Short-Handed Warriors Still Solid Favorites Vs Grizzlies

The Golden State Warriors (25-6 SU, 19-10-2 ATS) host the Memphis Grizzlies (19-13, 19-13) at Chase Center on Thursday in their second meeting of the season. The Warriors are 4-1 in their last five games while the Grizzlies have dropped two straight contests.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Warriors opened as 5.5-point favorites at home with the total set at 217 points. The UNDER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between the two teams. Memphis is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 outings while Golden State is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 games as the favorite.

Memphis News & Notes

Memphis lost 102-99 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in its last outing on Monday. Desmond Bane scored 25 points to lead all scorers while Ja Morant dropped 16 points plus eight assists and six boards in his first game since being sidelined November 26 by a knee sprain.

Despite consecutive losses, things are looking up for the Grizzlies with the return of their leading scorer, Morant. The point guard is averaging 23.7 points per game to go along with 5.6 rebounds – both career bests. Memphis went 10-2 in his absence and should only get better with him back on the court.

Santi Aldama (calf) and Brandon Clarke (knee) are ruled out for Thursday’s matchup while Tyus Jones (finger) and John Konchar (foot) are questionable.

Golden State News & Notes

The Warriors made easy work of the Sacramento Kings on Monday, coming out with a 113-98 victory. Steph Curry led all scorers with 30 points and five teammates hit double digits in the win.

It’s been business as usual for Curry and the Warriors this season as they sit second in the league, one game behind the Phoenix Suns, while the point guard is third in NBA scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game.

The Golden State lineup will be somewhat depleted for Thursday’s game, however, as Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee were all recently added to health and safety protocols. Andre Iguodala (knee) is also out.

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How Memphis Will Cover

The Grizzlies should be rejuvenated with the addition of Morant, and they’re coming up against a short-handed Warriors squad. While Memphis may not be the favorite, they’ve got a fighting chance in this matchup and may just surprise Golden State. Whichever way it goes, it will likely be a close game.

How Golden State Will Cover

While they are short-handed, the Warriors still have one of the best players in the game in Curry and an elite defender in Draymond Green. We all know about the offense, but Golden State’s defense ranks first in the league this season, allowing just 100.1 points per game. If they can shut down the Grizzlies offense, it could be another big win for the Warriors.

Computer Pick: Grizzlies +6.5

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