Andrew Ortenberg
NBA
Show Bio
The NBA playoffs are underway, and the action has been truly thrilling so far. The nightcap of Wednesday’s slate will be this #1/#8 matchup in the Western Conference as the Utah Jazz host the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies stole the first game, and the Jazz are looking to avoid falling down 2-0.
What better way to make this nationally televised showdown even more entertaining than by betting a same game parlay? We’ve also got thoughts on the side and total for each of tonight’s mega matchups. Our experts have been on fire this NBA postseason, boasting a record of 13-6 ATS and 13-6 on game totals.
Memphis Grizzlies ML (+320)
Rudy Gobert to score 15+ points (+130)
Ja Morant to record 8+ assists (+134)
Parlay odds: +1930
We’ve got a three-leg parlay here, one which pays out just shy of 20/1 with FanDuel Sportsbook. We get a huge odds boost by combining a Grizzlies win with a big night from Gobert, when I don’t think it conflicts much. Let me explain:
Memphis Grizzlies ML (+320)
The Grizzlies are officially hot. They won two play-in games, then won the first game of this series. I think it’s safe to say after those three performances that it’s no fluke. It looks like Donovan Mitchell is going to play here, although after the Jazz’s theatrics prior to Game 1 who knows. Even if he does, he hasn’t suited up since April 16th, so it’s fair to assume there will be some rust.
Utah showed vulnerability down the stretch, going 2-2 in their final four. The two wins came against the Kings and Thunder, and they failed their two tests against the Trail Blazers and Warriors. The Grizzlies were actually a bit better on the road than at home this season, and the crowd clearly didn’t affect them too much in Game 1. At better than 3/1, there’s value on the Grizzlies.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz.
Rudy Gobert to score 15+ points (+130)
We get a big odds boost by combining this with the Grizzlies winning. When you look at Gobert’s splits, it’s clear it doesn’t conflict much. The big man is averaging 14.4 points in Jazz wins and 13.9 points in Jazz losses this season. Not exactly a dramatic difference warranting a huge odds increase. Gobert had 11 points in Game 1, but that’s because he only played 25 minutes due to foul trouble. He very likely would’ve gotten to 15 had he played his regular allotment of minutes. He reached at least 15 in two of his three regular-season games against Memphis, and scored 25 in one of those. Mitchell returning helps his scoring too, as they’ve got great chemistry on dump-offs for easy dunks.
Ja Morant to record 8+ assists (+134)
On the other hand, Morant’s assists do correlate heavily with the Grizzlies winning. Morant is averaging 7.9 assists in wins and only 6.8 in losses this season. His scoring actually goes up 4.5 points per game in Memphis losses, so it’s clear the team does better when he’s facilitating. He only had four assists in Game 1, but I think oddsmakers have overreacted to these play-in and playoff games. He had at least eight assists in each of his last four regular-season games, and often has tons of dimes in big-time games. After he scored 26 in Game 1, Utah’s defensive focus will be on forcing the ball out of his hands.
What is a Same Game Parlay?
Check out our guide on what is a same game parlay and where can I bet it?
Pickswise is the home of free NBA Picks and Predictions. Check out the latest NBA Prop Bets and NBA Parlays as well as NBA Best Bets from our NBA experts.
