Memphis Grizzlies

Analyzing Tuesday's Memphis Grizzlies at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Memphis Grizzlies will look to return to their winning ways, as they travel to the Mile High City to take on another Western Conference contender, ...

The Nuggets aren’t a good halfcourt defense team, ranking 28th in points per 100 transition possessions (116.3, per Cleaning the Glass). Their powerful offense may not leave them the desired amount of open-floor opportunities, but the Grizzlies should take advantage of ended possessions to get out and run. Brooks will need to utilize his size and physicality advantages on Murray to make him uncomfortable getting to his spots, especially inside the arc. Excluding put-backs, the Nuggets are 1 of 3 teams that give up 100+ points per 100 halfcourt plays. The Denver Nuggets defense hasn’t been good. The Grizzlies’ premier stopper will need to make sure they aren’t on the receiving end of a Murray flurry this evening. The bubble was his shining example of it, putting together an offensive masterpiece of the ages. Jamal Murray is still getting back into the swing of things after missing all of last season with an ACL injury. This combination alongside Jokic gives Denver hope — and perhaps more than a puncher’s chance — of making the NBA Finals. back in the mix, and offseason acquisitions Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, the Nuggets’ depth is way more bolstered than the roster trotted out last season. Once again, Nikola Jokic is leading the charge and putting up gaudy numbers for them — averaging 25.2 points on 69.2 True Shooting Percentage, 10.9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2.2 stocks. Over the next 3 games, they will be facing the

The Denver Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies for a Western Conference matchup on TNT! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Grizzlies-Nuggets ...

I like the Grizzlies to respond with a win as the Nuggets are playing banged up (despite their recent success). This team has done a good job of controlling the pace of games and playing the game they want to play. Expect the high-flyer to take out his rage on the Nuggets tonight. Nikola Jokic is the main player to keep an eye on as he is probable with a right knee contusion. After losing by 18 to the Los Angeles Lakers two games ago, the Nuggets responded with a 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets last time out. Memphis proved they are for real last season when they finished as the 2nd seed and now look to improve off of a 50-win+ season.

We go over some of the best betting options for Tuesday's matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets.

Take the Grizzlies to win and cover. They can’t afford to give up a ton of points to a team like the Grizzlies, who has scored a league-best 126.3 ppg through their last three. Memphis has allowed an average of just 104 points per game from opponents through their last eight contests, which included that seven-game winning streak. Despite winning a good chunk of their last stretch, the Nuggets’ defense has been subpar this season, allowing an average of 114.8 points per game which jumps to 123.0 ppg allowed through their last three. [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.grizzlybearblues.com) (19-10) will take on the [Denver Nuggets](https://www.denverstiffs.com) (18-11) at Pepsi Center on Tuesday night, with tip set for 10 p.m. [DraftKings Sportsbook](https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook) has the Grizzlies at 1.5-point favorites, priced at -120 on the moneyline.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets have ruled out Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, Jack White, Peyton Watson and Collin Gillespie. Nikola Jokic, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ...

The Grizzlies have a one-game lead over the Nuggets As for the Nuggets (18-11), they are tied with the Phoenix Suns for the second seed in the Western Conference. For the game, the two teams have finalized their injury reports and starting lineups.

Zach Randolph was gushing when he heard the name Kenneth Lofton Jr. Standing in a room celebrating his independent record label, NLess Entertainment, ...

