Media by Associated Press – FILE – Memphis Grizzlies’ Sam Merrill (25) dribbles during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Oct. 13, 2021, in Indianapolis. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Merrill to a multi-year contract on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, filling their open roster spot as they near clinching a playoff berth. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
The NBA is seeing a wild ebb and flow. With the season hitting the dog days of the schedule, teas across the board are looking for a way to stay motivated. The playoffs are on the horizon, but there is still a lot to be decided between now and the end of the season. Here’s a look at a few games worth betting on Wednesday’s schedule.
Memphis Grizzlies (+140) at Miami Heat
The Grizzlies are a mess but have found a way to win three straight games without star guard Ja Morant. Morant’s return to the team is uncertain, as reports came out Monday that Morant is entering a counseling program in Florida. Despite the distraction, the Grizzlies have won three straight games and are in second place in the Western Conference standings.
Miami has struggled with an anemic offense this season. The Heat only put up 108.7 points per game and only scored 93 in the first meeting between the two sides. Miami hasn’t been playing well as of late. The Heat are 3-7 against the spread over their past ten games.
Winning on the road can be tough for Memphis. The Grizzlies are 1-3 straight up in their last four road games. However, Memphis has found a formula to play well without Morant and will steal one in South Beach.
Los Angeles Lakers (-2.5) at Houston Rockets
The Lakers are starting to creep their way back into the playoff picture since bringing D’Angelo Russell, who Los Angeles drafted out of college, back to the team in a trade. Los Angeles has won four of its past five games, including a 123-108 road win over fellow play-in tournament race competitor New Orleans Tuesday night.
While this will be a back-to-back for the Lakers, they won’t want to waste the opportunity to beat Houston, which is one of the worst teams in the league. The Lakers have covered the spread in five of their past seven games. Houston, however, did gain some momentum Monday night.
The Rockets held off a late charge by Boston to upset the Eastern Conference title hopefuls. Houston is 4-5-1 against the spread in its past ten games. The Rockets are trying to win back-to-back games for only the fifth time this season.
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (-2.5)
The Splash Brothers have been difficult to back outside of San Francisco. Golden State is 7-26 straight up on the road this season. Although the Warriors have won their past two games, taking on a Clippers team on the road that has won three straight games will be a tough task.
Golden State has an 8-24 record against the spread on the road this season. The Clippers are in the fourth game of a five-game homestand.
Los Angeles is 34-35 against the spread this season. The Clippers have struggled to close out close games. Los Angels is 4-5 straight up in games decided by one possession.
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