Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks March 3rd 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-350) will host the Atlanta Hawks (+277) in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies (-8.5) are favored over the Hawks and the over/under line is set at 253.

Memphis (-350) is currently 4th in the Western Conference and 1st in the Southwest Division. They have lost two straight games. Atlanta (+277) is 9th in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the Southeast Division. They have also lost two straight games.

Hawks vs. Grizzlies Key Information

Sport: NBA
Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies
Where: Memphis at FedExForum
Date: Monday, March 3rd
Betting Odds MEM -8.5, ATL +277 | MEM -350 O/U 253

The Hawks Can Win If…

The Hawks fell to 27-33 on the season after a 135-119 loss to the Thunder on Friday. Atlanta, who were +11 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 254 points exceeded the O/U line of 246.5 by 7.5 points.

Atlanta’s 14-0 run brought them within 2 points, but after a 37-20 3rd quarter, they trailed 108-84 going into the 4th. They outscored the Thunder 35-27 in the final frame but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Onyeka Okongwu and Caris LeVert each scored 23 points in the Hawks’ 135-119 loss to the Thunder, with Okongwu shooting 75% from the field and adding 13 rebounds. Trae Young contributed 19 points and 12 assists, despite shooting just 35.7% from the floor.

The Hawks hit 15 threes, shooting 41.7% from deep and 48.9% overall. Okongwu and Young both scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, while LeVert added 7 in the final period.

The Hawks struggled defensively against the Thunder, giving up 135 points on 50% shooting. Atlanta allowed 40 points in the 1st quarter and 37 in the 3rd, with Oklahoma City scoring at least 31 points in three quarters.

From beyond the arc, the Thunder hit 23 threes at a 46% clip. The Hawks sent Oklahoma City to the line 12 times, where they made 10 free throws. Defensively, Atlanta recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Atlanta has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 125 points per game while allowing 125. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
The last ten games that Atlanta was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 3-7 straight up.
Over their last five games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

Memphis fell to 38-22 on the season after a 130-128 home loss to the Spurs on Saturday. The Grizzlies were -5.5 point favorites going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 258 points went over the pre-game line of 242.5 by 15.5 points.

San Antonio took control with a 10-0 run early, stretching the score from 34-30 to 40-34. Memphis struggled in the 2nd quarter, getting outscored 46-28, but they responded by winning the 3rd quarter 38-22. Heading into the 4th, the Grizzlies were down 99-96 and narrowly lost the final period 31-32.

Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout performer for the Grizzlies in their 130-128 loss to the Spurs, scoring 42 points and hitting 5 threes at a 62.5% rate. He was particularly dominant in the 3rd quarter, scoring 18 points, and added 13 more in the 4th. Jackson shot 60% from the field overall, while the Grizzlies hit 52.6% of their shots as a team.

Memphis struggled from beyond the arc, making just 11 threes at a 28.9% clip. Jaylen Wells contributed 18 points, including 6 in the 4th quarter, and Zach Edey added 17 points, shooting 100% from the field. Luke Kennard also had a strong 2nd quarter, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the period.

Defensively, the Grizzlies struggled in the 2nd quarter, giving up 46 points, but they tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 22. Overall, they allowed 130 points on 52% shooting from the field in their loss to the Spurs.

From beyond the arc, the Grizzlies gave up 14 threes on 38% shooting. They sent the Spurs to the line 22 times, where they made 16 free throws. Memphis finished with 7 steals and 8 blocks.

Across the Grizzlies last ten home games, the team averaged 121 points per game while allowing 119. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-4-1, while going 6-4 straight-up.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.
In their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Grizzlies is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 166-107. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Grizzlies at -8.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 253, and our model predicts the Hawks and Grizzlies to score a combined 273 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Morant Leading Memphis’ Late-Season Push

Ja Morant is finally back in rhythm, and the Memphis Grizzlies are benefiting from his return to form.

The two-time NBA All-Star has endured two injury-riddled seasons, along with a league suspension, but he has strung together four straight 20+ point games for the first time since December 2023.

Heading into Monday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Morant has been the driving force behind Memphis’ resurgence.

Morant’s Recent Dominance

29 points, 8 assists vs. Suns – Led a late comeback, scoring 11 straight points to force overtime.
25 points, 7 assists vs. Knicks – Put Memphis ahead with 14.1 seconds left before the Knicks responded with a game-winning shot.

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins sees steady progress from his squad, despite their recent last-second losses.

“Despite the results, I thought we progressively got better as the road trip went from Indiana, to Orlando, then Cleveland,” Jenkins said. “We have a lot of great takeaways (since the All-Star break) that we’ve got to continue to build on.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. Adds Firepower

While Morant gets most of the attention, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a major factor as well.

In Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to the Spurs, Jackson erupted for a season-high 42 points, including 31 in the second half, bringing the Grizzlies back from a 22-point first-half deficit.

“He was just in a groove all night,” Jenkins said.

With Morant and Jackson playing at an elite level, Memphis is positioning itself for a late-season playoff push, potentially chasing a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Hawks Struggling on Defense as Rotation Changes Continue

The Atlanta Hawks are still searching for answers, especially on the defensive end.

After Friday’s 128-112 loss to Oklahoma City, coach Quin Snyder expressed his frustration with defensive breakdowns.

“There were times on the defensive end where someone was wide open for a 3,” Snyder said. “We just have to be better.”

Snyder Adjusting Lineups

In an attempt to shake things up, Snyder benched forward Mouhamed Gueye in the second half in favor of Georges Niang.

“Sometimes when you make a change, it’s not one player’s fault,” Snyder said. “Georges’ shooting, and his ball-handling, is something he brings to that position.”

The Hawks will likely continue making adjustments as they look for a defensive identity down the stretch.

Bright Spot: Onyeka Okongwu

One positive takeaway for Atlanta has been the play of Onyeka Okongwu, who stepped up with 23 points and 13 rebounds against Oklahoma City.

“I think in pick and roll, or just in the flow of the game, he’s got good hands and we trust him,” Snyder said.

With Okongwu emerging as a key contributor, the Hawks hope to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

💰 Want to compare betting lines before locking in your picks? Visit the NBA Odds Page for real-time spreads, moneylines, and totals!

Key Matchups to Watch

Ja Morant vs. Trae Young
A duel of two dynamic point guards, with Morant playing some of his best basketball of the season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Hawks Frontcourt
Jackson is coming off a 42-point explosion, and Atlanta must find a way to slow him down.

Grizzlies’ Transition Game vs. Hawks’ Defense
Memphis thrives in the open floor, while Atlanta has struggled with defensive breakdowns.

What’s at Stake?

For Memphis, a win would:

Keep their playoff push alive as they fight for a higher seed.
Extend Ja Morant’s strong stretch of play.
Show continued improvement despite recent close losses.

For Atlanta, a win would:

Help stabilize their inconsistent defense.
Show progress in Snyder’s lineup adjustments.
Give them confidence heading into a crucial stretch of games.

Can Morant and Memphis Stay Hot, or Will Atlanta Respond?

With Ja Morant in top form and Jaren Jackson Jr. dominating, the Grizzlies are a tough matchup for an Atlanta squad still searching for consistency.

Will Memphis continue its playoff push, or can the Hawks steal a much-needed road win? The answer unfolds Monday night in Memphis.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions March 3rd 2025