Tag: Ja Morant

Harden scores 41, but Morant leads surging Grizzlies past Rockets

With Russell Westbrook (rest) out, a combined 64 points from James Harden and Eric Gordon weren’t enough against Ja Morant and Memphis.

With Houston guard Russell Westbrook out to rest on the front end of a back-to-back, backcourt co-star and NBA scoring leader James Harden broke 40 points for the fourth time in seven games.

But it wasn’t nearly enough on the road against Rookie of the Year frontrunner Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies (19-22), who extended their impressive winning streak to six games in a 121-110 victory over Harden’s Rockets (26-13) on Tuesday night (box score).

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The Grizzlies were led by their lightning-quick point guard with 26 points and eight assists on 10-of-11 shooting (90.9%), including 3-of-4 on 3-pointers (75%). Backcourt mate Dillon Brooks wasn’t far behind, scoring 24 points on a blistering 6-of-10 clip (60%) from 3-point range.

With Morant setting the tone, Memphis took advantage of leaky transition defense to outscore Houston, 25-7, in fast-break points.

Harden had 41 points, six assists, and six rebounds, and the Rockets were a +3 in the 39 minutes played by the former MVP. Eric Gordon also shot well with 23 points on 9-of-19 shooting (47.4%) off the bench.

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But unlike recent games, when Westbrook had significant success leading the Rockets’ lineups with Harden on the bench, Houston was outscored by 14 points in the nine minutes that Harden sat on Tuesday.

The Rockets simply lacked the scorers in those minutes without Harden to keep up with Memphis’ blossoming young talent in the form of Morant, Brooks, and a pair of athletic forwards in Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr., who combined for 29 points.

On the interior, Clint Capela fared well with 16 points (6-of-7 shooting, 85.7%) and 16 rebounds, but he missed time in the second half due to foul trouble with five fouls. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, or 57.1%.

Memphis won the fourth and final quarter, 36-27, to put the game away. It’s the second loss of three games for Houston, and the eighth win in a 10-game stretch for the red-hot Grizzlies.

The Rockets have a quick turnaround before their next challenge, which takes place Wednesday night from Toyota Center in Houston against the Portland Trail Blazers (17-24). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Central, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Westbrook is expected to return to the starting lineup for that game.

Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Houston Rockets (26-12) head to the Volunteer State to play the Memphis Grizzlies (18-22) at 8:00 p.m. ET in the FedEx Forum.

We analyze Rockets-Grizzlies odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Rockets at Grizzlies: Key injuries

ROCKETS

  • C Clint Capela (heel) probable
  • PF P.J. Tucker (shoulder) probable
  • PG Russell Westbrook (rest) out
  • SG Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene (groin) out

GRIZZLIES

  • SF Jae Crowder (hip) questionable
  • SF Kyle Anderson (foot) questionable
  • PF Brandon Clarke (thumb) questionable
  • SF Bruno Caboclo (knee) out
  • SF Andre Iguodala (personal) out

Rockets at Grizzlies: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 128, Grizzlies 125

Moneyline (ML)

The 2019-20 Grizzlies are ballin’. They’ve won seven of their last 10 games, including five in a row. But the news is getting around the NBA that the Grizzlies are for real and it’s hard for them to sneak up on the current Western Conference 4-seed Rockets. A Houston squad that has played well recently as well—the Rockets are 7-3 straight up in their last 10 games.

Houston wins as away favorites, 9-5 straight up, but not against the bookmakers’ numbers, 5-9 against the spread. I do like the Rockets to win this game outright against the Grizzlies—watch for Harden to go off with Westbrook out and amidst legitimate hype about rookie PG Ja Morant—but the Rockets’ -209 moneyline is junk value.

PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rockets -4.5 haven’t been money on the road as of late:  they are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games and are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Furthermore, the Rockets have a 1-3 record when laying 3-4.5 points whereas the Grizzlies are 4-2 when getting 3-4.5 points. The motivation of the young Grizzlies will keep this one close.

BET GRIZZLIES +4.5 (-106). 

Over/Under (O/U)

Holy smokes, the 240.5 total is through the roof. Too high? Nah, let’s back that both teams get buckets and play mediocre, at best, defense. Houston is ranked first in points per game and Memphis ranks eighth, but Houston is ranked 15th in defensive rating and Memphis 22nd. Also, both teams play at a frenetic pace—Rockets are ranked second and the Grizzlies third in Pace.

The Grizzlies games tend to go Over. They have a 22-18 over/under record, and even though the Rockets games have gone Under a lot this season—17-21 over/under record—I envision a high scoring game with the Grizzlies keeping up with the explosive Rockets.

TAKE OVER 240.5 (-115).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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NBA players show support for the new, groundbreaking WNBA CBA

The WNBA and the WNBPA reached an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning with the 2020 season.

The WNBA and the WNBPA reached an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning with the 2020 season, pending ratification by the players the league’s Board of Governors.

