Free NBA Picks Today: Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies 1/5/23

The Memphis Grizzlies (24-13, 9-10 Away), the NBA’s top shooting defense, are on the road to face the Orlando Magic (14-24, 10-11 Home) on Thursday.Both teams will be playing their second game in as many days.

The Grizzlies are 2-2 without rest, while the Magic are 0-6. Memphis dismantled the Charlotte Hornets 131-107 at Spectrum Center yesterday, their fourth straight win. With 23 points and eight assists, Ja Morant was a top performer. The Grizzlies are one game behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference, currently sitting in second.

Orlando got the win yesterday at Amway Center, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 126-115. Paolo Banchero had 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, leading the team. The Magic are 13th in the Eastern Conference.This is the first meeting of the season between the teams. Memphis won both games between the teams last season, the last of which was a 124-96 triumph at FedExForum in March 2022.

Morant led the Grizzlies with 25 points, while Desmond Bane was a key contributor with 24 points and six rebounds. Cole Anthony had 19 points in defeat.

Morant is averaging 27.1 points per game to lead the Grizzlies in scoring this season. Morant also has dished 8.0 assists per game, fifth-most in the NBA. Meanwhile, Steven Adams is grabbing 11.3 rebounds.

Banchero and Franz Wagner have been the primary providers for the Magic on offense, averaging 21.0 and 19.9 points per game, respectively. Banchero also has tallied 4.0 assists per game. Bol Bol has posted 7.1 rebounds per game.

Holding foes to only 44.2% from the field, the Grizzlies are the NBA’s toughest FG% defense.The Magic have found success in the Grizzlies’ last 10 visits to Amway Center, winning six.

Memphis is 6-4 in the last 10 games with an average margin of +7.7 (116.8-109.1). Orlando has also a 6-4 record over the last 10, averaging 115.8 points per game both for and against. The Magic are averaging 110.2 ppg for the full season while allowing 114.0.

GRIZZLIES HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)

Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Steven Adams: 29.4 | 21.7 | +7.7
Santi Aldama: 9.3 | 16.0 | -6.7
Rebounds per game:
Steven Adams: 17.0 | 11.3 | +5.7
Ja Morant: 3.8 | 6.0 | -2.2