Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 21
The Memphis Grizzlies face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, the first of two meetings between the two teams this season. Memphis has been playing well, but injuries remain a big concern. Ja Morant is doubtful due to low back soreness, while Marcus Smart is iffy because of a left shoulder issue.
The Hawks, who lost their last two games, are also hampered by injuries. Onyeka Okongwu is ruled out due to a left knee inflammation, while Trae Young is questionable because of a right heel contusion. The healthier team could get the advantage in the showdown.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips
The State Farm Arena in Atlanta will host the Grizzlies-Hawks game. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Grizzlies (-125) vs. Hawks (+105)
Odds: Grizzlies (-1.5) vs. Hawks (+1.5)
Total (O/U): Grizzlies (o240.0 -110) vs. Hawks (u240.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks preview
The Memphis Grizzlies whipped the Golden State Warriors 144-93 on Thursday despite Ja Morant playing just 17 minutes. Taylor Jenkins’ team accomplished the beatdown behind a franchise-best 27 3-pointers.
If Morant doesn’t play, the Grizzlies will have a strong chance to win if they can replicate that efficiency against the Hawks. Jenkins will lean on Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama and Zach Edey if G12 is unavailable.
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, have had trouble closing out games because of defensive issues. They lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup Finals because of defensive breakdowns. A similar scenario happened on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs, where Victor Wembanyama dominated in overtime.
Atlanta must step up on that end to end their losing skid. The Hawks will also hope that Trae Young gets cleared to play.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks predicted starting lineups
Grizzlies
PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Zach Edey
Hawks
PG: Trae Young | SG: Dyson Daniels | SF: Zaccharie Risacher | PF: Jalen Johnson | C: Clint Capela
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks betting tips
Trae Young is averaging 12.7 assists per game in December, but the Grizzlies are fifth in assists allowed to point guards. Ice Trae is also dealing with an injury if cleared to play, so topping the 11.5 (O/U) assists prop might be tough.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. has a 22.5 (O/U) points prop versus the Grizzlies. JJJ is averaging 20.8 PPG this month. Okongwu is out but Capela, Johnson and the Hawks frontline could hold him below 22 points.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks prediction
Health is the biggest issue for both teams. Assuming everyone plays, the in-form Grizzlies could get another W to extend the slumping Hawks’ losing streak.