The Miami Heat will travel to the Chase Center on Saturday evening for a Western Conference showdown versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
Fresh off of snapping a two-game skid, the Grizzlies enter with a 3-2 overall record, good for first place in the Southwest Division standings. Meanwhile, Miami looked poised to contend for an NBA title after early-season statement wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat have won four of their first five games but will be playing this game on the second night of a back-to-back after taking down the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
Can Miami keep its momentum going on the road against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening?
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Lines
At Basketball Insiders, we get all of our game lines and information from the best betting sites. All of the game lines that are featured below are taken from Bovada.
Point Spread: Memphis Grizzlies -2.0
Money Line: MEM -135 / MIA +115
Total: Over/Under 215.5
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies News
Revitalized by the signing of veteran point guard Kyle Lowry, Miami has shown a renewed sense of urgency on the defensive end this season. According to dunksandthrees.com, Miami sports the NBA’s best adjusted defensive rating at just 95.4. Miami has allowed 100 points or fewer in four of its five games this season.
you know, i’m on a whole nother level right now .. 🥷🏽
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 29, 2021
Morant issued a warning to the rest of the league following the Grizzlies’ upset win over Golden State. Largely overlooked in part due to being drafted behind Zion Williamson, Morant is carrying a major chip on his shoulder this season. After not making the All-Star team in his first two NBA seasons, Morant is on a whole other level right now.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
The Miami Heat come into the weekend with a healthy roster and zero players on the injury report.
Meanwhile, Memphis is still dealing with the absence of shooting guard Dillon Brooks, who remains out with a hand injury. Kyle Anderson is also questionable for Saturday’s contest due to right calf soreness.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview
Miami throttles buzzing Hornets on ESPN
The Heat cruised to a 114-99 win at home against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Jimmy Butler had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Bam Adebayo added 26 points and 19 boards for the Heat, who led by 18 points at the half. Tyler Herro added 26 points, six assists, and five rebounds off of the bench for Miami, which won handily despite shooting just 9-for-35 from beyond the arc on the night.
Tyler Herro off the backboard at the buzzer 🚨@MiamiHeat and Hornets ➡ Q2 on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/kKPdiQS5cQ
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2021
Speaking of Herro, the 21-year-old guard appears to be returning to the form that he flashed inside the NBA Bubble two seasons ago. Through five games, Herro has averaged 22.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists this season. Despite coming off of the bench, Herro has shot 37.1 percent from beyond the arc while shooting career-high seven 3-point attempts per game.
Morant leads Grizzlies to comeback win over Golden State
Memphis stunned the Golden State Warriors with a 104-101 overtime loss on Thursday night. Ja Morant finished with 30 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the Grizzlies, who shot just 40.2 percent from the field and 12-for-48 from 3-point range in the win. Desmond Bane had 19 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds for the Grizzlies, who snapped a two-game losing streak and handed the Warriors their first loss of the season in the process.
Ja Morant is really making the leap right now. This move on Wiggins in overtime was superstar level stuff pic.twitter.com/Unjm7mPEPe
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 29, 2021
In his third year, Morant is making an early-season case for the NBA MVP Award. At 30.4 points per game, Morant is tied for the NBA-lead in scoring and is averaging a healthy 7.8 assists per contest. The former No. 2 overall pick has flashed his growth on offense by shooting 54.4 percent from the field, 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 84.4 percent from the free-throw line through five contests. All five of those marks would set new career highs.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
Despite the fact that Miami will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, we’re going to roll with the Heat in this spot. Not only has Miami put the clamps on opposing teams, but the Heat have also been running teams out of the gym in the first five games of the season. Each of Miami’s first four wins has come by at least 13 points. With Morant and the Grizzlies fresh off of a confidence-building win against the Warriors, this could be a letdown spot for Memphis at home here. Take Miami on the money line in this matchup in Memphis against the Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Props Bet
The Heat will be playing for the second consecutive night, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a veteran-laden Miami team lean more on its bench in this game. That should open up a few more minutes and opportunities for Herro off of the bench. Herro is in the midst of a breakout season in Miami. He’s averaging nearly 18 shot attempts and seven 3-pointers per game, which bodes well for his chances of making a considerable contribution against a Grizzlies’ defense that ranks 28th in the NBA in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to dunksandthrees.com. Take the over on Tyler Herro’s points on Saturday night.
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Picks
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Take the Miami Heat to win on the money line (+115) at Bovada.
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