[Zach LaVine's defense the reason for locker room dispute?](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/zach-lavines-defense-the-reason-for-locker-room-dispute/) And we as coaches play a part in it too, as constantly trying to create the clarity for him as in, ‘This is what we’re doing and can we do it at a high enough level?’ ‘’ [Lakers have long had interest in Terrence Ross?](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/lakers-have-long-had-interest-in-terrence-ross/) [Terrence Ross has long garnered interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said.](https://sports.yahoo.com/surprising-magic-could-emerge-as-possible-factor-in-trade-market-free-agency-004820046.html)New York was in pursuit of Ross in previous years, as well. [Zach Randolph was gushing when he heard the name Kenneth Lofton Jr](https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2022/12/20/memphis-grizzlies-zach-randolph-kenneth-lofton-jr-nless-label/69739262007/). We’ve got to be better collectively, and as a coaching staff we’ve got to help them as well.’’ [Orlando wants a first rounder for Mo Bamba?](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/orlando-wants-a-first-rounder-for-mo-bamba/)

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Denver Nuggets after losing to the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Nuggets are coming off a win against the ...

[Nikola Jokic](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/nikola-jokic) [Aaron Gordon](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/aaron-gordon) [Bruce Brown](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/bruce-brown) [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/kentavious-caldwell-pope) [Jamal Murray](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/jamal-murray) [Steven Adams](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/steven-adams) [Dillon Brooks](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/dillon-brooks) [John Konchar](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/john-konchar) [Ja Morant](https://www.lineups.com/nfl/player-stats/ja-morant) Adams averages 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 58% from the field overall. The spread should stay where it is before tip-off because these two teams are very evenly matched. Expect it to be high because these two teams are very good on offense.

Michael Malone made a bold move by starting rookie Christian Braun, electing to play without a true point guard in the starting unit.

Perhaps this is a sign of things to come for the rookie. Morant had great individual numbers, but the Nuggets made life difficult for him, forcing seven turnovers and cutting off the other opportunities for teammates with haste. When Murray and Porter return, the Nuggets will have to continue to find time for one of the best young perimeter defenders in the NBA. With Braun starting in place of Jamal Murray, the Nuggets four starters around Jokić were Braun, Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Gordon. Every player in the rotation scored and had at least one assist and one rebound. The fast break points, the free throws, the paint attack, and the perimeter shooting all lined up for the Nuggets tonight. 11 of Denver’s next 12 games come against playoff opponents, and the defense will surely be tested. It turned out to be a great decision as the Nuggets blitzed the Grizzlies 35-14 in the first quarter, effectively ending the game with three quarters to play. Often, Nikola Jokić is the player leading the way for the Nuggets in every single category. Without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the expectation was that Jokić would shoulder an even heavier burden. The Nuggets had their best defensive performance of the season, limiting the Grizzlies to just four made three-pointers and forcing 16 turnovers. Ja Morant had 35 points and 10 assists on the other side but finished the game with seven turnovers.

Entering the game, how Coach Taylor Jenkins decided to defend the back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic would be the biggest key to the game. Whether it would be Steven ...

Brandon Clarke was effective when in the game, though he also didn’t see the floor much. He was pretty quiet having only played around 5 minutes prior to the start of the quarter. His foul trouble was the issue that kept him off the floor as he only played 22 minutes. Unfortunately for the guys with Memphis across their chests, Denver didn’t cool off, and Memphis couldn’t buy a bucket to close the quarter. After a pair of Ja Morant free-throws, yes, free-throws, Dillon Brooks scored back-to-back-to back buckets to cut the lead to 9. We haven’t seen someone with his size and passing ability perhaps ever, and the Grizzlies had little to no answers so far. Memphis started the 4th with Ja, Dillon, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, and Jaren Jackson Jr. To go back to the free throw disparity, Denver finished the half 12-20, while Memphis went 1-3 from the line. Ja Morant got the Grizzlies going with a layup over former Dunk Contest Champion, Aaron Gordon. Whether it would be Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr., or a combination of both, Memphis had to find a way to quiet The Joker and offensively, exploit Denver’s 27th-ranked defense. Entering the game, how Coach Taylor Jenkins decided to defend the back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic would be the biggest key to the game. The Denver Nuggets are an offensive powerhouse.

