Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets Picks and Predictions December 13th 2024

Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets December 13th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-646) will host the Brooklyn Nets (+453) in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies are favored by 11.5 points and have won three straight games. The over/under line for this game is 230.5 points.

This game will be played at FedExForum in Memphis, and can be seen on FDSS. The Nets are currently 10-14 and sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, while the Grizzlies are 17-8 and are 3rd in the Western Conference.

Nets vs. Grizzlies Key Information

The Nets fell to 10-14 on the season after a 118-113 loss to the Bucks on Sunday. Brooklyn, who were +6 point underdogs, kept the game closer than expected. The total score of 231 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 215.5 by 15.5 points.

Brooklyn led 27-24 after the 2nd quarter, but Milwaukee went on a 10-0 run in the 4th, stretching the score from 86-79 to 96-79. The Nets fought back but couldn’t close the gap.

Dennis Schröder’s 34 points and 11 assists led the way for the Nets in their 118-113 loss to the Bucks, as he shot 68.4% from the field and hit 4 threes at a 57.1% rate. Cameron Johnson added 26 points, including 12 in the 4th quarter, and also connected on 4 threes, shooting 50% from deep.

The Nets hit 16 threes as a team, shooting 45.7% from beyond the arc and 50.6% overall. Nic Claxton contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, scoring 11 points in the 3rd quarter.

Dive into the stories shaping the gambling world on our news page.

Defensively, the Nets had a strong 2nd quarter, holding the Bucks to 24 points, but they struggled in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 35 and 32 points, respectively, in a 118-113 loss. Brooklyn allowed Milwaukee to shoot 57% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Nets gave up 15 threes on 48% shooting. They also sent the Bucks to the line 32 times, where Milwaukee converted 25 free throws. Brooklyn finished with 23 defensive rebounds, allowing 3 offensive boards, and recorded 9 steals.

The Grizzlies improved to 17-8 this season with a dominant 140-112 win over the Wizards on Sunday. Memphis, favored by 9.5 points, covered the spread with ease. The game’s total points of 252.5 exceeded the O/U line of 235.5 by 16.5 points.

A key moment came when the Grizzlies went on a 16-0 run, turning a 77-66 deficit into an 82-77 lead. They then outscored Washington 39-27 in the 3rd quarter, entering the 4th with a 111-82 lead.

The Grizzlies poured in 140 points against the Wizards, shooting 52.1% from the field and hitting 17 threes at a 39.5% clip. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 21 points, while Santi Aldama added 19, connecting on 3 threes at 60% efficiency.

Jay Huff also hit 3 threes, finishing with 17 points despite shooting just 27.3% from deep. Cam Spencer contributed 8 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter, while Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke each added 6 points in the 3rd.

Catch the Latest NBA Picks Today! Access NBA basketball picks today for the latest insights.

Defensively, the Grizzlies held the Wizards to 112 points on 43% shooting. Memphis gave up 26 points in the 1st quarter, 29 in the 2nd, 27 in the 3rd, and 30 in the 4th.

Memphis excelled at defending the three, allowing just 6 made threes on 18% shooting. They also recorded 12 steals and 8 blocks in the game.

We’re putting our money on the Grizzlies to win, and have the projected score sitting at 160-92. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Grizzlies at -11.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 230.5 and given that our model is projecting 252 points between the teams, we like the over.

Grizzlies Look to Stay Hot and Avenge Early Losses to Nets

The Memphis Grizzlies, riding a scorching stretch with nine wins in their last 10 games, are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Both teams are coming off four days of rest following their elimination from the NBA Cup, but they enter the matchup in vastly different form.

Grizzlies’ Momentum

Memphis has been firing on all cylinders, scoring at least 115 points in each of their last 10 games and earning praise from opponents for their relentless transition offense and defensive improvements. The Grizzlies showcased their depth and resilience last weekend, defeating the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards despite key players Ja Morant (back soreness) and Desmond Bane (toe soreness) missing the latter game.

Both Morant and Bane are expected to return for Friday’s contest, adding even more firepower to a team that has been dominant over its recent stretch. Memphis has led for nearly 370 of a possible 480 minutes during this run, a testament to their control of games.

“We are making progress and developing right now, and I’m definitely excited where this group has trended the past couple weeks,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Defensively, we’ve had progress in our pick-and-roll coverages, and our one-on-one defense has improved. But it’s all about consistency.”

Santi Aldama has been a reliable contributor, averaging 13.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 52.5 percent from the field. His efforts have been pivotal during the team’s streak.

Brooklyn’s Defensive Struggles

The Nets, in stark contrast, have lost four of their last five games and struggled defensively. Their most recent outing, a 118-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighted their inability to close games. After leading by 12 in the third quarter, Brooklyn allowed 23 points in the final six minutes, letting the game slip away.

“No defense to finish that third quarter. No defense to finish the fourth,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said bluntly. “That’s how you win and lose games in the NBA.”

Brooklyn’s offense has been solid, with Dennis Schroder (34 points, 11 assists) and Cam Johnson (26 points) leading the charge against Milwaukee. Nic Claxton also delivered a standout performance, posting a season-high 21 points along with 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Despite the defensive lapses, Claxton expressed appreciation for Fernandez’s accountability. “That’s what really good coaches do. They hold you accountable. They hold you to a high standard,” he said.

The Nets welcomed back forward Dorian Finney-Smith against Milwaukee after a four-game absence due to an ankle injury. Finney-Smith contributed nine points and four rebounds in 31 minutes.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Brooklyn claimed the first two meetings with Memphis earlier this season, holding the Grizzlies to an average of 105 points. However, the Grizzlies are a much-improved team since those early losses, with a refined offensive rhythm and defensive sharpness.

The best tools are at your fingertips!

Sign Up!

What to Watch

• Ja Morant and Desmond Bane’s Impact: With both stars expected to return, Memphis could be even more lethal offensively.
• Brooklyn’s Defense: Can the Nets find a way to slow down a Grizzlies team that thrives in transition and is clicking on all cylinders?
• Nic Claxton’s Energy: Claxton’s two-way presence will be crucial in helping the Nets stay competitive against Memphis’ bigs.
• Grizzlies’ Consistency: Memphis has emphasized maintaining defensive intensity and offensive efficiency throughout games. Will they sustain their recent form?

Outlook

Memphis enters the game as a clear favorite, given their current form and home-court advantage. The Nets, however, have proven they can beat the Grizzlies and will look to rediscover the defensive focus that has eluded them in recent games. Friday’s matchup offers Memphis a chance for revenge and Brooklyn an opportunity to right the ship, setting the stage for a compelling Eastern vs. Western Conference battle.