NBA coaches and players have mixed feelings about these mini-series setups, playing the same team twice in three days. Originally induced by the pandemic, they have become a way to lessen some travel. Hence, the Denver Nuggets playing two straight games against the Memphis Grizzlies.
One could worry it will be too much of an ask of the home team to beat the Nuggets twice in three days, but until Nikola Jokic is known to be back on the court, Denver should be doubted outright and in all regards.
My Nuggets vs. Grizzlies predictions will thus lean on Memphis to win without too much trouble, any free NBA picks needing to remember this is also an NBA Cup game. Tip comes at 8:00 ET on Tuesday, November 19.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies prediction
My best bet
Grizzlies -3.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Denver Nuggets have remained vague about Nikola Jokic’s status, a personal matter holding him out of the last two games. As of Tuesday morning, Denver still lists the defending MVP as questionable for tonight, but logic doubts his availability.
Nuggets head coach Mike Malone has specifically said the team continues to check in with Jokic. Without trying to speculate any further, that phrasing indicated Jokic is not even with the team in Memphis. Or, at the least, has not been yet.
The Memphis Grizzlies were 6-point favorites in Sunday’s matchup, winning by 15. If Jokic were available tonight, the line would move more than 2.5 points. This movement can be ascribed to the mini-series aspect of this week. Denver lost on Sunday; some degree of evening could usually be expected tonight.
But without Jokic, the Nuggets are simply too adrift to mount any sign of pride like that. They lost by seven at New Orleans on Friday as 2-point favorites. Of course, also being down Aaron Gordon does not help things.
While Denver is falling short of expectations and significantly so without Jokic, Memphis has covered the spread in six straight games, even without Ja Morant in the last five games, thanks to a hip worry.
The differences in these two teams’ performances without their biggest stars underscore the shelf life of a contender under the NBA’s current CBA. Simply put, the Nuggets have been too good for too long, and their depth has slowly eroded. Anyone starting Dario Saric, Christian Bruan, and Peyton Watson in 2024 is in a tough spot. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have found competence from Scotty Pippen Jr.
Memphis has bench pieces even when shorthanded, Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama and Zach Edey all unquestionably genuine NBA rotation players. Denver, meanwhile, played DeAndre Jordan for more than 14 minutes on Sunday.
These roster discrepancies will persist tonight, and for the Nuggets, they will remain worries until Jokic is back in the lineup.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Grizzlies -3.5
Jaren Jackson Over 21.5 points
Desmond Bane Over 4.5 assists
There's an edge in remembering this is an NBA Cup game. Both the Grizzlies and the Nuggets lost their first Cup games, so their NBA odds of advancing in the in-season tournament are already slim, but not nil.
Memphis lost its first game to Golden State by just five points, giving the Grizzlies a chance yet at a healthy point differential. To enjoy that, they will need to run up the score tonight.
On Tuesday, Jaren Jackson Jr. played only 31 minutes; Desmond Bane logged only 28:31. A 15-point blowout granted them that luxury, finishing with 20 points and seven assists, respectively.
With tonight’s possible emphasis on the margin of victory, Jackson and Bane should not find the bench so early. Those added minutes should boost their outputs, obviously.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
New Users
Choose your welcome bonus at bet365
Get in on the NBA action at bet365, which is offering new users a choice of two incredible offers:
- Up to $1,000 in bonus bets back (if your first bet doesn't win)
- Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets instantly
Sign up now to pick your offer at bet365, or learn more with our comprehensive bet365 review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies odds
Nuggets vs Grizzlies live odds
Nuggets vs Grizzlies opening odds
- Spread: Denver +4 | Memphis -4
- Moneyline: Denver +150 | Memphis -180
- Over/Under: Over 228.5 | Under 228.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies spread and Over/Under analysis
- In Monday’s earliest hours, Memphis opened as a 4-point favorite, a number that ticked down to -3.5 on Monday afternoon and then climbed as high as -4.5 overnight.
- It ticked back down to -3.5 on Tuesday morning.
- This total first hit the market at 228.5 and then moved down as low as 225 in Tuesday’s earliest hours, climbing back to 227 on Tuesday morning.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies trend
The Nuggets had gone Over the total in eight straight games before Jokic’s absence, then falling short of the total in each of the two games without him. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Nuggets vs Grizzlies
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN |
| Date: | Tuesday, 11-19-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ALT, FDSNSE |
Nuggets vs Grizzlies latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
