Here are The Game Day’s Grizzlies vs Spurs prediction and bets for the 2021 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Play-In Game, including our Memphis-San Antonio Play-In game preview.
Check out our 2021 NBA Championship Winner Odds & Bet Picks.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction: 2021 NBA Play-In Game Bet Tips & Pick
Memphis Grizzlies 2020-21 Recap
This is the first winning season (38-34) for the Memphis Grizzlies since the 2016-17 season, so it’s safe to say they’ve improved. However, to say they’re ready for a run in the playoffs might be a bit premature. As expected, point guard Ja Morant has been one of the most exciting players in the league, leading the team in points per game (19.1) while ranking eighth in the NBA in assists per game (7.4). Jonas Valančiūnas has emerged as a dominant presence down low, ranking third in boards per game (12.5) and finishing 12th in PER (24.4).
A well-rounded team, the Grizzlies rank near the top of the league in rebounds, assists, and steals while also having seven different players averaging double-digit points per game. They’re patient on defense and aggressive on offense, ranking second in total field goal attempts. In short, there’s a lot of ways Memphis can beat you.
San Antonio Spurs Season Recap
Gregg Popovich‘s Spurs had a season to forget, finishing with a losing record for the second year in a row. Due to Covid-19 rescheduling, the Spurs did not have more than one day off between games after the All-Star break, which caused them to run out of gas in the second half. They faded badly down the stretch, losing 10 of their last 12 games and just barely qualifying for the Play-In Tournament by the skin of their teeth.
Besides how good DeMar DeRozan has been, the Spurs have also benefited from the development of their younger stars. Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Lonnie Walker have all improved from last year to this year, as did Derrick White before his season-ending injury. The Spurs also have a deep bench, ranking 7th in the league in points per game (39.1) and 4th in three-pointers made (5.3).
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Matchup
The Spurs have been battling fatigue all season and enter this matchup on a losing streak, while the Grizzlies finished the season on a strong note, winning five of their last six games. Both sides have outstanding depth as well as exciting young players that will need to step up. This game will go to whoever has the healthier team at tip-off.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
- Memphis Grizzlies 122, San Antonio Spurs 108
The Grizzlies are 2-1 against the Spurs this season and Morant has excelled against them, averaging 25.3 points and 9.3 assists in those games. San Antonio won’t go down easy, but I see Memphis taking this.
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Bet Pick
Grizzlies To Win 2021 NBA Play-In Game (-160)
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This game could not come at a worse time for the Spurs, who are still reeling from their second-half tailspin. Morant is going to take over and do anything he can to get Memphis to the next round while Valančiūnas will dominate the post on both ends of the floor.
