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Grizzlies vs. Suns Prediction and Odds for Friday, December 23 (Back Under with Devin Booker Out)

By Ben Heisler

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) warms up before the game. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) warms up before the game. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns both have key standalone matchups coming on Christmas Day in the NBA on Sunday, but will first face off in the lone nationally televised matchup on ESPN Friday evening from Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Memphis had their seven-game winning streak snapped last Saturday night in Oklahoma City, and have now lost two straight games as they play Game 3 of 4 on the road.

Meanwhile, the Suns dropped their last game at home by three points to a struggling Washington Wizards team; only losing for the fourth time in 18 games in their arena.

Could either team possibly be looking ahead to Sunday? Let’s check out the latest odds, along with our favorite Grizzlies vs. Suns betting pick.

Grizzlies vs. Suns Odds, Spread and Total

Grizzlies vs. Suns Prediction and Pick

We already know Devin Booker is out, and his impact on Phoenix’s offense is substantial. But Desmond Bane remains questionable for Memphis, and if he returns, I think we’ll see the OVER keep climbing. If that’s the case, I like the UNDER even more as the Grizzlies must re-adjust to getting him back acclimated into the offense.

With Booker sidelined, the Suns are just 6-12 ATS this season. Furthermore, via Andrew O’Connor-Watts, the Suns’ offensive rating goes from No. 2 in the league to 23rd when Booker doesn’t play. He’s also a +6.7 player when he’s on the floor via Cleaning the Glass when he’s on the court this season; marking the second-best on/off difference of his career.

I can usually trust the Suns to play solid to very good defense in their home building. Phoenix is top 10 in defensive rating at home with the sixth-best net rating in the NBA. Memphis, despite being an elite offense only ranks 22nd in offensive rating on the road.

Rather than take the Suns’ side with Booker out, I’ll take the under as I expect both teams to slow things down in a likely tight game in the 4th quarter.

Follow all of Ben’s betting plays in real-time HERE!

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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