Grizzlies vs Hawks Picks and Prediction – 12/22/2024

State Farm Arena will play host to a Saturday night NBA clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Atlanta Hawks. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Grizzlies (19-9) have won eight of their previous ten games and trail Oklahoma City by three games for the top spot in the Western Conference. On Thursday, Memphis raced out to a 22-point lead after one quarter and knocked down a franchise record 27 three-pointers during a 144-93 home victory versus Golden State. 

Memphis F Santi Aldama matched a game-high 21 points on 8-for-16 shooting and grabbed 14 rebounds. Jake LaRavia chipped in 19 points (6-12 FG) and six boards off the bench. Jaren Jackson added 17 points and six rebounds for the Grizzlies, who clobbered the Warriors by a 60-36 margin on the glass.

The Atlanta Hawks have won seven of their last ten games and are a game behind Miami for sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks (14-14) have improved to a middle of the pack defensive team and are allowing 119.3 points per game. On Thursday, Atlanta managed just six points during the overtime period of a 133-126 road loss against San Antonio. 

De’Andre Hunter came off the bench to lead six Atlanta players in double figures with 27 points (9-15 FG) and six rebounds. Trae Young scored 23 points on 7-for-16 shooting and dropped 16 assists. Jalen Johnson added 22 points and nine boards for the Hawks. 

Atlanta C Onyeka Okongwu is dealing with left knee inflammation and is expected to miss the next four games. The Grizzlies are the superior defensive team and are the more physical team on the glass. Take Memphis to win and cover on the road. Final Score Prediction, Memphis Grizzlies win 125-115.