The Atlanta Hawks (20-25) and Memphis Grizzlies (18-23) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live on FDSSE.
The Grizzlies are 2.5-point favorites over the Hawks on the spread, with the over/under set at 236.5 total points. Memphis is a 54-cent favorite to win outright, while Atlanta is priced at 47 cents to pull off the upset on Fanatics Markets.
Let's get into my Hawks vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, January 21.
Hawks vs Grizzlies Prediction, Picks
- Hawks vs Grizzlies pick: Hawks +2.5
My Grizzlies vs. Hawks best bet is on Atlanta to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at Fanatics. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Hawks vs Grizzlies Odds
Hawks vs Grizzlies NBA Preview
The Grizzlies come into this matchup after spending the last week overseas, playing in London and Germany.
While they looked strong in their most recent win over the Magic, the spot is less than ideal, as teams returning from international travel often need time to fully reacclimate.
The Hawks, meanwhile, haven't played since early Monday, creating a significant rest advantage.
This is one of those situations where the box-score version of "days off" doesn't tell the whole story. Re-adjusting to a different continent and time zone isn't real rest, it's recovery just to get your body clock back in sync.
Memphis has also struggled historically after wins, going just 6-11 against the spread following a victory this season, one of the weaker marks in the league.
On the other side, Atlanta has looked lifeless at times, but showed signs of life in its most recent game against Milwaukee.
Despite digging a massive hole early, the Hawks scored 70 points in the second half, suggesting they may be starting to figure things out offensively with the current rotation.
Situationally, this sets up as a classic spot where rest, travel and scheduling all matter more than surface-level form.
Hawks vs Grizzlies Prediction, Betting Analysis
This feels like a buy-point on Atlanta, especially against a team coming back from overseas.
It's the type of situational angle we don't get often in the NBA, but one that's been profitable in other sports.
There's also reason to believe Atlanta can respond after a frustrating loss.
That final possession against Milwaukee was a mess, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a bit of a reset offensively, particularly with a renewed emphasis on getting Jalen Johnson involved.
From a broader perspective, this is the kind of narrative spot books may not fully account for yet.
Fading teams returning from Europe is far more common in the NFL, but when it pops up in the NBA, it's worth paying attention to.
Between the rest advantage, the travel factor and Atlanta showing some offensive signs of life, this lines up as a strong situational play.
Pick: Hawks +2.5
