Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors December 19th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-135) will host the Golden State Warriors (+114) in a Western Conference matchup. The Grizzlies (-2.5) are 2nd in the West, while the Warriors (14-11) are 8th.

Memphis (18-9) is favored by 2.5 and has the best record in the Southwest Division. Golden State has lost two straight and is 2nd in the Pacific Division.

Warriors vs. Grizzlies Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies
• Where: Memphis at FedExForum
• Date: Thursday, December 19th
• Betting Odds MEM -2.5, GS +114 | MEM -135 O/U 235.5

The Warriors Can Win If…

The Warriors fell to 14-11 on the season after a 143-133 loss to the Mavericks on Sunday. Golden State, who were -1 point favorites at home, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 276 points far exceeded the O/U line of 228.5 by 47.5 points.

After a rough start, falling behind 46-33 in the 1st quarter, the Warriors responded with a 41-35 2nd quarter. They went on a 12-0 run to cut the score from 114-101 to 114-113 but couldn’t complete the comeback, as Dallas edged them 29-26 in the 4th quarter.

In their 143-133 loss to the Mavericks, the Warriors hit 27 threes at a 50% clip, with Andrew Wiggins leading the way with 5 made threes and 29 points overall. Stephen Curry added 7 threes, finishing with 26 points and 10 assists.

Draymond Green also connected on 5 threes, contributing 21 points, while Jonathan Kuminga added 20 points. Wiggins and Draymond each scored 9 points in the opening quarter, and Curry added 8 points in the 3rd.

Defensively, the Warriors struggled on Sunday, giving up 143 points to the Mavericks. They allowed 46 points in the 1st quarter and 35 in the 2nd, before tightening up slightly in the 3rd and 4th quarters, where they allowed 33 and 29 points, respectively.

Golden State allowed Dallas to shoot 59% from the field, including 51% from beyond the arc, where the Mavericks hit 21 threes. The Warriors sent Dallas to the line 25 times, where they converted 18 free throws. Defensively, the Warriors recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks.

• Through their last five road contests, the Warriors offense has averaged 103 points per game while allowing an average of 107. Golden State posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Golden State has an ATS mark of 3-2 while going 1-4 straight up.
• Over their last three games, the Warriors have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

The Grizzlies fell to 18-9 on the season after a 116-110 road loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Memphis, favored by 2.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game came in at 226, falling short of the 235-point over/under line.

Memphis found themselves in a hole early, as the Lakers went on a 10-0 run to stretch their lead from 36-29 to 46-29. The Grizzlies mounted a comeback, winning the third quarter 31-22 and outscoring the Lakers 33-30 in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

In their 116-110 loss to the Lakers, the Grizzlies shot just 39.2% from the field and made only 9 threes, connecting at a 32.1% rate. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 25 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 69.2% from the floor and hitting 2 threes at 66.7%.

Ja Morant added 20 points despite shooting 28.6% overall and from beyond the arc. He scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Zach Edey contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 75% from the field. Luke Kennard also chipped in 9 of his 12 points in the 3rd quarter.

Defensively, the Grizzlies struggled in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 30 and 34 points, respectively. They tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 22 points, but another 30-point 4th quarter from the Lakers sealed the game.

Memphis held Los Angeles to 29% shooting from deep, allowing just 10 made threes. However, they sent the Lakers to the line 39 times, where they hit 28 free throws. The Grizzlies finished with 33 defensive rebounds, 10 steals, and 3 blocks.

• When looking at their past three matchups at home, Memphis has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 125 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Memphis has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
• In their last three games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Grizzlies winning this one by a score of 153-126, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Grizzlies at -2.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 235.5, and our model predicts the Warriors and Grizzlies to score a combined 279 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Newest Warrior Dennis Schroder Faces Nemesis Grizzlies Again

Dennis Schroder is set to make his debut with the Golden State Warriors against the Memphis Grizzlies, a team he has a contentious history with.

Dennis Schroder Joins the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors acquired Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, bringing the veteran point guard into a team already known for its championship pedigree. Schroder is averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists this season, ranking among the NBA’s top 15 in assists.

Schroder’s arrival marks a significant addition for Golden State. He brings a strong playmaking ability and defensive grit that has proven problematic for the Warriors in the past—teams he’s played on have won 10 of their last 11 games against Golden State.

“I’m happy to be part of this organization,” Schroder said. “The chemistry here is incredible. It feels like a winning culture.”

Joining forces with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Schroder expressed excitement about learning from Curry.

“Steph is one of the best point guards and shooters ever,” Schroder said. “Every time you see him play, it’s like watching a video game. I’m excited to be on his side now.”

Grizzlies Present a Tough Test

Schroder’s Warriors debut will come against a Memphis Grizzlies team that has been surging, winning 10 of their last 12 games. Despite their strong form, Golden State has recently had Memphis’ number, winning the last three meetings in the series.

Memphis is coming off a 116-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the return of key players Zach Edey and Luke Kennard is expected to boost the team.

Edey, the 7-foot-4 rookie, made an immediate impact in his return from an ankle injury, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including eight offensive boards, in just 24 minutes.

“He played with great force,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “His presence around the rim was huge for us.”

Kennard also made his return after missing several games due to illness. The sharpshooter provided 12 points in 18 minutes and showcased his versatility on offense.

“Kennard gave us a real spark,” Jenkins said. “It wasn’t just his shooting; it was his movement, his cutting, and the way he facilitated the offense.”

Bench Battle and History

Thursday’s game will also spotlight two of the NBA’s top bench units. Memphis leads the league with an average of 48.2 bench points per game, while Golden State follows closely at 46.6.

The matchup is further intensified by Schroder’s recent history with the Grizzlies. Less than a week ago, while playing for Brooklyn, Schroder was involved in heated exchanges with Memphis, including a verbal spat with coach Taylor Jenkins that resulted in technical fouls.

The Grizzlies’ physicality and Schroder’s intensity make for a compelling storyline, as both teams look to gain ground in their respective conference standings.

Who’s the MVP favorite? Check out NBA MVP Odds & Predictions!

Key Matchup

For the Warriors, the key will be integrating Schroder into their system while maintaining the flow of their high-powered offense. For Memphis, limiting Curry’s impact and taking advantage of their bench depth will be critical.

With Schroder eager to make an impression and Memphis looking to avenge past losses, Thursday’s game promises to be a high-energy clash between two competitive teams.