Memphis Grizzlies (38-23 SU, 29-31 ATS) at Denver Nuggets (44-19, 36-27), 3/3/23
When: 10 pm ET Friday, March 3
Where: Ball Arena
TV: ESPN
Point Spread: Mem +5.5/Den -5.5 (STOP wasting money! Stop betting on games at -110 odds! Start laying only -105 TODAY at BetAnySports!)
Over/under: 234

The top two teams in the Western Conference clash when the Nuggets host the Grizzlies Friday night in Denver. The Nuggets lead Memphis by five games in the standings but the Grizzlies own the upper hand in the recent rivalry, winning four of the last six meetings, including a victory last week.

Which way are we going here for our free NBA betting pick?

NBA Betting Odds

Friday’s NBA betting lines opened Denver as a 5.5-point favorite over Memphis, with an over/under of right around 233. Early betting action then edged that total to 234.

Grizzlies Betting Preview

Memphis rides a three-game winning streak into Friday night after beating Houston Wednesday 113-99. The Grizzlies came out a bit slow, trailed the Rockets by a point midway through the second quarter but managed to take a 47-44 lead into the half. Memphis then pulled away from there, outscoring Houston 38-24 in the third quarter, later leading by 28, on its way to the win and the cover as a 10-point favorite.

The Grizz shot 48 percent from the floor Wednesday and held the Rockets to 40 percent shooting.

Two games ago Memphis beat the Clippers 121-109 and covered at -9. Three games ago the Grizzlies beat this Denver team 112-94, covering at -3.

At 38-23 overall Memphis trails the Nuggets by five games in the battle for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference.

Nuggets Betting Preview

Denver, meanwhile, is 6-1 both SU and ATS over its last seven games after winning at Houston Tuesday 133-112. The Nuggets came out hot, scored 41 points in the first quarter and led 74-54 at the half. Denver later led by 26 on its way to the easy W and the money at -12.

The Nuggets shot 58 percent from the field Tuesday and hit 16/37 from 3-point land.

Two games ago Denver shot 51 percent from the floor to beat the Clippers in overtime 134-124.

At 44-19 overall the Nuggets lead the West by five games over second-place Memphis.

Grizzlies-Nuggets Recent History

Memphis is 4-2 both SU and ATS over the last six meetings with Denver. The Nuggets took the first meeting between these teams this season back in December 105-91 but, as mentioned above, the Grizzlies just beat Denver last week 112-94.

Both those games played under totals of 235. In fact, six of the last seven meetings between these teams have played under the totals.

NBA Betting Trends

• Denver is 28-4 SU, 22-10 ATS at home this season.
• Memphis is 12-18 SU, 10-20 ATS on the road this season.

Totals Report

The Unders are 4-0-1 over Memphis’ last five games.

The Overs are 3-1 over Denver’s last four games.

Free NBA Betting Pick

It’s a bit strange but the last three meetings between these teams were decided by double-digits. Prior to that, though, these teams played a bunch of close games. We expect a close one Friday night. Also, while Denver leads the League in FG shooting at 51 percent Memphis leads the League in FG defense, holding foes under 45 percent. And in match-ups like this we like betting the better defense. We’re going with the Grizz here, plus the points.