San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 2/28/2022

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Venue: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

Where to watch: BSSE-MEM, BSSW-SA

DraftKings: Check back later

BetMGM: Check back later

Caesars: Check back later

Spurs: 24-37

Grizzlies: 42-20

I think we all come to understand overtime that a generational talent can bring a franchise out of obscurity and provide hope for a team that has never experienced such highs in its franchise history. And in a weird sense when we see this generational talent, we are left wondering if he can really do it on a grander scale. Not to say that he's not worthy, but the history of the franchise has always suggested that they've never gotten the job done when needed to.

And in the case of the Memphis Grizzlies, we are at a point in this season where we take the Grizzlies very seriously in how they are being viewed in the large NBA circle. But the problem right now with Memphis is that they are currently sitting in a position where there are two teams that are very much better than them in terms of pedigree and in terms of on court talent.

All of that being said: who in the world is going to tell me that Ja Morant can't get the job done this season? And all you had to do was watch Memphis go into Chicago on Saturday night and watch that young phenom do what he did last night. Morant scored a career high 46 points on a ridiculous 15 of 28 shooting, and the Grizzlies knocked off the Chicago Bulls 116- 110 at the United center on Saturday night.

This night belonged to this superstar player where his teammates did not even need to provide anymore scoring then what Morant provided. Steven Adams had 12 points on five of nine shooting, but he's going to be remembered for his 21 rebounds in which eight of them were on the offensive glass. No one is going to remember Desmond Bane going four of 18 from the floor and finishing with just 12 points.

For at least one night, the Grizzlies’ shortcomings around Morant were not on an evident scale. Because it took 36 minutes for Morant to absolutely dominate this game. And it is because of him that the Grizzlies have this underlying belief that they can actually compete in a crowded Western Conference this season.

So long as this kid remains healthy and plays at a dominant level eerily close to this, Memphis is going to win games and Memphis is going to be a very tough out come playoff time. And while this game against the San Antonio Spurs may not be a playoff matchup, it is still going to be a very tough battle for Memphis given the talent in the backcourt that San Antonio possesses.

The spurs did about everything right Saturday against the Miami Heat, even jumping out to a 12 point lead in the first quarter. But the only thing that San Antonio didn't do was win the game, and the heat eventually won 133-129 in Miami on Saturday. Keita Bates-Diop had 22 points and 11 rebounds while missing only one shot the entire game. Yes he finished the game 9 of 10 shooting.

Devin Vassell had 22 points and Tre Jones had 19 points and 11 assists in place of All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, who was held out with a bruised knee.

It's not often that San Antonio can put together a run like the one it had on Saturday night. Even though these aren't the Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili Spurs anymore they are still a team coached by Gregg popovich. And even though the spurs are 24-37 on the season, they're never really out of a game.

But if Murray can't go on Monday, pardon me believes that the spurs are in for a rough night against Memphis. I don't think that Morant will go off again for another 46 point game, but if the spurs don't tighten up defensively like they failed to do against Miami, this could be a very rough night for the spurs. It's just wild to be here in the year 2022 and seeing the Memphis Grizzlies of all teams being one of the top teams in the Western Conference. And the craziest part about all of that is that the Grizzlies are fun to watch which I never thought was possible. For the first time in my life, Memphis is a fun team to watch and it's pretty scary. Grizzlies by 12

The Spurs are 20-8 ATS as a road dog of 6.5 to 12 points.

The Grizzlies are 22-8 ATS after playing a road game the previous time out.

The over is 6-1 this season when the Grizzlies are a home favorite between 6.5 and 12 points.

PG: Dejounte Murray

SG: Devin Vassell

SF: Doug McDermott

PF: Keldon Johnson

C: Jakob Poeltl

PG: Ja Morant

SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Ziaire Williams
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
C: Steven Adams

Points: Dejounte Murray -- 20.1

Rebounds: Jakob Poeltl -- 9.2

Assists: Dejounte Murray -- 9.4

Points: Ja Morant -- 27.1

Rebounds: Steven Adams -- 9.8

Assists: Ja Morant