Be sure to check for any injuries and any other relevant information as this article is written the night before and picks may change with new information.
The All-Star buzz is over and now it’s time to resume this crazy season!
Washington Wizards at Memphis Grizzlies
The defensive-minded Grizzlies take on the offensive-minded Wizards at home. The Wizards came into the All-Star break red hot winning the last 7 out of the last 10 games and now have an overall record of 14-20 and sit 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies sit 10th in the Western Conference and finished 5-5 in their last 10 games leading into the break with a record of 16-16.
The main factor to watch for in this game is if the Memphis defense, which ranks 7th in defensive rating, can stop the offensive juggernauts of Beal and Westbrook. Beal and Westbrook have figured each other out and now mesh seamlessly which is a problem because they can put 140 points on anyone. Beal is averaging 32.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, and 5.4 RPG and Westbrook is averaging nearly a triple double behind his 20.3 PPG, 9.8 APG, and 9.7 RPG. Westbrook was averaging below 20.0 PPG at the start of the season but his recent play suggests he has bought in to the system. The Grizzlies will have to play team defense in order to limit this duo as they are equally efficient at finding open teammates.
The Memphis Grizzlies have an advantage on rebounds and assists. The Memphis Grizzlies will pit Valancunias, who is averaging 15.6 PPG and 11.3 RPG, against a struggling Robin Lopez. This matchup will be critical if this game comes down to a close one. The Memphis Grizzlies are the best team in the league at finding the open teammate which could provide a serious advantage if the Washington defense doesn’t come to play, which has a defensive rating of 27th in the league.
The Grizzlies are the -3.0 favorite. Both teams will be well rested which is why I have to go with the home team and take the -3.0. The safer bet would be to take the Grizzlies ML as this game will be close and could come down to late game free throws which could make or break the cover.
San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks
The Spurs come into Dallas sitting only one slot better than the Mavericks. A classic 7th seed vs 8th seed matchup. The Spurs are 6-4 in their last ten games leading into the break and have an overall record of 18-14. On the other hand, the Mavericks hold two more losses and the same amount of wins at 18-16 sizzling hot going into the break on a three game winning streak while going 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Both teams come into this matchup healthy which will make for a great game. When it comes to the Spurs, Poppovich will always make sure his team comes to play defensively. The slight talent advantage goes to the Mavericks behind Luka Doncic’s excellent season that has him in contention for the MVP. He won’t likely win the honor but it says a lot about his play only three seasons in. A born leader that can do it all without other All-Stars around him. The team defense of the Spurs will be crucial as no one person on the Spurs can shut him down making this the key factor on how this game plays out.
A dark horse factor in this game is DeRozan’s play and the All-Star nod that instead went to Conely from the Jazz. DeRozan made his displeasure of the snub known on Twitter. This could lead to DeRozan coming out like a bat out of hell and causing havoc all over the court bringing new life to his game.
The Dallas Mavericks are the -4.0 favorite. With DeRozan likely to be raring to go to prove that he should be in the All-Star game instead of Conely and will get his team fired up as well which I believe that the Spurs will cover the +4.0.
Grizzlies -3.0/ML
Spurs +4.0
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