NBA Team Preview: Memphis Grizzlies Preview

Coming off a 2020 playoff appearance, after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the play-in game, the Memphis Grizzlies look to build for 2021. They finished the regular season with a 38-34 record last year, which allowed them the opportunity for the play-in game in the Western Conference. 

Key Additions

The Grizzlies drafted Zaire Williams with the 10th pick in the draft this year. The 6’8” perimeter player has the potential to be extremely effective on the defensive side for the Grizzlies with his seven-foot wingspan. Offensively, Williams has some work to do before he will be a major impact on that side of the ball, but his main focus will be his contributions on the defensive side.

The Grizzlies made quite a few moves in the 2021 free agency market but were quick to move these players for future draft picks. While this may lead some Grizzlies fans to be a little uneasy, there is clearly a goal in place for the front office to make their next draft class one that can be instantly impactful.

Impactful Subtractions

Marc Gasol will no longer be with the team in 2021. After deciding to play overseas with Girona, a team that he owns, it seems like Gasol has realized his playing days are coming to an end quickly. Gasol may not have put up the biggest numbers, but he was the veteran big man that kept this young core under control. 

Grayson Allen is headed to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Grizzlies are filled with talented guards, and it felt like Allen was at a point in his career where they could get the best value for him this offseason. He was traded for two second-round draft picks and Sam Merrill.

Key Players

There’s no doubt when people hear Grizzlies, the first name that comes to mind is Ja Morant. The high-flying point guard is an absolute pleasure to watch play the game and is the clear face of the franchise. In 2020, Morant averaged 19 points and seven assists to lead the Grizzlies.

A less known name, but almost just as an impactful player, is Dillon Brooks. Averaging 17.2 points per game last season, shooting over 34% from the three-point line, Brooks is a great compliment to the slashing and driving play of Ja Morant.

Grizzlies Betting Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies win total is currently set at 41. If you were to take them over, the odds are set at -130. If you take the under, you are getting +100 odds. If you take the over, that would mean the team would need to be three games better than they were last season, which will be a struggle with the lack of offseason additions.

Another interesting bet is whether the Memphis Grizzlies will make the playoffs. If you were to take no, the odds are at -135. If you take yes, the odds increase to +100.

If you are someone who truly believes the Grizzlies could make a play at the championship this season, they are currently +8000 to win the NBA Championship. This means if you were to bet a single dollar on this, and the Grizzlies would go on to win, you would receive a payout of 81 dollars.

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.