers, David Roddy is the preferred coach, although his offensive efficiency has to be improved. Desmond Bane can't handle his role as a secondary option on offense yet, but Ja Morant is doing a good job. Ja is averaging 34.3 points, 2.7 three-pointers, and 7 assists. Dillon Brooks is still out, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Ziaire Williams, and Danny Green will not play against Brooklyn.

In their last regular-season game, Taylor Jenkins' men lost away to Dallas, 96-137. Their opponent did not allow Memphis to turn around at the arc, and only Desmond Bane, Jake LaRavia, and Xavier Tillman made at least 40% of their three-pointers. The Grizzlies cleanly lost the contest at the basket this time, although they defended decently in the paint overall. Ja Morant was the highest scorer on the team with 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

The Nets are one of many contenders to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, but as the season begins, there are many questions about the club. The main one is whether Ben Simmons, who is averaging more assists and rebounds than he is scoring, will be able to develop. Joe Harris isn't back in the lineup as people are used to seeing him, and suddenly Brooklyn is missing a quality shooter right now. Royce O'Neale fitted in well, and among the youngsters, Nicolas Claxton is the most excited, averaging 16 points per game. By the way, Claxton and Kyrie Irving averaged 3 blocked shots each, and Brooklyn leads the NBA in that regard. Irving hasn't been as efficient on the offensive end as he'd like to be, but Kevin Durant is holding his own and hitting 50% of his shots from the field. Seth Curry and T.J. Warren are currently sidelined and will not play against Memphis.

Steve Nash's men rebounded from a devastating loss to New Orleans with a 109-105 home win over Toronto. What was pleasing was the way the Nets worked diligently on defense, although they failed to hold off Pascal Siakam. Irving and Durant combined for 57 points, but in the end, O'Neale made one of his key shots. Brooklyn's defense was good under the basket: the Nets had 13 blocked shots, 4 of them by Claxton.

Even with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks, the Grizzlies' defense was less than ideal, and they will have even more difficulty without their starting five. Brooklyn improved on defense with the addition of Simmons and O'Neale, Kevin Durant showed solid defense, and the progress of Claxton is encouraging. The Nets have room to improve their play, their shooters could have shot better, and Kyrie Irving has not yet reached his peak. Our prediction is as follows: 

• Handicap Brooklyn (+2.5) for 1.62;
• Brooklyn win including overtime for 2.01;
• Memphis Total Under 116.5 points for 1.95.