The Memphis Grizzlies will try to extend their three-game win streak in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz.
Sportsbooks position the Grizzlies as a nine-point underdog for Wednesday’s matchup. Judging by the team’s last trio of games though, they may very well walk away with another win.
Memphis Grizzlies outplay Utah Jazz in Game 1
The top-seeded Jazz were coming off a six-game win streak before meeting the No. 8 Grizzlies in the first round of playoffs this past Sunday. But in the biggest shakeup of the NBA Playoffs thus far, the Grizzlies stopped them in their tracks, beating Utah 112-109.
William Hill Tennessee gave the Jazz a nine-point lead and an over/under of 217.5 for that matchup, leaving those who wagered on Memphis with a sizeable payday.
Memphis and Utah have already met three other times during the season, though the outcome was nowhere near as successful for the Grizzlies as Sunday’s game. The Jazz won all three regular season matchups, with an average total game score of 228.
Before Sunday night, Memphis hadn’t beat the Jazz since November 2019, during the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.
Despite boasting the league’s best record, Utah has now lost six straight Game 1 playoff games in a row. In fact, Utah is one of only two franchises that have lost multiple Game 1 matchups as a top seed against a No. 8 seed.
Grizzlies vs. Jazz Game 2 NBA Playoffs odds
Entering this second game, the Jazz are 8.5-point favorites at DraftKings Tennessee Sportsbook, and the over/under comes in at 218.
In Utah’s 73 games during the season, the total has hit the over 35 times, whereas 38 of Memphis’ 75 games hit the over.
When it comes to the spread, Utah has gone 23-14 against the spread (ATS) during 37 home games in 2021, while Memphis’ 38 away games have given them a 24-14 record ATS.
If you are looking to bet on the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2, make sure you check out the latest sportsbook promotions first.
For added value on your next NBA wager, hop over to DraftKings. The sportsbook is giving away a $5 bonus bet to players who wager $25 or more on the NBA Playoffs in a single day.
Odds for those bets must be -250 or longer, making a wager on the Grizzlies moneyline a perfect option for this bonus.
How far can the Grizzlies go?
Spirits are high in the Grizzlies camp with three back-to-back wins now under their post-season belt. The first two wins came from play-in victories against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. The third, of course, came from the Game 1 win against the Jazz on Sunday night.
But how long can the Grizzlies keep this win streak going?
A healthy roster will likely play a big role in determining just how far the team can go.
The young, energetic team has been fortunate when it comes to a lack of injuries this year. Small forward Sean McDermott is the only player in question going into Game 2. McDermott’s left foot injury has left him sidelined since April 30, but since he isn’t a regular rotation player, it’s had little effect on the team.
The Grizzlies aren’t the only ones with a healthy roster, though. Donovan Mitchell makes his highly anticipated return from the injury list after his ongoing sprained ankle issues. Mitchell was expected to play on Sunday for the Jazz but was benched only hours before tipoff.
He will be testing his ankle in tomorrow’s game.
If you’re confident the Grizzlies can keep this momentum going, you might want to take a look at futures for the team.
Odds for the Grizzlies to become champions of the West are +4000, while odds for them to walk away with the NBA Title are +13000.
The Grizzlies will have to deliver a few more upsets in this faceoff to make it through to Round 2. But if bettors have learned anything from last week’s post-season competition, it’s to never rule out Memphis.
