Just 3 days after their spectacular meeting in the NBA Berlin Game, the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies run it back — but this time around they are in the United Kingdom. London’s O2 Arena will host an NBA regular-season game for only the 10th time ever, and not a single seat in the house is expected to be available come tipoff time.
It’s a very early start due to the time difference, Prime Video will have the tip at noon ET. I have prepared a Same Game Parlay, looking to follow up my SGP winner from the first meeting. Check out our NBA Picks for every single game taking place this Sunday, but let’s dive into my bet now!
Memphis Grizzlies +4 (-112)
Jaren Jackson Jr. 2+ made threes (+120)
Anthony Black to score 15+ points (-210)
Same Game Parlay odds: +482
Memphis Grizzlies +4 (-112)
The Grizzlies’ unpredictability was once again in display in Berlin as these 2 teams faced each other on Thursday. That game saw the Grizz lead 56% of the time according to ESPN’s stats and info. They had built an advantage of 20 points at one stage of the game but ultimately succumbed to a rather disappointing defeat. I still have a lot of faith in them, though. With this game being played overseas, it’s unlikely either side wins in a blowout. After all, the European fans are expecting a spectacle — which should result in both rosters playing with a chip on their shoulder. A close game benefits our bet greatly, and — for those who are even more brave than I am — backing Memphis to win at +142 on the ML is also a tasty proposal. The last 9 meetings have seen them win 7. We could also have a Ja Morant sighting, as he looks to return from a calf issue. I’ll take my chances with the Grizzlies.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 2+ made threes (+120)
JJJ put on a show in Berlin on Thursday, leading his team with 30 points on a very efficient 12-for-22 from the field. He also made 3 threes on 5 attempts. His name has started circulating in trade rumors, as teams like the Boston Celtics are getting mentioned as suitable candidates. That will only serve as added motivation for the Grizzlies’ big man, who has been playing consistently on the offensive end for years now and is one of the better scoring power forwards we have in our league. With not much changing in these past 3 days, I expect him to have a similar approach on Sunday in London. The Grizzlies need another big-time performance to stay in this game. He has delivered quite a few of those in the last 9 meetings with Orlando, averaging 19.3 points per game in just 28.3 mins a night. Jackson has made a pair of threes in 4 of those games, while in his last 10 games overall he is shooting the deep ball at 37.5%. Orlando has seen an uptick in opponents’ 3-point percentage over their last 3 games — they are allowing 38.9% of shots to go in, an increase of 2.9% compared to their season average. Look for JJJ to assert himself.
Anthony Black to score 15+ points (-210)
Anthony Black has been the unsung hero for the Magic for about a month or so now. He has completely transformed his game since mid-December. Apart from a pair of poor shooting nights last week against Brooklyn and Indiana, there is really not much we can criticize him for since then. On Thursday he stole the show with a massive facial dunk over 4 defenders, but he also finished that game with 21 points and 4 of 7 threes made. It’s obvious that Memphis currently constructed does not have an answer for him, as the Grizz rank third in threes allowed to opposing point guards this season and fourth in threes allowed overall. Black has scored at least 15 points in 8 of his last 10 games, while over his last 20 outings that number stands at a 65% success rate. I am feeling quite confident with this bet.
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