The Memphis Grizzlies are about to start their season, and many bettors are not high them to start the year. Caesars Sportsbook has received more Under bets for the season win total on the Grizzlies than any other team in the league. In fact, Caesars has received twice as many bets on the Grizzlies’ Under than any other team.
Memphis tips off the season on Wednesday, Oct. 19, with a home game against the New York Knicks. The Grizzlies then head to Texas for their first road trip. They’ll face the Houston Rockets on Friday, Oct. 21, and then the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Breaking Down the Numbers
It is interesting to see a young, promising team with several budding NBA stars be so disliked before playing a game this season, but that’s the reality at Caesars Sportsbook.
- The Grizzlies’ season win total started at 50.5 wins and has dropped to 48.5 wins due to the volume of bets on the under, driving it down.
- At Caesars Sportsbook, 85% of all total win bets on Memphis have been bet on the under.
Grizzlies Team Breakdown
After having the second-best record in the league last season, the Grizzlies did lose a few role players in the off-season. Kyle Anderson left in free agency, while De’Anthony Melton was traded to the 76ers. Who came in to replace them? Not much, honestly — at least not in the way of players that have had seasons of similar levels.
Off-Season Additions:
- The Grizzlies acquired Danny Green as a part of the Melton trade. Green is coming off an injury and is several years out of his prime. The best that Memphis could hope for from the veteran is strong three-point shooting and decent defense. That is if he can stay healthy, and that is a big if.
- Rookies drafted by the Grizzlies include Jake LaRavia (19th), David Roddy (23rd), Kennedy Chandler (38th), and Vince Williams (47th). Several of those players have high ceilings and good long-term outlooks. Yet, is it likely that any play significant minutes this season? If they do, it could mean that major injuries for Memphis allow it to happen.
Projected Grizzlies Starters:
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Santi Aldama
C: Steven Adams
Notice anyone missing? Jaren Jackson Jr., when on the court, is one of the most impactful players in the NBA. The young forward’s ability to knock down threes and block shots while playing excellent defense is rare. Yet the biggest knock on his career has been his inability to stay healthy. Battling through a foot injury right now, no one is sure when exactly he will be back. It could be game 2 or game 40.
Otherwise, the Grizzlies’ lineup is strong, but injuries remain the biggest concern. Especially having lost two key role players like Anderson and Melton. Even when missing guys last year, the Grizzlies won a lot of games. Will that still be the case when they are inevitably playing without some of their starters? Only time will tell.
More Grizzlies Betting Odds
The season wins total market is far from your only option if you’re looking to place a futures bet on the Grizzlies. Here are some of the other options available at Caesars Sportsbook. You can place wagers on these markets and more by signing up for an account with Caesars Promo Code STARTFULL.
- Grizzlies +2200 to win the NBA Championship
- Grizzlies +900 to win the Western Conference
- Grizzlies +115 to win the Southwest division (currently the favorite)
- Ja Morant +1400 to win MVP
- Desmond Bane 1,000-to-1 to win MVP
- Dillon Brooks +1,250-to-1 to win MVP
- Jaren Jackson Jr +2500 to win DPOY
- Brandon Clarke +3500 to win Sixth Man of the Year
Best Bet for Memphis Grizzlies
Looking at the Grizzlies’ season win total, which is currently set at 48.5, the best bet has to be to go with the trend and bet the Under. With injury concerns and a likely need for more than one unproven player breakout, the Grizzlies will likely struggle if some of their starters miss time. Memphis is still a playoff team and, if healthy, could make an even deeper run this season. Yet, with injuries already making it likely that starters miss time before the first game of the season has been played, it is hard to see them replicate their win total from last season.
Article contributed by Caleb Tallman
