Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies April 1 NBA Prediction

With only a handful of games remaining in the 2021-22 NBA season, teams are trying to gather as much momentum as possible before the playoffs. That’ll be the exact same case Friday, April 1 when the Phoenix Suns travel to the FedExForum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Suns have clinched the Western Conference’s top seed ahead of the playoffs thanks to a nine-game winning streak they’re riding into this contest. They’re coming off a close 107-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, so time will tell if their momentum will continue.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are also hot as of late, winning 10 of their last 11 games — including the most recent six in a row. They also secured a close win Wednesday, edging out a 112-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Grizzlies have the West’s No. 2 seed locked down, so a win over the Suns would be a good way to solidify themselves as a threat.

With both teams looking to get something going ahead of the NBA postseason, here’s a look at the betting odds and a prediction for Friday’s Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies showdown.

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Info and Betting Odds

Matchup Info

• Game Matchup: Phoenix Suns (62-14, 1st in Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (54-23, 2nd in Western Conference)
• Venue & Location: FedExForum (Memphis, Tennessee)
• Date: Friday, April 1, 2022
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: NBA TV

Suns vs. Grizzlies Betting Odds

• Spread: Phoenix Suns -8.5 (-105), Memphis Grizzlies +8.5 (-115)
• Total: OVER 229.5 (-110), UNDER 229.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Phoenix Suns -350, Memphis Grizzlies +275

Odds are via BetMGM.

Suns Continue to Look Unbeatable During Streak

It’s been clear that the Suns have been the NBA’s top team since the 2021-22 season began. However, their dominance has only been reaffirmed during their nine-game winning streak.

Although many compliment them for their defense, the Suns’ offense has kicked into overdrive during their successful streak, averaging 126.9 points per game (PPG) over that span. What’s even more impressive is that Phoenix has hit at least 125 points in seven of those contests.

Devin Booker has been at the forefront of the offensive over that stretch, averaging 31.8 PPG on .524/.393/.873 splits. Additionally, Deandre Ayton (19.7 PPG) and Mikal Bridges (19.2 PPG) have also been contributing. Needless to say, success is easy to come by when you have three players combining for over 50 PPG.

Many expected the Suns to falter when Chris Paul was sidelined with a hand injury, but that just wasn’t the case. Their win streak started six games before his return and he hasn’t lost a step since coming back, racking up 35 assists over the last three games.

Although the offense has been flowing during Phoenix’s successful run, the total has hit the under in back-to-back games. Considering how the total has hit the under in four of the Suns’ last five road games against the Grizzlies, it’s a betting trend worth monitoring.

Grizzlies Still Dominant Without Morant

The Grizzlies have been one of the bigger surprises this season, with many experts and fans attributing their success to Ja Morant’s breakout. Unfortunately, he’s only played one game since March 15 due to a knee injury.

The good news is that the Grizzlies haven’t lost a step without him, winning each of the seven games Morant has missed in that stretch. Memphis is now 19-2 without their superstar this season, which goes to show how dominant they’ve been.

Although Phoenix is on a different level, the Grizzlies have the offense to keep up with them, averaging 124.0 PPG in their last 11 outings. They’ve scored at least 122 points in five of their last six contests, meaning it could be another high-scoring game.

Desmond Bane has been the Grizzlies’ top performer over their 11-game stretch, averaging 20.5 points and 3.7 threes per game on a .532 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. With Morant still injured, Memphis will lean on him again.

On the betting side of things, the Grizzlies are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games. While that’s impressive, the Suns are 7-2 ATS in their last nine, so it’ll be interesting to see which way the spread goes tonight.

Western Conference Playoff Odds

When it comes to the Western Conference standings, this game won’t impact them at all. As mentioned before, the Suns have secured the top seed with 62 wins, whereas the Grizzlies can only finish with 59 if they win out.

Having said that, the Suns are favored at +110 odds on BetMGM to win the Western Conference Finals this postseason.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies sit third at +700 odds despite being the No. 2 seed. They currently trail the Golden State Warriors (+340) who are actually fourth in the conference, so a victory over Phoenix would go a long way for Memphis.

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction and Best Bets

Phoenix Suns 115, Memphis Grizzlies 110 (Under 229.5, -110)

Tonight’s Phoenix vs. Memphis matchup could easily be a Western Conference Finals preview, so fans have the right to be excited. Having said that, the Suns are the healthier team right now and I expect them to squeeze out a road victory tonight.

When it comes to the best bet, I’m taking the total hitting under 229.5 at -110. The Suns and Grizzlies have combined for low-scoring affairs in recent meetings. Add in the fact that 57% of pick sites and 69% of public bettors are taking the under and it solidifies that as the best bet.