The 2020 CBA features significant investments by the league and its teams aimed directly at increasing salary and compensation as the deal is set to bring a 53% increase in total cash compensation.

The top players in the WNBA will be able to earn cash compensation in excess of $500,000, more than tripling the maximum compensation under the prior deal. Other top players will have an opportunity to earn between $200,000 and $300,000.

For the first time in WNBA history, the average cash compensation for players will exceed six figures, averaging nearly $130,000. The change will net an increase for all players, from rookies to veterans under the new agreement, which runs through 2027.

The players decided to opt-out of the prior CBA following the 2018 season with the 2019 season the last played under the previous agreement. The league faced several issues in the latest negotiations, most notably financial compensation.

Previously, WNBA players received around 20% of the shared revenue within the league, compared to 50% in the NBA. As a result, WNBA players earned anywhere from roughly $41,000 to $117,000 per season. Some NBA players make that, and more, in one single game.

Under the new agreement, a new 50-50 revenue sharing structure will be implemented with the 2021 season, based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.

Additional key elements in the new WNBA CBA:

  • Premium economy class for all players for regular-season travel
  • Individual hotel room accommodations for every player
  • Players to receive full salary while on maternity leave
  • Enhanced mental health benefits and resources

As the sport released the news of the groundbreaking CBA deal, fans and NBA players took to social media to congratulate the players and the league on its new deal.

Warriors losing streak grows to season high with Memphis loss, 122-102

D’Angelo Russell’s return to the Golden State Warriors lineup wasn’t enough to end their losing streak, falling 122-102 in Memphis

The return of D’Angelo Russell to the Golden State Warriors’ rotation came when the team needed him most. The Dubs were riding a seven-game losing streak and desperately needed the scoring of the former All-Star. However, the 23-year-old’s 34-point night against the Memphis Grizzlies wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding. 

The Grizzlies handed the Warriors a 122-102 loss in Memphis, dropping Golden State’s losing streak to a season-high eight games. 

The Golden State Warriors battled the thriving Grizzlies for 36-minutes, but the 12-minute third quarter was where this game was decided. At halftime, the Warriors only trailed the Grizzlies by one point, but a 35-17 third quarter from Memphis put this game out of reach for the understaffed Dubs.  

Grizzlies center, Jonas Valanciunas, scored 15 of his 31 points in the third quarter alone. Valanciunas added 19 rebounds and two blocks, nine of Lithuanian’s boards came off the offensive glass.  

Things won’t get any easier for Golden State on their losing streak with games against the Western Conference playoff-hopeful Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets next up on the schedule. 

The return of D-Loading

Russell returned to the Warriors’ lineup in Memphis after missing the previous six games with a shoulder injury. In his first game action of the 2020 new year, he did not disappoint.

After only scoring one point in the first quarter, the Ohio State product ended his night with 34 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Russell shot 12-of-24 from the field, including five makes from beyond the arc.

Omari Spellman stays hot

Omari Spellman started his second straight game for the Golden State Warriors and continued his impressive play. After scoring 12 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Spellman’s now registered six consecutive scoring nights of 10 or more points. Over those six games, Spellman has shot 15-of-24 from 3-point range, good enough for 62.5 % from beyond the arc. 

Injury Report: D’Angelo Russell (shoulder) will return vs. Memphis

After missing six straight games, D’Angelo Russell will make his return to Golden State’s lineup after suffering a shoulder injury.

Injuries have flipped the Golden State Warriors 2019-20 season from a potential push at the playoffs, to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, of late, the Warriors are receiving good news regarding some of their injured All-Star caliber talent.

Stephen Curry has been cleared to travel with the team and made his first road trip since injuring his hand in late October against the Phoenix Suns. Now, against the Memphis Grizzlies, another Warriors’ All-Star will return to action.

D’Angelo Russell has missed the Warriors past six games after suffering an injury against the Dallas Mavericks in late December. Russell collided with Luka Doncic that put him down on the floor for several minutes. The 23-year-old guard took a quick trip to the Golden State locker room but was able to return against the Mavericks and finish the game.

Since then, Russell has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him out while his team has struggled. The Warriors have lost seven straight games after completing their longest winning streak of the season of four consecutive wins.

Russell will return to the starting lineup against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, according to NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors reporter, Kerith Burke.

The Warriors will have to lean on Russell in his return as fellow backcourt mate, Damion Lee, has been ruled out against Memphis as the Warriors finalize his contract.

Prior to getting injured, Russell was playing at an elite level, scoring 30 or more points in three out of four straight games.

Ja Morant joined the likes of LeBron, Luka to dish out 14 assists

The Grizzlies rookie became the 11th different player this season to tally at least 14 assists in a game.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant recorded 22 points and a career-high 14 assists Friday night for his fifth double-double of the season in a 134-121 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

The second overall pick shattered his previous season-high of 11 assists on Friday as he became the 11th different player in the NBA this season to dish out at least 14 assists in a game, joining the likes of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, James Harden and others.

Morant was once again instrumental for the Grizzlies late in the game.

