Grizzlies at Spurs predictions: odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for November 18
The Memphis Grizzlies visit the San Antonio Spurs on November 18 in a matchup between two rebuilding Western Conference teams still searching for consistency. Oddsmakers have installed the Spurs as slight home favorites, largely due to home-court advantage and Memphis’ ongoing injury issues.
Memphis continues to play without Ja Morant (suspension) and has battled absences across the rotation, leaving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to shoulder the offensive load. The Grizzlies have struggled in half-court scoring and rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, but they remain competitive thanks to active hands on defense and a relatively low turnover rate.
San Antonio, meanwhile, is leaning heavily on rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, whose rim protection and shot-making have already transformed the Spurs’ style. However, San Antonio’s defense as a whole has been porous, particularly against dribble penetration and in transition. The Spurs also rank among the league’s worst in defensive rebounding, a concern against a Grizzlies team that still emphasizes crashing the glass.
Recent trends suggest a pace-friendly environment. Both teams are top-10 in pace, pushing the ball off misses and turnovers. Memphis has played to the under frequently when their offense bogs down, but San Antonio’s defensive lapses have driven several overs, especially at home.
Key stats to watch: three-point volume and free throws. The Grizzlies rely heavily on Bane’s perimeter shooting and drive-and-kick actions; the Spurs often allow high-quality threes. Conversely, Wembanyama’s length could draw fouls on Memphis’ frontcourt, potentially putting Jackson in early foul trouble.
Prediction: in a close, volatile matchup, the slight edge goes to the Spurs at home, especially if their shooters provide minimal support around Wembanyama. Expect a competitive, high-variance game with swings driven by three-point shooting.
Best bets for November 18:
1. Spurs moneyline rather than spread, minimizing late-game variance.
2. Game total lean: over, given pace and defensive issues on both sides.
3. Player prop: Desmond Bane points over, targeting Memphis’ primary scorer against a leaky perimeter defense.
Memphis continues to play without Ja Morant (suspension) and has battled absences across the rotation, leaving Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to shoulder the offensive load. The Grizzlies have struggled in half-court scoring and rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, but they remain competitive thanks to active hands on defense and a relatively low turnover rate.
San Antonio, meanwhile, is leaning heavily on rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, whose rim protection and shot-making have already transformed the Spurs’ style. However, San Antonio’s defense as a whole has been porous, particularly against dribble penetration and in transition. The Spurs also rank among the league’s worst in defensive rebounding, a concern against a Grizzlies team that still emphasizes crashing the glass.
Recent trends suggest a pace-friendly environment. Both teams are top-10 in pace, pushing the ball off misses and turnovers. Memphis has played to the under frequently when their offense bogs down, but San Antonio’s defensive lapses have driven several overs, especially at home.
Key stats to watch: three-point volume and free throws. The Grizzlies rely heavily on Bane’s perimeter shooting and drive-and-kick actions; the Spurs often allow high-quality threes. Conversely, Wembanyama’s length could draw fouls on Memphis’ frontcourt, potentially putting Jackson in early foul trouble.
Prediction: in a close, volatile matchup, the slight edge goes to the Spurs at home, especially if their shooters provide minimal support around Wembanyama. Expect a competitive, high-variance game with swings driven by three-point shooting.
Best bets for November 18:
1. Spurs moneyline rather than spread, minimizing late-game variance.
2. Game total lean: over, given pace and defensive issues on both sides.
3. Player prop: Desmond Bane points over, targeting Memphis’ primary scorer against a leaky perimeter defense.
