A new season means new objectives, goals, and opportunities for teams to leap forward. For the Memphis Grizzlies, a nucleus of young and talented athletes returns for a year in which they believe they have a chance at winning an NBA title. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are hoping last year's disappointing season was a fluke and that they will get things right with the addition of point guard Jalen Brunson.
Last year's matchups between the Grizzlies and Knicks resulted in two victories for Memphis with a narrow 16 +/- in their favor. Our NBA picks and predictions for Knicks vs. Grizzlies believe Memphis will prevail in a high-scoring matchup that will showcase a good point guard battle between Ja Morant and Brunson.
Knicks vs Grizzlies best odds
Knicks vs Grizzlies picks and predictions
The 2021-22 campaign wasn't particularly friendly to the Knicks, who were held hostage by an offense that didn't have an effective point guard to balance out ball-handling duties that were way too often at the burden of Julius Randle's ball-hogging. Good news came this summer as the Knicks inked former Dallas Mavericks PG Jalen Brunson to a lucrative $104-million contract.
The immediate impact Brunson will present has already been evident by a stellar preseason where he averaged 17.8 points per game on 49% shooting. During the Knicks preseason finale, Brunson showcased his best offensive prowess, scoring 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting.
With the scoring efficiency problems on the roster surrounding Brunson, it will be vital for him to take on more scoring responsibilities than he was accustomed to in Dallas.
The Knicks ranked 26th in points per game last season and still don't have many players who can score with any kind of efficiency. Their leading scorers last season, RJ Barrett and Randle, shot 40.8 and 41.1% from the field, respectively, which isn't ideal. Luckily for New York, Brunson prides himself on shooting at an efficient clip, producing a 49.4 field goal percentage over his career.
Anyone doubting Brunson's ability as a consistent scoring option should look at his 2022 playoff run with Dallas, as he averaged 21.6 points per game, including a 41-point masterpiece against the Utah Jazz. Memphis presents a stern defensive test, no doubt, but Brunson averaged 13.2 points per game as a secondary option against the Grizzlies last season. Luka Doncic isn't lining up beside him anymore, so there will be more urgency for Brunson to score and more opportunities to shoot.
The Knicks will need Brunson to score many points as possible this season to compete. With defensive stalwarts Jaren Jackson Jr. out and Dillon Brooks not likely to suit up for Memphis, opportunities in the paint and perimeter will be a tad easier for Brunson. Look for the feisty 6-foot-1 guard to make a statement in his Orange and Blue debut.
My best bet: Brunson Over 18.5 points (+110)
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Knicks vs Grizzlies spread analysis
It should be no surprise to watch the Knicks hover between 4.5 and 5.5-point underdogs tonight. Memphis had the third-best road record last season, going 26-15 and scoring the sixth most points per game on the road with 113.9. Memphis is a deep team that plays with great chemistry, starting with superstar point guard Ja Morant. Entering his fourth season, Morant will set his sights on a championship berth and MVP contention.
The Knicks offense ranked 26th last year with 106.5 per game, an issue when dealing with a Grizzlies team that averaged 115.6. To further emphasize the Grizzlies' chances in this one, New York had an 11th-ranked defensive rating last year, which falls noticeably short of the Grizzlies' Top-6 ranked unit. There are serious concerns in New York on how a backcourt of the diminutive Brunson and Evan Fournier, who is the furthest thing from a defensive threat, will stop anyone.
However, Memphis will have to hold the ship together without two core pieces: Jaren Jackson Jr. and likely Dillon Brooks. Jackson is building a reputation as one of the league's best defensive players, and Memphis will miss his presence when he's not on the court after he led the league in blocks last season (177). For all his absence could mean against the best teams in the NBA, Memphis won't need him to have their way with a New York team projected by many to be back in the lottery by next April.
Brooks, a solid all-around player who would make Barrett's night very tough, is a tough loss at the beginning of the season should he ultimately sit this one out as he battles a thigh injury. The rugged defender is also a solid scorer, averaging over 18 points per game. Injury absences may spell trouble for most teams who lose a productive piece such as Brooks, but the Grizzlies have had a remarkable next-man-up approach. Memphis went an impressive 34-16 without Brooks last season, proving they know how to win ball games without him in the lineup.
A final point, Memphis possessed the best ATS record last season at 58-33-1. It is a tough, defensive-minded team with one of the best scoring options in the entire NBA in Morant. Brunson will undoubtedly help this stagnant New York offense, but it won't be enough to cover the spread against this Western Conference contender.
Knicks vs Grizzlies Over/Under analysis
The Over/Under at most sportsbooks has consistently remained at around 225 and 226. This makes a ton of sense, considering both teams are bringing back a bulk of their rosters from the previous season. Continuity could be better at the beginning of the season, but it tends to favor teams with great chemistry and defined roles.
The Knicks, for instance, weren't the greatest scoring offense last year, but they are bringing back mostly the same starting unit with one significant offensive injection with Brunson. He can set up an offense, score on and off the ball, hit an open three, and take high-efficiency shots.
Like the Knicks, the Grizzlies are bringing back much of the same unit that led them to a 56-26 record last season. We all know what Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jackson can do. One player to keep an eye on is forward Brandon Clarke, who ranked in the Top 5 in the NBA in several categories, including second-chance points, paint points, and offensive rebounds. The Knicks expect a lot out of third-year forward Obi Toppin, but he may have a hard time battling Clarke on the boards and scoring, as he averaged 10.9 points on 59% shooting.
I like both teams to come out pushing the pace and scoring frequently tonight.
Knicks vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Grizzlies.
Knicks vs Grizzlies game info
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date: | Wednesday, October 19, 2022 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
