Grizzlies vs. Pistons Pick
Will the host Detroit Pistons cover the spread in their first game with Blake Griffin in the lineup as they battle the Memphis Grizzlies? Game time is 7PM ET.
Who Oddsmakers Like: Detroit. According to oddsmakers at YouWager.com, the Pistons are listed as an 8.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 200.5 points.
Who the Public Likes: As of Thursday morning, public betting info had not been released. Click here for up-to-date information.
Injury Report: Grizzlies point guard Mario Chalmers missed the last game with a hamstring injury and is questionable tonight. Deyonta Davis missed the last game with knee soreness and it is unknown whether he will play tonight. Tyreke Evans has a left arm injury and will be held out in precaution as the team attempts to trade him. Mike Conley Jr. is expected to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. James Ennis III is out another week with a calf injury. JaMychal Green has an ankle injury and is doubtful to play tonight. Chandler Parsons is out indefinitely with knee soreness. For the Pistons, Griffin is expected to make his team debut tonight pending a physical. Willie Reed and Brice Johnson, also acquired in the trade, are also expected to be in uniform to make their debut. Reggie Jackson is out until late February with an ankle sprain. Jon Leuer is likely out for the season after undergoing ankle surgery.
Who the Trends Like: Memphis is 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings in Detroit and 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings overall. The Pistons are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Who We Like: Against most teams, I would question the Pistons’ chemistry in their first game with Griffin inserted. But the Grizzlies are so beat up, I’m not so worried even with a big spread. Memphis is on a back-to-back and there is no one on the roster that can replace Evans’ production, although I will admit I’ve been very impressed with Wayne Selden Jr. lately. I’m interested to see how Griffin and Andre Drummond work in unison on the blocks. Both are skilled passers and will be able to set up each other with flawlessness. Marc Gasol provides a tougher-than-usual matchup tonight, but he’ll be fatigued and won’t have a ton of help around him. Take the Pistons and give the points.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: DETROIT PISTONS -8.5
