Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns Betting Pick & Prediction 12/31/24

The Phoenix Suns (-217) will host the Memphis Grizzlies (+180) in a Western Conference matchup. The Suns are currently favored by 5.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 235.5. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 ET at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

Phoenix enters this game on a two-game losing streak and currently sits 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 15-16. Memphis is 2nd in the West at 22-11 and leads the Southwest Division. The Grizzlies are 5.5-point underdogs in this one.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS PHOENIX SUNS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Phoenix Suns -5.5

This game will be played at Footprint Center at 9:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st.

WHY BET THE PHOENIX SUNS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 122-85 in favor of the Suns.
• Our projections have Devin Booker finishing with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.
• From the field, we have the Suns finishing with a field goal percentage of 47.9% and knocking down 14 threes.

Can the Grizzlies Pull Off a Win at Phoenix?

The Grizzlies dropped to 22-11 on the season following a 130-106 road loss to the Thunder on Sunday. Memphis entered the game as +8 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread, while the combined score of 236 points narrowly exceeded the O/U line of 233.5.

A pivotal 12-0 run by the Thunder early in the game set the tone, and a dominant 42-19 2nd quarter left the Grizzlies trailing 102-74 heading into the 4th. Memphis outscored the Thunder 32-28 in the final period, but it was too little, too late.

In Sunday’s loss to the Thunder, the Grizzlies shot just 38.1% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range, despite hitting 14 threes. Desmond Bane led the way with 22 points, including 12 in the opening quarter.

Jay Huff added 17 points, with 9 coming in the 4th, while Luke Kennard scored 10 of his 16 points in the final period. Kennard also connected on 4 threes, shooting 44.4% from deep.

The Grizzlies struggled defensively, giving up 130 points to the Thunder, including 34 in the 1st quarter and 42 in the 2nd. They tightened up a bit in the 3rd, allowing 26 points, and gave up 28 in the 4th. Oklahoma City shot 50% from the field.

Memphis did well defending the three, with the Thunder hitting 14 threes at a 31% clip. The Grizzlies sent Oklahoma City to the line 12 times, where they made all their free throws. Memphis recorded 35 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 4 blocks.

Do the Suns Have a Shot at a Home Win?

The Suns fell to 15-16 on the season after a 109-105 road loss to the Warriors on Saturday. Phoenix, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread, but the total points of 214 fell short of the 220.5 O/U line.

Phoenix went on a 12-0 run to take a 55-43 lead after the game was tied 43-43. They outscored the Warriors 38-27 in the 2nd quarter and led 87-82 going into the 4th, but a 27-18 4th quarter in favor of Golden State sealed the Suns’ fate.

In their 109-105 loss to the Warriors, the Suns struggled offensively, shooting just 42.4% from the field and connecting on only 9 threes at a 25.7% rate. Kevin Durant led the way with 31 points, though he hit just 41.7% of his shots. Bradley Beal added 28 points, making 4 threes at 36.4% efficiency.

Durant scored 10 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters, but managed just 3 in the 4th. Beal contributed 12 points in the 2nd quarter, and added 4 more in the final period. Ryan Dunn finished with 15 points, scoring 6 in the 2nd quarter.

Defensively, the Suns struggled in the 1st quarter, giving up 34 points, but they tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 21 points. Overall, they held the Warriors to 109 points on 41% shooting.

Phoenix did well from beyond the arc, limiting Golden State to 12 threes on 26% shooting. The Warriors also went 15/19 from the free-throw line. The Suns finished with 7 steals and 12 blocks.