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The Memphis Grizzlies have been in a rut since star point guard Mike Conley went down due to injury. He is close to returning but it’s unknown if he will be back in time to face the Washington Wizards this week. If so, it will be a huge boost for a group which has fallen to among the worst records in the NBA.
If not, Memphis will aim to scratch and claw for a victory as it tries to get back into playoff contention down the stretch. The Wizards are once again on the second tier of competitive teams in the East. Good enough to make the playoffs, but not a true contender. They would love to move up and become a legitimate power in the postseason, and winning games like this are essential.
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Odds Analysis
Memphis is 12-25 straight up and 14-22-1 against the spread. The Grizzlies have gone 11-10-1 as the underdog this season and they figure to be getting points in this matchup.
The Wizards are 21-16 straight up and 18-19 against the spread. Washington has covered in 11 of 19 attempts on the road this season. The Wizards are an ugly 7-16 against the spread as the favorite on the season.
Injury Report
Conley hurt his Achilles after 13 games and Memphis was 7-6 at the time. Since then the Grizzlies have really struggled to remain competitive, winning just five games since. Conley is practicing with the team again and is reportedly close to a return.
Check before this game if he will be active, because that will have an effect on the spread. Conley is averaging 17.1 points and 4.1 assists per game in limited action this season and is the team’s main scoring threat.
Memphis doesn’t have a ton of other options to pick apart defenses, and it has been apparent without him on the court.
Player to Watch
Bradley Beal —The Wizards’ top scorer was a big reason why Washington was able to pull out the win against Memphis the first time these two teams met back on December 13th. The game was tied at 67 with 8:38 to go before Beal re-entered and led Wizards on a final charge to close out the win, 93-87.
Beal had 11 points in those final eight minutes, hitting three three-pointers, and finished the game with 18 points and seven assists. He is averaging 23.4 points a game for Washington this year and had 39 points, nine rebounds and nine assist in his team’s win over the Bulls on Sunday.
Beal was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week last week for his strong performances of late and is capable of being a game-changer for the Wizards. He has scored 30 points or more in six contests this year including dropping 51 points on Portland on December 5th.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Between Beal and John Wall, the Wizards have two of the best players in this game. Memphis’ backcourt won’t come close to competing with that if Conley cannot play. The Grizzlies may be able to keep this one close because they are at home, but likely won’t have the talent to come away with the victory.
If Conley can suit up it would help, but he wouldn’t be ready to have a huge impact right away as he works back into playing shape. Take the Wizards to win this game on the road. Keep an eye on the spread to see who is the right pick to cover.
NBA Odds: Wizards 104, Grizzlies 98
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