Warriors vs Grizzlies Predictions & Odds (March 18)

• Bitter rivals meet Saturday as the Warriors visit the Grizzlies
• Golden State has won two of three meetings
• Who takes this one? Read on for the Warriors vs Grizzlies prediction and odds

The newest rivalry in basketball takes center stage on Saturday evening when the Golden State Warriors (36-35, 7-28 away) head to Tennessee to face the Memphis Grizzlies (42-27, 28-5 home) at the FedExForum. The tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM ET.

Both teams were in action on Friday. The Dubs lost their fifth straight game on the road, falling to the Atlanta Hawks as Trae Young picked Steph Curry’s pocket with under a minute to go and Golden State within four points. Memphis on the other hand was looking at an ugly defeat to the San Antonio Spurs but overcame a 29-point deficit to grab a much-needed win.

Warriors vs Grizzlies Odds

The Grizzlies are laying 4.5 points with moneyline odds of -196. They’re 17-12-1 as an ATS home favorite. The Warriors sit at +165 NBA odds and have gone a dismal 5-14 as an ATS road underdog.

Memphis currently holds the third seed in the Western Conference in the NBA playoff bracket, while Golden State is seventh and would be in the play-in tournament if the postseason started today.

Odds as of March 17th at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Can Dubs Figure It Out on the Road?

Most teams typically play a lot better at home as opposed to on the road but for the Warriors, it’s literally night and day. Steve Kerr’s squad is practically unbeatable in the Bay Area and then just plays horrible basketball elsewhere, compiling a putrid 7-28 record away from the Chase Center. Those struggles are evident at the moment and with the West playoff race heating up, they need to figure it out in a hurry.

There are still three games left on this current road trip and thus far, Golden State has lost the first two to the Clippers and the Hawks. Once again, turnovers proved to be costly for the Dubs in Atlanta, coughing up the rock 17 times which translated into 21 points for Quin Snyder’s team, including Steph’s costly mistake in the final minute of regulation.

Trae Young really locked up Steph Curry to win the game 😭 pic.twitter.com/g6bnqKX7W6

— HawksMuse (@HawksMuse) March 18, 2023

However, Curry very much did his part, pouring in a game-high 31 points just two nights after going off for 50. He didn’t have much help though, with the team shooting a mere 28% from downtown. Although Ja Morant isn’t playing at the moment due to his suspension, the Warriors must limit the turnovers on Saturday because the Grizz thrive in transition.

Grizzlies Showing Guts

It’s no secret Memphis is missing Ja. He’s the franchise cornerstone and a pillar for their success. However, wins like Friday show the Grizzlies are a force to be reckoned with, even without Morant. Following a horrific first half where Taylor Jenkins’ group was outscored 69-46, they turned it on in the next two periods.

Memphis scored 63 points in the second half to just 40 for the lowly Spurs before outdueling San Antonio in overtime. Contributions truly came from all over, with every single starter finishing in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr’s 28 led the way, while Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones both added 20+ points as well.

Grizzlies erase 29-PT deficit and beat the Spurs in OT

Largest comeback of the season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9HqdYMiHqj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 18, 2023

The Grizzlies were even in a nine-point hole with a minute left and proceeded to go on a 9-0 run to force overtime. The definition of a gutsy victory. In the process, Memphis moved to 4-3 sans Morant, who is still serving an eight-game suspension.

Warriors vs Grizzlies Prediction

It’s difficult to ignore Golden State’s inconsistencies on the road. Add in the fact that Memphis is stellar at home and this feels like a no-brainer pick. But, I’m liking the moneyline rather than the spread. It could be close.

Pick: Grizzlies moneyline (-196)