NBA Double-Header

Tonight’s NBA action features a pair of nationally televised matchups which are each generating a considerable amount of hype. First, the Grizzlies will take on the Pelicans in Ja Morant’s much-anticipated return from suspension. The electric PG sat out 25 games over incidents that I think we can agree we’ve all spent enough time discussing, and his squad has struggled mightily in his absence 😬

• The Grizzlies have compiled a lowly 6-19 record without their superstar, currently sitting at 13th in the West

• While a number of intriguing pieces still remain around Ja, Memphis will need a dramatic turnaround to even sniff the playoffs

Tonight’s second game features a rematch of the 2022 Finals, with the struggling Warriors looking to defend home-court vs. the red-hot Celtics. Boston has jumped out to the best record in the league at 20-5, and looks to be the NBA’s most complete squad. Golden State, on the other hand, has endured an unbelievably tumultuous start that has many believing the championship days are over 😏

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Betting Preview

• Spread: Pelicans -7

• Moneyline: Pelicans -290, Grizzlies +235

• Over/Under: 232.5

Celtics vs. Warriors Betting Preview

• Spread: Celtics -5.5

• Moneyline: Celtics -235, Warriors +194

• Over/Under: 232

Of course, the biggest storyline of the Warriors’ young season is the indefinite suspension of Draymond Green, whose repeated antics have caused even Steve Kerr to stress the need for personal growth. The Warriors’ star trio no longer strikes fear into opponents’ hearts, and while Steph Curry has hardly lost a step, Green can’t stay on the court, and Klay Thompson has looked significantly diminished other than his recent hot streak 🔥

• Boston transformed their roster in the offseason, and the early returns have proven tremendous. Jrue Holiday forms the league’s premiere defensive backcourt with Derrick White, and is an ideal multi-purpose guard to pair with Tatum and Brown

• Porzingis has anchored the Celtics on both ends — while health is always a concern for the Latvian big man, his on-court impact is not

For the win-starved Grizzlies, Morant will be tested immediately in his return, facing off vs. his 2019 draft rival in Zion Williamson. Zion has also experienced his fair share of drama this year, with concerns swirling around his failure to stay in shape. Zion has still shown the capability for freakish performances, but it’s clear that he and running mate Brandon Ingram are not meeting their potential as a duo 🤔

• The Grizzlies will be looking to make a statement vs. New Orleans, and showcase a roster that was constructed for contention

• Reigning DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled in Morant’s absence, but still stands as one of the league’s premiere two-way bigs. Sharpshooter Desmond Bane has more than stepped up despite the team’s issues, setting the nets ablaze in a career season thus far 🔥

Trivia Question: Zion and Ja were the top two picks in the 2019 Draft and have both already accrued multiple All Star selections. Who else from their draft class has been named as an All-Star?

For My Parlay Gurus

Look for Ja to make an immediate impact in his return, with the Grizzlies surprising the Pelicans behind a star effort from 12. Moving on to our second matchup, the Celtics have looked like a far superior team than the Warriors thus far, and I expect them to take this matchup personally and score a decisive win 😤

• Grizzlies ML @ Pelicans: +240

• Celtics -5.5 @ Warriors: -108

$100 on this bet would win you $555 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win an Overtime hoodie*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: The only other All-Star from the 2019 Draft is Cleveland’s star PG Darius Garland

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