3 Bold Predictions for Nuggets vs. Grizzlies: Back Nikola Jokic, Fade Steven Adams

The Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies will face off for the second straight game on Wednesday in Memphis. 

Oddsmakers are expecting this to be a close matchup, as the Grizzlies are just 1.5-point favorites tonight at WynnBET. You can find my pick for this matchup here.

But what about some player props? 

Here are my bold predictions for tonight’s showdown between MVP hopefuls Ja Morant and Nikola Jokic:

Bold Predictions for Nuggets vs. Grizzlies

• Nikola Jokic OVER 25.5 Points (-125)
• Ja Morant OVER 7.5 Assists (-105)
• Steven Adams UNDER 7.5 Rebounds (+105)

Nikola Jokic OVER 25.5 Points (-125)

Nikola Jokic took just 15 shots in the Nuggets’ loss to Memphis on Monday, but he still put up 23 points. The Grizzlies have the NBA’s second worst defensive rating, and I think the Nuggets take advantage of that tonight. 

I like backing teams that have lost the first game of these home-and-home series, and I think Jokic is due for a strong performance to lead the Nuggets tonight. 

Ja Morant OVER 7.5 Assists (-105)

Ja Morant is off to a torrid start scoring the ball, but he’s also been an elite passer so far this season, posting 7.7 assists per game through the Grizzlies’ first seven contests. 

Morant has gone over 7.5 assists in four of his seven games this season, including Monday’s game against Denver. 

As more teams try to stop Morant as a scorer, he’s shown he can adjust and find his teammates. The Grizzlies’ offense has been humming (eighth in offensive rating) and I think Ja continues his strong play tonight. 

Steven Adams UNDER 7.5 Rebounds (+105)

Steven Adams started the season with 14, nine, and 16 rebounds in his first three games, but he has failed to go over seven rebounds in any game since then. 

Adams’ minutes have decreased as well, until he played 30:51 against Denver on Monday and grabbed seven boards. 

I’m going to ride this trend out and take the under at favorable +105 odds, as Adams has been a rotation piece that the Grizzlies don’t need on the floor in every matchup. He will be tasked with guarding Jokic, and I’m not sure that allows him to break this streak of seven or fewer boards.