Grizzlies vs. Hawks NBA Odds, Preview and Pick (Archive)
We’ve got a battle for east vs. west as the Memphis Grizzlies travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks in a game with playoff implications for both teams. Which way to lean at the best sportsbooks?
The Grizzlies will be in the playoffs, it’s just a matter of securing home-court advantage at this point. Atlanta, meanwhile, is trying to overcome their disappointing regular season by qualifying for the play in the tournament.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks
Friday, March 18, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at State Farm Arena
Atlanta Fighting for Their Playoff Lives
The line for this game opened at Grizzlies -6.5 and has been steamed down to -5.5 at most of the top online sportsbooks. Before the season started, that line could have very well been the complete opposite of what we're seeing for tonight. That's how far the Hawks have fallen and the Grizzlies have risen.
Being almost two-possession underdogs at home is a huge number. The NBA odds are essentially saying, despite this being a must-win for Atlanta, the Grizzlies are much better than them, even on the road.
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Atlanta's last game is another example of why this team is praying to make the playoffs via the play-in tournament just one year after making an improbable run to the conference finals. Their defense is one of the worst in the league and it lets them down when it matters most on a regular basis.
On Wednesday night in Charlotte, the game was tied with less than five minutes left when the Hawks allowed the Hornets to go on a 14-3 run in less than two minutes. This team has little chance of making the postseason with a defense like that and even less chance of advancing if they do get there.
Memphis Has Been Consistent for Months
When Ja Morant got hurt earlier this season, his team played really well in his absence. They were so good that one overly excited Memphis fan criticized Morant for the team taking a small step back after his return to the lineup. Morant took that very personally and expressed his feelings to the press.
Since then, however, the Grizzlies have been one of the NBA's best teams. We saw a preview of it last season when they lost to Utah in five games.
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Morant showed us glimpses of the superstar ability he has displayed to the basketball world this season. In last year's series against Utah, he averaged 30 points and 8 assists per game. The problem he had last year was that the rest of the roster was not prepared to help in the way that he needed.
Dillon Brooks had a breakout series but has been mostly unavailable this season. In his absence, Desmond Bane has taken his opportunity and run with it. He is now the Grizzlies' legit second option, which means now that Brooks finally appears healthy and ready for postseason action, this team has the firepower to compete at the highest level.
Hawks Are Desperate for a Win in This Spot
My official NBA pick for this game is on the total which is currently at 237.5 after being steamed down from 238.5 which is where it opened. I'm taking the Under 237.5 at (-108) which is available at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review). The average total for Atlanta at home is 226.1 while the average for the Grizzlies on the road is 225.4.
While Atlanta's defense is awful, this is a must-win game for them and you would expect them to give it all they have on the defensive end. That doesn't mean they'll be able to stop Memphis, but if Morant is out again tonight, I think this total is way too high with the implications this game has on Atlanta's postseason aspirations.
NBA Pick: Under 237.5 (-108) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.