Grizzlies vs. Heat NBA expert prediction and odds for Wednesday, Jan. 24 (Expect a rock fight)
By Peter Dewey
The Miami Heat could have a new face in the lineup on Wednesday night ,as they welcome guard Terry Rozier into the rotation after a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Rozier is a massive upgrade over struggling veteran Kyle Lowry – who was shipped out in the deal – and that could be part of the reason Miami is heavily favored against a banged-up Memphis Grizzlies squad on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies are 5-5 in their last 10 and coming off a win despite being down Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams.
If you’re looking to bet on any game in the NBA tonight, FanDuel Sportsbook has an amazing promotional offer. New users who sign up with the link below and wager $5 will receive $150 in bonus bets.
Sign up for FanDuel now!
Let’s break down the odds and my best bet for this Heat-Grizzlies matchup:
Grizzlies vs. Heat odds, spread and total
Grizzlies vs. Heat how to watch
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 24
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Kaseya Center
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports Southeast
- Grizzlies record: 16-27
- Heat record: 24-19
Grizzlies vs. Heat injury reports
Grizzlies injury report
- Desmond Bane – out
- Ja Morant – out
- Steven Adams – out
- Santi Aldama – out
- Brandon Clarke – out
- Marcus Smart – out
- Derrick Rose – out
- Jake LaRavia – out
Heat injury report
- Terry Rozier – questionable (trade)
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. – doubtful
- Dru Smith – out
- Haywood Highsmith – probable
Grizzlies vs. Heat key players to watch
Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Memphis is Jaren Jackson Jr.’s team until further notice. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart hurt, JJJ has to put up big numbers for the Grizz to win. He’s done that in his last three games, averaging 29.1 points per game while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.
Miami Heat
Tyler Herro: Herro has had a couple of rough shooting nights in his last three games (7-for-20 and 4-for-14), but he could be getting some help at the guard spot if Terry Rozier is cleared to make his Heat debut after being acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Regardless, Miami needs more efficiency from Herro, who is averaging 22.0 points per game but shooting 43.5 percent from the field – his worst field goal percentage since his rookie season.
Grizzlies vs. Heat prediction and pick
I think we have a prime UNDER spot in this matchup between Memphis and Miami.
These teams are tied for the second-best UNDER record in the NBA at 25-18 this season, and the Grizz are down a ton of key players – which limits the team’s offensive upside.
Even if Rozier plays, Miami has been mucking things up as of late, leading to the team allowing the fifth-fewest points in the NBA this season.
Plus, over its last three games, Miami ranks dead last in the league in points per game. The Grizzlies are right next to them in 29th in that category.
Erik Spoelstra’s team is going to look to slow this game down – 29th in pace this season – and I can’t see the Heat letting Jackson Jr. have a big game with Bam Adebayo likely matching up with him.
Give me the UNDER at Kaseya Center tonight.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.