NBA fans will get to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a loaded ten-game slate. Among the most intriguing matchups on tonight’s card is a showdown between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are contenders in their respective conference playoff races. With each boasting a deep lineup, this game figures to provide exciting action throughout. In fact, the NBA betting oddsmakers are having a hard time declaring a true favorite for this matchup.
Heat vs Grizzlies Game Info
Miami Heat (22-18, 10-10 Away) at Memphis Grizzlies (17-19, 8-12 Home)
Date: Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021
Start Time: 9 p.m. EST
Venue: FedEXForum — Memphis, TN
Coverage: Fox Sports Southeast, Fox Sports Sun, NBA League Pass
Heat vs Grizzlies NBA Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook
Moneyline: MIA: (N/A) | MEM: (N/A)
Spread: MIA: +2 (-115) | MEM: -2 (-105)
Total: 218.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Heat vs Grizzlies NBA Betting Overview
Heat Outlook
The Heat continued their recent tear with a 113-98 blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night. Miami is now four games over the .500 mark after a rough start to the season. They ride a five-game winning streak into tonight’s NBA betting matchup and have won 11 of their last 12 overall. The run of success has vaulted the Heat up to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
While both teams are mostly healthy coming into this matchup, the point of emphasis for bettors should be the scheduling. The Grizzlies will enjoy a rest advantage tonight given that this is the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat. As a result, Heat star Jimmy Butler has popped up as questionable on the team’s injury report ahead of tonight’s game. If he does indeed sit this one out, there figures to be tremendous value in the current price on Memphis.
Heat Injury Report
- Out: Avery Bradley (calf), Maurice Harkless (illness), Meyers Leonard (suspension)
- Questionable: Jimmy Butler (ankle), Andre Igoudala, Gabe Vincent
Grizzlies Outlook
The Grizzlies will look to snap a three-game losing skid in tonight’s NBA betting contest. This marks the first of four consecutive home games for Memphis. While this is typically a welcome sight for a struggling team, the Grizzlies have actually lost four more games than they’ve won in the Grindhouse this season. Undoubtedly the reduced number of fans has been a big reason for this abnormal trend taking shape.
On a positive note, the Grizzlies’ injury report is as empty as it’s been all season long. While Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return date continues to be pushed back, the rest of the Memphis lineup is raring to go for tonight’s game. Indeed, there are almost too many players deserving of a spot in the rotation at present. The Grizzlies continue to be led statistically by Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas.
Grizzlies Injury Report
- Out: Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee)
Heat vs Grizzlies NBA Betting Trends
- Heat 2020-21 Betting Trends: 18-21-1 ATS; 18-22 to the Over
- Grizzlies 2020-21 Betting Trends: 20-16 ATS; 17-19 to the Over
- The Heat are 5-1 in their last six games when playing on 0 days’ rest.
- The Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a home favorite.
- The Under has hit in the Heat’s last five road games.
Heat vs Grizzlies Statistics
- Miami is averaging 106.8 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 26 in the NBA)
- Miami is surrendering 107.2 PPG on the season (No. 3 in the NBA)
- Memphis is averaging 111.7 PPG this season (No. 20 in the NBA)
- Memphis is surrendering 111.4 PPG (No. 13 in the NBA)
Heat vs Grizzlies Prop Bet
Jonas Valanciunas Over 12.5 Rebounds (-114 at Bovada Sportsbook)
Jonas Valanciunas has been a walking double-double in recent weeks for the Grizzlies. The seven-foot Lithuanian supplied a monster line of 24 points and 17 boards in Memphis’ most recent game on Monday. The output marked Valanciunas’ sixth straight game with a double-double and ninth in the last ten overall. It’s impossible to bet against a guy who has been such a force rebounding the basketball this season.
For further proof of just how big an impact Valanciunas has on the glass, consider the NBA betting prop lines of his Grizzlies teammates. None of Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks or Kyle Anderson are listed with an over/under line of more than 4.5 boards in tonight’s game. I like Valanciunas to have plenty of opportunities to reel in rebounds against the Heat tonight. Miami is a low-scoring team offensively anyways. Add in that they may be without Jimmy Butler after playing last night and missed shots falling into the arms of J-Val could be a common sight at FedExForum this evening.