DENVER (AP) Nikola Jokic had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his second straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Memphis ...

had three blocks in his first nine minutes and finished with five, three shy of his career best set Dec. ''We were getting some good shots early, we just need to convert those and give ourselves a better start to the game.'' The Grizzlies made it 92-84 midway through the fourth but Denver used a 13-3 run to put it away. ''You're playing for first place in the Western Conference -- meaningless in the middle of December - but that's what we're playing for tonight,'' Denver coach Michael Malone said. Jokic followed up his 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist performance Sunday night with his sixth triple-double of the season and 82nd of his career. You just got to be ready for the plays out of the huddle, but it didn't change anything,'' Braun said.

The Memphis Grizzlies drop another road game in a pivotal Western Conference showdown against the Denver Nuggets.

Dillon Brooks’ shot wasn’t there, and his volume seemed to be more of a product of someone other than Ja having to shoot. Roddy continues to show more poise getting to his spots in transition and off closeouts. The Grizzlies desperately need Desmond Bane back to provide a necessary shooting boost. They could run some drag or flare screens to get Jackson going from deep or to create a mismatch and advantage downhill. He was also the only player to really get going from the outside, connecting on 3 of his 6 three-pointers — more on that in a bit. However, he has to find his shot at some point, as it could serve as a needed confidence boost too. Bruce Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Christian Braun all scored 12 or more points to combine for 41 points collectively. It’s just about staying locked in and defending without fouling, so he could stay on the floor. The Grizzlies emphasize pick-and-roll’s and drive-and-kick’s, but they need to sprinkle in some actions for Jaren Jackson Jr. He had a lot of jump passes, where he simply could’ve just gone up with it, and his teammates were prepared for a shot not a pass. Ja Morant did everything he could do to help the Grizzlies claw back into the game. At the same time, Jaren Jackson might stay in the game if the calls didn’t visibly upset him.

Memphis, now tied with the Nuggets in the Western Conference standings, have lost two in a row following a seven-game winning streak.

As part of $684 million in stadium funding plans, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is seeking the extension of two existing taxes that fund the current FedExForum's ...

Cedric Young, the city council's chief of security, also participated in the tour. If the state of Tennessee appropriates a significant amount of cash for FedExForum (House Speaker Cameron Sexton has indicated support), the City Council will have to accept and allocate that money. In both instances, the City Council used a break in its meeting to attend an event together. The Commercial Appeal attended Tuesday's tour after a reporter learned where the City Council was going. The Open Meetings Act does provide for a public body to have a site visit. It is on the City Council's legislative wish list, which it passed this fall. "Mayor Strickland and the administration are doing a great job leading the way with the state...We're just trying to make sure everybody gets to see for themselves where things are at and what's behind that ask for thinking about the next generation of FedExForum." The City Council, including Chairman Martavius Jones, expressed support for the project. The team also did not comment when Strickland announced his plans to seek money for FedExForum renovations as part of his stadium ask this fall. Those talks were what started conversations with the franchise about what a second lease and a renovated FedExForum would look like. The Memphis Grizzlies have not said much about their future in Memphis. "From a local revenue perspective, ticket sales are critical and the number one driver of local revenue.

Two of them meet Tuesday night when the Memphis Grizzlies visit the Denver Nuggets. Memphis sits atop the West after winning seven in a row before losing at Oklahoma City on Saturday night to open a four-game road trip. The Grizzlies are a game ahead ...

had three blocks in his first nine minutes and finished with five, three shy of his career best set Dec. ''We were getting some good shots early, we just need to convert those and give ourselves a better start to the game.'' The Grizzlies made it 92-84 midway through the fourth but Denver used a 13-3 run to put it away. ''You're playing for first place in the Western Conference -- meaningless in the middle of December - but that's what we're playing for tonight,'' Denver coach Michael Malone said. Jokic followed up his 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist performance Sunday night with his sixth triple-double of the season and 82nd of his career. You just got to be ready for the plays out of the huddle, but it didn't change anything,'' Braun said.