Game Preview: Grizzlies vs. Suns
It’s Tuesday, February 11, and the Memphis Grizzlies (35-17) are set to face off against the Phoenix Suns (26-26) at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Grizzlies have been on a roll, securing three wins out of their last four games, and they currently hold the fourth spot in the Western Conference. On the other hand, February has not been kind to the Suns, who have suffered four losses in their first five games of the month. This matchup presents a stark contrast in form and momentum, making it an intriguing game to watch.
Suns’ Recent Struggles
The Phoenix Suns are grappling with a series of issues that have derailed their recent performances. February started off poorly for them, with a string of losses that have raised questions about their team dynamics. One significant factor is the trade deadline drama, particularly Kevin Durant’s veto of a potential trade to the Golden State Warriors. This decision has likely left the locker room with mixed feelings, adding to the already mounting pressure. Additionally, the Suns’ management did not make any significant moves to bolster the roster, which may have further frustrated the players. The team’s defense has been a major concern, allowing 122 points to the Nuggets, 127 to the Jazz, 140 to the Thunder, and 121 and 127 to the Trail Blazers in their last five games. The Grizzlies, known for their potent offense, will surely exploit these defensive vulnerabilities.
Grizzlies’ Momentum
The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, have been consistently performing well this season, especially on the road where they are 14-11 with a point differential of 8. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant remain the core of the team’s offensive attack, but rookie center Zach Edey is beginning to make a significant impact. Morant, in particular, has shown signs of returning to his best form. After logging his first 30+ minute game since January 22nd against the Thunder, Morant is expected to have a strong showing against the Suns. The Suns have been particularly weak in defending point guards, giving up 25+ points per game to them, the fourth most in the NBA. This makes Morant a key player to watch and potentially bet on for a high-scoring performance.
Game Details & How to Watch
The game between the Grizzlies and the Suns is scheduled for 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Fans can catch the action live on TNT or via the Max streaming service. To stay updated with all the latest team stats and player news, visit our day-by-day NBA schedule page and detailed matchup pages that update live in-game. This comprehensive coverage ensures you won’t miss a beat of the action and can make informed decisions about your viewing and betting choices.
Expert Predictions and Best Bets
NBC Sports Bet’s expert staff and modeling tools have analyzed the latest odds and trends for the Grizzlies vs. Suns game. Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas), a respected analyst, is particularly bullish on Ja Morant, predicting he will score over 21.5 points (-105). Thomas points out that Morant’s recent 30+ minute game against the Thunder, coupled with the Suns’ weak defense against point guards, sets the stage for a high-scoring night. The Suns have given up an average of 25+ points per game to point guards, making this an A+ matchup for Morant. Our model also projects several other bets with high confidence levels:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet recommends a play on the Memphis Grizzlies to win the game outright.
- Spread: The model is leaning towards the Grizzlies to cover the spread, with a -2 handicap.
- Total: The game total is set at 238, and our model suggests betting on the over, indicating a high-scoring contest is likely.
For more insights and picks from our expert staff, visit the Expert NBA Predictions page on NBC Sports, where you can find detailed money line, spread, and over/under picks for every game on today’s schedule.
Key Stats and Trends
When it comes to key trends and stats, the Grizzlies have a few notable advantages. Pacific Division teams have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Southwest Division sides, suggesting a regional performance pattern. The Grizzlies have also been involved in high-scoring games this season, with the Over hitting in 33 out of 52 games. Additionally, the Grizzlies have a strong recent record against the spread, going 4-1 in their last 5 road games. For the Suns, despite their struggles, they have managed to win 16 of their 26 home games this season, indicating they can still be formidable on their home court.
Follow Our Experts
To stay ahead of the game and gain valuable insights, follow our experts on social media:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
These seasoned analysts provide daily updates, trends, and in-depth analysis that can help you make informed decisions about your fantasy rosters and betting strategies. Tuesday’s game between the Grizzlies and the Suns is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with the Grizzlies’ dynamic offense and the Suns’ defensive woes setting the stage for an exciting night of basketball.
