Warriors vs. Grizzlies NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, Feb. 2 (Can Memphis cover?)

The Golden State Warriors need to start winning some games, and fast, as the team is No. 12 in the Western Conference through its first 44 games this season. 

The Warriors have a rivalry matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night on NBA TV, although Memphis won’t have Ja Morant or Desmond Bane in this game. 

This should be a winnable matchup for Golden State, but the team already squandered a game earlier this season to Memphis without several of its key stars. Can the Warriors avoid the same fate in this one?

The Grizzlies are on the second night of a back-to-back after dropping a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. 

If you’re looking to bet on any game in the NBA tonight, FanDuel Sportsbook has an amazing promotional offer. New users who sign up with the link below and wager $5 will receive $200 in bonus bets -- if their bet wins.

Sign up for FanDuel now!

Let’s jump into the odds and my best bet for this Western Conference showdown:  

Warriors vs. Grizzlies odds, spread and total

Warriors vs. Grizzlies how to watch

• Date: Friday, Feb. 2
• Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: FedExForum
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Southeast, NBA TV, NBC Sports Bay Area
• Warriors record: 20-24
• Grizzlies record: 

Warriors vs. Grizzlies injury reports

Warriors injury report

• Draymond Green – probable
• Chris Paul – out
• Moses Moody – out
• Gary Payton II – out
• Dario Saric – out

Grizzlies injury report

• Not submitted yet

Warriors vs. Grizzlies key players to watch

Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga: Warriors youngster Jonathan Kuminga is a rising star before our eyes. The former lottery pick is averaging 25.1 points per game in his last seven matchups, scoring at least 20 in all of those games. Even though he’s been in and out of the starting lineup, Kuminga is becoming one of the few players Golden State can rely on to score night in and night out. Last time out against Memphis, JK had 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting. 

Memphis Grizzlies

Xavier Tillman: The Warriors are down a key big man in Dario Saric in this game, and Kevon Looeny’s minutes have been on the decline. Does that favor Grizzlies big man Xavier Tillman? In his last meeting against Golden State, Tillman had just two points in 30:17 of playing time, but he was a +13 in that game. On the second night of a back-to-back, Memphis may need more from Tillman in the scoring department to pull off an upset. 

Warriors vs. Grizzlies prediction and pick

Memphis lost on Thursday night, but for the second straight time as a home underdog, the Grizzlies were able to cover the spread. 

Now, the team gets a Golden State team that it beat outright the last meeting in Memphis. The Warriors have struggled mightily when favored on the road this season, going just 2-4 against the spread. 

Bettors should be careful before betting on this game, as the Grizzlies could rule out more players on the second night of a back-to-back, but I still think there is value in taking Memphis as an 8.5-point underdog. 

Plus, Golden State is down multiple rotation players in this game, including arguably the team’s best offensive big man in Saric. 

Even with Draymond Green playing more normal minutes than he did in the first meeting with Memphis, I don’t love taking the Warriors to win big. 

Take the points on Friday. 

Pick: Grizzlies +8.5 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.