He recorded 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 6-of-8 from the field, as the Grizzlies held off the Spurs. The Grizzlies picked up their fourth straight win to move up to eighth place in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies have become a must-watch team this season with the arrival of Morant. The rookie has become one of the most electric players this season and that is beginning to translate to success on the court as the Grizzlies hang around in the playoff picture.

Memphis returns to action on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.

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Zion Williamson says he and Ja Morant were role players on AAU team

Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are now household names among NBA fans.

NBA rookies Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are two of the league’s most well-known young players, but the two players weren’t always household names.

Williamson recently hopped on The Ringer’s “The JJ Redick Podcast.” While on there, Williamson talked about how he and Morant weren’t well known while playing on the same AAU basketball squad in high school.

A hybrid forward out of Duke, Williamson was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Morant, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies, was the No. 2 overall pick.

“We were the role players,” Williamson said. “What people don’t know is, it’s a dude that goes to Ole Miss now, Devontae Shuler. In South Carolina, he was the guy. I remember I used to play with him. I’m playing upper age group. I’m watching him play like, ‘Man this dude’s just going coast to coast, finishing, pulling up transition three like he’s (Steph) Curry. I’m like, ‘I’m just a ninth grader, nobody knows who I am.'”

Williamson is currently out with a torn meniscus. Though Williamson has yet to make his NBA debut, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, he was in 5-on-5 drills on Tuesday. Per Lopez, there is not a specific date yet for Williamson’s return.

Morant, who started to gain notoriety during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, is having a good rookie season. He’s arguably the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, as he leads rookies in points per game (17.8) and assists (6.6). Morant also has the most 20-point games of any rookie this season.

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Ja Morant is considering participating in the Slam Dunk Contest

The Grizzlies rookie has been invited by the NBA to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest next month at All-Star Weekend in Chicago.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant is reportedly considering participating in the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend next month in Chicago, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

The second-overall pick has been invited by the NBA to compete in the annual event set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15. Morant told Yahoo Sports that he is thinking about the offer but has not yet made an official decision.

Morant has thrown down a number of high-flying dunks this season and has already posterized a few players. He nearly had the dunk of the year last month over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love.

While Morant is mulling over the offer, the rookie may not be a lock to participate. He has already dealt with back spasms following a collision with a courtside camera operator and the team has been cautious with him so far this season.

The priority for Morant is staying healthy this season and would be the reason why he wouldn’t participate. If Morant were to compete, though, the event would become must-watch as he has been electrifying this season in the open floor.

While Morant is undecided, Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has reportedly agreed to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest after previously winning in 2008. Utah Jazz guard Rayjon Tucker also recently inquired about competing, as well.

Morant is averaging 17.6 points, 6.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 31 games played this season. He leads all rookies in scoring, field goals made and assists.

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Grizzlies’ Ja Morant leads all rookies in 20-point games this season

Ja Morant extended his lead on his rookie class peers on Saturday for the most games this season with at least 20 points scored.

After scoring 22 points on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, Ja Morant extended his lead on his rookie class peers for the most games this season with at least 20 points.

The second overall pick helped lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 140-114 blowout win over the Clippers as Morant set social media on fire after snatching the ankles of Jerome Robinson.

The performance by Morant gave the rookie his 14th 20-point game of the season, which easily leads all first-year players. After Morant, Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn is second while three players are tied for third.

Via Basketball-Reference

  1. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzles: 14
  2. Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat: 9
  3. Eric Paschall, Golden State Warriors: 7
  4. R.J. Barrett, New York Knicks: 7
  5. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat: 7

The five players with the most 20-point games this season have been arguably the best this season among the rookie class with Morant the likely frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.

Given Morant’s mixture of speed and agility, he has the ability to make highlight-reel plays on a nightly basis and he has been perhaps the most exciting first-year player to watch this season.

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Lou Williams approved of Ja Morant breaking his teammate’s ankles

A slow-motion replay of Ja Morant breaking Jerome Robinson’s ankles caught Lou Williams nodding in approvement on Saturday.

As Memphis Grizzlies stormed Staples Center for a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday in a matinee special, the team left with more than just a win after what Ja Morant did to the home team.

The second overall pick helped lead the Grizzlies to a convincing 140-114 win over the Clippers with 22 points, nine assists and four rebounds. But what Morant did to Jerome Robinson had all of social media talking on Saturday afternoon.

Morant received the ball outside of the 3-point line, made a dribble move with Robinson defending him and then sent Robinson and his soul flying away. Morant paused for a moment, then rose up and drilled the shot with Robinson still trying to find his feet.

The slow-motion replay of the shot posted by the Grizzlies caught Clippers guard Lou Williams looking on from afar with the three-time Sixth Man of the Year nodding in approvement.

Morant embarrassing the opposition has become nearly a nightly occurrence this season. With his blend of skill and athleticism, Morant has the ability to fake out defenders or just straight rise up and dunk over them, as Kevin Love nearly experienced firsthand recently.

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