Phoenix Suns (26-26) vs Memphis Grizzlies (35-17)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:00 pm (Footprint Center)
Betting Odds: Phoenix Suns +4 -- Over/Under: 242.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Memphis Grizzlies (35-17) will face the Phoenix Suns (26-26) on February 11, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Grizzlies are currently second in the Western Conference, while the Suns hold the tenth spot. Memphis is coming off a 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the loss, the Grizzlies have been strong offensively, scoring 120 or more points in four of their last five games, led by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. Morant continues to be a key offensive force, while Jackson has recently scored over 30 points in multiple games, and Bane returned from injury with a solid 20-point performance.
On the other hand, the Suns are coming off a 122-105 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, marking their fourth loss in their last five games. With Kevin Durant sidelined due to injury, the Suns have struggled, relying heavily on Devin Booker, who has been scoring over 30 points in recent games. If Durant remains out, the Suns will have to lean even more on Booker to keep pace with the Grizzlies. Defensively, Phoenix has struggled, allowing over 120 points in each of their last five games, which could be a challenge against Memphis’ high-scoring offense.
Desmond Bane Over 17.5 Points
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane has been a vital offensive player for his team this NBA season. Averaging 18.0 points per game, Bane has demonstrated impressive shooting efficiency. He is making 6.3 field goals per game on 12.7 attempts, resulting in a solid 49.7% field goal percentage. From beyond the arc, he averages 2.8 three-pointers per game on 6.5 attempts, boasting a strong 43.1% shooting from deep. Bane also contributes from the free-throw line, where he hits 85.2% of his free throws, averaging 3.2 makes per game.
We've seen Desmond Bain score 20 or more points in his last three games and he has become Ja Morant’s number one sidekick. I see him having another strong night against his Sun’s team who have struggled greatly on the defensive side of the ball as of late. If Desmond Bane can put up 20 points against OKC’s defense imagine what he's going to do against Phoenix.
Devin Booker Over 31.5 Points
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been an essential offensive force for his team this season, averaging 26.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. He has maintained a solid shooting efficiency, making 8.6 field goals per game on 19.0 attempts, resulting in a 45.3% field goal percentage. From three-point range, Booker has averaged 2.7 three-pointers per game on 7.8 attempts, shooting 34.2% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he has been highly effective from the free-throw line, hitting 89.4% of his free throws and averaging 6.5 free throws made per game.
This Phoenix Suns team is hobbled right now with both Kevin Durant's and Bradley Beale questionable for this game. Even if both guys play they won't be 100%. This puts a lot of pressure on Devin Booker to have a big night scoring the ball. We've seen him score 30 or more points and four of his last six games and just a couple of games ago he put up 47 points against the Utah Jazz. In what should be a high-scoring and competitive game I expect a big night from Devin Booker.
Nick Richards Over 8.5 Rebounds
Nick Richards has been a significant contributor to his team's rebounding efforts. Over 32 games, he has averaged 8.5 rebounds per game, comprising 5.9 defensive rebounds and 2.6 offensive rebounds. In his 21 games with the Charlotte Hornets, Richards averaged 7.5 rebounds per game, including 5.1 defensive and 2.4 offensive rebounds. After being traded to the Phoenix Suns, Richards has played 11 games, averaging 10.4 rebounds per game, with 7.5 defensive and 2.8 offensive rebounds.
With the Sun's trading Nurkic, Nick Richards will have to step up and be a presence in the paint for this Phoenix team. We've seen him clear this line of 8.5 rebounds in his last two games. He has a favorable matchup going against the Grizzlies who are giving up 52.8 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average. I expect another double-digit rebounding night the Sun’s new big man.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
