Washington Wizards (14-20) at Memphis Grizzlies (16-16)
The Wizards started slowly this season but Westbrook and Beal are starting to gel together. Before the All-Star break, they won 7 of their last 10 games and they should be confident against the Grizzlies here. Memphis generally struggle defending point guards so Westbrook should be able to enjoy a favourable matchup. The same be said for power forwards and that should see Hachimura put up good numbers in this matchup.
Memphis are currently a few games outside of the top 8 in the West with a 16-16 record so it's important to start well after the break. They've been pretty inconsistent lately so putting together consistent performances will be the key. In the Grizzlies most recent win over the Wizards, Ja Morant dominated with 35 pts and should be the key to victory once again as Westbrook struggles on the defensive side. The Wizards also struggle to stop Centres so Valaciunas should be able to dominate as well.
Considering this is the first game after the All-Star break, there may be some rust for both teams and as a result, we do like the Under. The Under has a nice record in the Grizzlies last 5 (5-0) and the Under is also 6-2 when they play the Wizards.
Stadium Record
The Grizzlies have generally struggled at home this season with a 7-11 record. Washington have lost 3 of their last 4 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The two teams met just before the All-Star break and the Grizzlies recorded a comfortable 125-111 victory. Since 2015, the two sides have won 5 games against each other.
Best Bet
San Antonio Spurs (18-14) at Dallas Mavericks (18-16)
The Spurs currently hold the 7th seed in the West after 18 wins before the All-Star break so they're well positioned to make the playoffs. Especially with the health of their players improving. They've battled Covid management during the last month which saw 4 games postponed. But it looks like everyone is back on board now. In terms of this matchup, the Mavericks have been playing well defensively so it'll take a team effort to win this road game.
Meanwhile, Dallas come off 5 wins in their last 6 and their early season struggles are seemingly behind them. Much like the Spurs, the Mavericks have battled injuries this season but the All Star Break would have freshened up their key players.
In a battle between 7th and 8th in the West, this should be a tight game and a similar type of result as per the first meeting of the season (Mavs won 122-117). So we do like the Over here. Both sides are looking healthy so that helps the chances of a high scoring affair. The Over also has a 9-4 record in the Mavericks last 13 home games.
Stadium Record
The Mavericks have been tough to beat at home recently with 7 wins in their last 8. The Spurs have won 7 of their last 10 here.
Head to Head Record
In the only meeting of the season, the Mavericks got the job done on the road 122-117. But since 2017, the Spurs do hold a 6-4 advantage.
Best Bet
