Memphis (35-17) at Phoenix (26-26)
- When: Feb 11 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
Spread: Memphis -4.0
Total: 244.5
Phoenix Suns: Can Durant’s Return Turn Things Around?
The Phoenix Suns have been struggling without Kevin Durant, winning just one of the three games he missed due to a sprained left ankle. Phoenix is now 2-11 on the season without Durant, underscoring his importance to this team. His return on Tuesday night against Memphis is expected to provide a major boost.
With all the trade deadline rumors finally put to rest, Durant addressed the speculation, making it clear that being shopped is just part of the NBA business. He remains focused on the court and is now just 26 points away from reaching the historic 30,000-point milestone, which could add extra motivation for a standout performance in this game.
Despite underwhelming results this season, the Suns kept their Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal intact, banking on their ability to turn things around down the stretch. However, Beal will remain sidelined with a left toe injury, meaning Booker will have to carry much of the scoring load once again.
Booker has been in elite form lately, scoring 30+ points in four of his last six games, including a season-high 47 points and 11 assists in a thrilling overtime victory against Utah on Friday. The Suns have struggled to establish consistency, but with Durant back in the lineup, they’ll aim to reclaim some momentum before the All-Star break.
Betting Insights for Phoenix:
Durant Over 26.5 Points (-110): Durant is primed to make history and will be aggressive offensively.
Booker Over 28.5 Points (-105): With Beal still out, expect another high-volume scoring night for Booker.
Suns Team Total Over 120.5 (-115): The offense should get a lift with Durant’s return.
Memphis Grizzlies: Looking to Regroup on the Road
The Memphis Grizzlies had been rolling before Saturday’s 125-112 loss to Oklahoma City, winning 10 of their previous 11 games. They enter Tuesday’s matchup sitting in second place in the Western Conference and will be looking to kick off a five-game road trip with a win.
Ja Morant had an uncharacteristically inefficient outing against the Thunder, shooting just 6-of-19 from the field while finishing with 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Before that game, he was averaging 25.5 points across two dominant Grizzlies victories. Expect him to bounce back against a Suns defense that has been inconsistent all season.
Desmond Bane has been a reliable scoring force, averaging 22 points over his last three games and hitting the 20+ point mark in 14 of his last 17 outings. Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to provide versatility on both ends, scoring 19 points against OKC while serving as the Grizzlies’ defensive anchor.
One concern for Memphis is rebounding. They were outworked on the boards 55-40 by the Thunder, something they’ll need to clean up against a Suns team that attacks the glass aggressively.
Memphis took the first meeting between these teams on Dec. 31, earning a 117-112 road win behind 38 points from Jackson and 31 from Bane. They’ll aim for another strong showing in Phoenix, but with Durant back, the Suns will present a tougher challenge.
Betting Insights for Memphis:
Morant Over 20.5 Points (-110): Expect a bounce-back performance from the Grizzlies’ star point guard.
Bane Over 20.5 Points (-115): Bane has been consistent and is a key scorer in this matchup.
Grizzlies First Half Spread (-2.5) (-105): Memphis has been starting strong in recent games.
Final Prediction & Best Bets
This game presents an intriguing challenge for both teams. The Suns are desperate for a win as they fight to stay relevant in the Western Conference playoff picture, while the Grizzlies have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. Durant’s return gives Phoenix a much-needed boost, but Memphis has the depth and momentum to keep this close.
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 128, Phoenix 122
Best Bets:
✅ Grizzlies -4.0 (-110)
✅ Over 244.5 Total Points (-110)
✅ Durant Over 26.5 Points (-110)
This should be an exciting matchup with plenty of scoring, making it a great spot for prop bets and live betting opportunities.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
