The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns are set for an exciting NBA matchup on February 11, 2025, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The game, scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, brings together two teams with contrasting trajectories as the Grizzlies (35-17) aim to solidify their standing, and the Suns (26-26) seek to end their recent woes.
The Grizzlies have been on a strong run, winning 10 of their last 12 games, but are coming off a 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Conversely, the Suns have stumbled, losing four of their last five games, including a defeat to the Denver Nuggets by 122-105. The stakes are high as both teams vie for playoff positioning, with Memphis positioned comfortably second in the Western Conference and Phoenix struggling to stay relevant at the tenth spot.
The matchup highlights individual talents as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant spearhead the Grizzlies, both having stellar seasons. Jackson recently dominated the court, having scored 30 or more points in three of his last four games and is averaging 23.3 points, six rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Morant also contributes significantly, with averages of 20.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. On the other hand, the Suns rely heavily on superstar pair Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Durant, recovering from injuries, is particularly dangerous, averaging 26.9 points when on the court, complemented by Booker’s 26.4 points and 6.6 assists per game.
The teams faced each other earlier this season on December 31, 2024, where the Grizzlies narrowly emerged victorious with a 117-112 score, marking their recent dominance over the Suns as they have defeated Phoenix two consecutive times. This history might add pressure on the Suns, who also face injury issues with Bradley Beal ruled out due to a toe injury, significantly impacting their scoring options.
According to the latest betting lines, the Grizzlies are 4.5-point favorites, with the game expected to be high-scoring as the total is set at 246 points. Analysts suggest this is aggressive, considering Phoenix’s ability to control game pace with their average of 98.42 possessions per game. The Suns' defensive strategy will likely play a pivotal role against Memphis' fast-paced offense, which frequently exploits transition opportunities to score. A note on turnover rates indicates the Suns average 13.2 turnovers per game, and they perform significantly worse when turning the ball over more than their opponents.
Ahead of the game, those interested in betting should be aware of the potential benefits of wagering on the under, especially due to the trend seen in previous matchups where the Suns have successfully limited fastbreak points scored by the Grizzlies. The recommendation for this game, according to betting models, is currently under 246 total points at -110. Should the Suns manage to control fastbreak opportunities and limit turnovers, they may stand a chance to upset the current betting favor of the Grizzlies.
With the Suns pushing for a turnaround, they will need to capitalize on their home advantage, where they have won 16 games out of 26 played. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies hold their own with 14 road wins this season. Both teams have the firepower to score, meaning if Phoenix can adjust their strategy and mitigate injuries, they should have the opportunity to compete fiercely. The matchup on February 11 will be not only about winning but also about nuance — how these teams adapt to each other's styles might determine the final outcome.
Tip-off awaits at 10 PM ET from the Footprint Center, with fans eager to see if the Suns can reverse their fortunes against the formidable Grizzlies, who are pressing hard for postseason relevance. Will Memphis prove their dominance yet again, or can Phoenix find the spark they need for redemption? Only time will tell as the clock ticks down to game time.