Philadelphia 76ers vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

76ers vs Grizzlies November 2nd 2024

At 7:30 ET, the 1-3 Philadelphia 76ers will host the 3-3 Memphis Grizzlies in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies are currently favored by 2 points and have a moneyline of -129.

This game will be played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and can be seen on NBCS. The over/under line is set at 223.5.

Grizzlies vs. 76ers Key Information

The Grizzlies evened their record at 3-3 with a dominant 122-99 win over the Bucks on Thursday. Memphis, who were +6.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread with ease. The total points for the game were 221, falling short of the 231-point O/U line.

A key moment came when the Grizzlies went on a 14-0 run, extending their lead from 25-17 to 39-17. They continued to build their lead, outscoring the Bucks in each of the first three quarters before easing off in the 4th, where they were outscored 29-23.

Ja Morant’s triple-double of 26 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds powered the Grizzlies to a win over the Bucks, as he shot 56.2% from the field and hit 2 threes at 40%. Jaylen Wells added 16 points, knocking down 3 threes at 50% efficiency, while Santi Aldama contributed 19 points and 9 rebounds. Memphis shot 52.4% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 8 threes at 28.6%.

Morant scored 10 points in the 1st quarter and added 11 more in the 2nd, while Scotty Pippen also had a big opening period with 13 of his 16 points. Wells scored 7 points in the 2nd quarter and another 6 in the 4th, and Jake LaRavia added 8 of his 11 points in the 3rd quarter.

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The Grizzlies put together a strong defensive performance on Thursday, holding the Bucks to just 99 points. Memphis gave up 24 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, and they were even better in the 3rd, allowing only 22. They did concede 29 in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough for Milwaukee to mount a comeback.

Overall, the Grizzlies held the Bucks to 42% shooting from the field and just 21% from three-point range, with Milwaukee making only 9 threes. The Bucks also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 8 of 19 attempts. Memphis controlled the boards with 49 defensive rebounds while allowing 9 offensive boards. The Grizzlies also added 6 steals and 3 blocks.

Philadelphia’s season took another hit on Wednesday as they fell to 1-3 after a 105-95 home loss to the Pistons. The 76ers, who were favored by four points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 200 points was well below the O/U line of 219.5.

After a strong start, where they went on a 13-0 run to lead 16-4, the 76ers struggled in the middle quarters, being outscored 63-41. They made a push in the 4th, outscoring Detroit 28-20, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Ja Morant’s triple-double of 26 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, along with a 56.2% shooting performance, led the Grizzlies to a win over the Bucks. Santi Aldama added 19 points, while Jaylen Wells contributed 16 points, hitting 3 threes at a 50% rate.

Memphis shot 52.4% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 8 threes at 28.6%. Morant scored 11 points in the 2nd quarter, while Scotty Pippen added 13 of his 16 points in the opening period.

Defensively, the 76ers had strong showings in the 1st and 4th quarters, allowing 22 and 20 points, respectively, but struggled in the 2nd and 3rd, giving up 32 and 31 points. Overall, they allowed 105 points in the game.

Philadelphia allowed the Pistons to shoot 46% from the field and 41% from three, where Detroit made 15 threes. The 76ers sent the Pistons to the line 22 times, where they made 18 free throws. Philadelphia recorded 7 steals and 4 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +2, we have the 76ers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 223.5 and our model has the Grizzlies and 76ers finishing with a combined 221 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Sixers Face Uphill Battle Against Red-Hot Grizzlies Without Embiid and George

The Philadelphia 76ers face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, still without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Both players were hopeful to make their season debuts this week, with Embiid fully participating in Friday’s practice and scrimmages, but neither is quite ready to return.

Embiid’s Extended Absence Stirs Frustration

Joel Embiid’s absence has left a notable void in the Sixers’ lineup, especially with lingering questions about his health after undergoing knee surgery. Despite recent practices, Embiid indicated that he’s still regaining strength and confidence. Addressing critics who questioned his commitment, Embiid expressed frustration over claims that he’s not eager to return.

“I wish I was as lucky as others,” Embiid said, referring to those who avoid injuries. “I’m doing whatever it takes to be out there, and I’m going to be soon.”

Paul George, another key offseason addition, has also yet to debut due to his own knee issues. His absence is equally felt, particularly with the Sixers struggling to find consistent scoring.

Tyrese Maxey and Veteran Support on the Spotlight

In the absence of Embiid and George, the Sixers are looking to Tyrese Maxey to provide offensive firepower. Maxey shone in their recent game against the Pistons, scoring 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a blowout loss. Head coach Nick Nurse emphasized the need for more contributions from veterans like Eric Gordon, Kyle Lowry, and Andre Drummond, who combined for only 15 points against Detroit.

Maxey’s aggressive play has offered a lifeline for Philadelphia, but Nurse knows the team needs collective support to overcome challenging matchups.

“We need production from everyone,” Nurse said. “Everybody’s got to chip in right now.”

Grizzlies Look to Extend Momentum with Ja Morant Leading the Charge

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are riding high after an impressive 122-99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Ja Morant’s remarkable 26-point, 14-assist, and 10-rebound triple-double, completed in under 22 minutes, highlighted his explosive style. Morant’s knack for pushing the pace, despite some turnovers, has fueled Memphis’ early-season success.

Memphis’ defense also held Milwaukee’s shooters to just 21.4 percent from three-point range, a standard they hope to replicate against the Sixers.

“We got stops,” Morant noted. “That’s how we want to play. If we want to do something in this league, that’s what we’ve got to do each and every night.”

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Key Matchups and Potential Game Dynamics

With Philadelphia missing two of their stars, the Sixers will need to rely on Maxey’s playmaking and a tighter defensive approach to keep pace with the Grizzlies. The Sixers’ challenge will be containing Morant while trying to shore up their offensive output without Embiid and George. The Grizzlies will aim to exploit Philadelphia’s weakened interior defense, with Morant likely to orchestrate fast breaks and transition opportunities to capitalize on his team’s momentum.

The Sixers and Grizzlies are evenly matched over the past three seasons, splitting each year’s season series. While Philadelphia may hope to hold court in front of a home crowd, the Grizzlies’ depth and current form make them a formidable challenge as both teams push for early-season positioning in the league standings.

As these two teams face off, fans will be watching to see how Philadelphia’s veterans respond under pressure and if Morant’s hot hand can carry Memphis to another dominant victory.