The Grizzlies and Nuggets clash in Denver, with both teams looking to improve in the West standings. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NBA odds from the top sportsbooks.
NBA Pick: Under 242.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets
Friday, April 11, 2025 – 09:00 PM EDT at Ball Arena
Recent Results
The Grizzlies fell 141-125 at home to the Timberwolves on Thursday night in a shootout between teams battling to stay out of the play-in tournament.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 36 points and unveiled a new celebration, miming a grenade toss into the crowd after sinking a 3-pointer. Desmond Bane followed with 28 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23, but the Grizzlies’ three-game winning streak came to an end. The result leaves Memphis, Minnesota, and Golden State all tied at 47-33, holding the sixth through eighth spots in the Western Conference.
Under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis had found renewed energy during its recent run, briefly putting itself in position to avoid the play-in. But Thursday’s loss may prove costly. Despite shooting an impressive 18-of-36 from deep, the Grizzlies were undone by 15 turnovers that led to 23 Timberwolves points.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 124-116 win over the Kings, fueled by Nikola Jokic’s 32nd triple-double of the season: 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was Denver’s first game since head coach Michael Malone was fired.
Christian Braun scored 25, while Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each added 21. Jamal Murray missed his sixth consecutive game with a right hamstring injury, and his status for the final stretch remains unclear. Russell Westbrook and Jalen Pickett continue to handle the backcourt duties in his absence.
Denver, now 48-32, is tied with the Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the West with two games left in the regular season. The coaching change—firing Malone and GM Calvin Booth—comes just a year after the Nuggets’ 2023 championship, with assistant David Adelman currently serving as interim head coach.
Denver led by as many as 16 before Sacramento cut the deficit to 113-108 with just over two minutes remaining. Pickett responded with a mid-range jumper, and Jokic iced the game with two clutch free throws. The Nuggets closed the first half on a 13-5 run and then opened the third quarter with an 18-10 burst to maintain control.
Braun (16), Porter (14), Gordon (14), and Jokic (10) combined for 54 of Denver’s 66 points in the first half.
Keys to the Game
This late-season clash carries significant playoff implications, with Memphis trying to avoid the play-in and Denver locked in a battle for home-court advantage in the first round. Several matchups will be decisive in determining the outcome.
Morant’s ability to penetrate and break down Denver’s perimeter defense will be a focal point. His 36-point performance against Minnesota was a reminder of his explosiveness and control in the open court. Denver will need to stay disciplined in transition and avoid letting him dictate pace.
Jokic remains the centerpiece for the Nuggets. With his 32nd triple-double fresh in mind, Memphis must find a way to challenge his presence inside without overcommitting. Their struggles against elite bigs could be exposed if Jokic is allowed to operate freely in the post or initiate from the high elbow.
Bane and Jackson Jr. have provided consistent scoring, but Memphis’ 15 turnovers against Minnesota proved costly. Denver’s ability to force errors and capitalize on them—especially with their current efficient offensive balance—could be a turning point.
Memphis shot 50% from beyond the arc last time out, but turnovers erased that advantage. Denver’s steadiness and shot selection, particularly without Murray, have helped them stay competitive despite lineup changes. If the Nuggets stay composed, they’ll have the edge in execution.
NBA Pick
Denver’s interior control and ball security give them a clear advantage over a Memphis team that continues to battle turnover issues and defensive lapses. Morant and Bane should keep the Grizzlies in the game early, but the second night of a back-to-back and Jokic’s presence inside favor the Nuggets in the long run.
With Murray still out and Memphis coming off a high-possession loss, the total feels inflated. The Under looks like the better play.
NBA Pick: Under 242.5 (-110) at Bet365
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