Grizzlies/Nuggets 1Q over 59.5 (-102 on FanDuel)
This line could be 65, and I’d probably still take the over. Denver ranks #1 in the NBA in 1Q points per game (31.6), with a staggering 32.2 1Q ppg at home. Memphis is not far behind, averaging the third-highest first-quarter team total with 31.
Heavy seeding implications are on the line in this Western Conference showdown, as Memphis could still theoretically take the No. 4 seed with wins over Denver and Dallas to close the season. The Grizzlies will likely be lacking defensively out of the gates, coming off a back-to-back on the road, but won’t hold any punches offensively with a seeding battle on the line. Denver will be highly motivated as well, as a win over the Grizzlies coupled with a win against a resting Rockets team on Sunday would grant them the No. 4 seed in the West.
Neither defense is notably great in the opening quarter, as Memphis ranks 25th in scoring defense, allowing 29.7 OPPG, and Denver ranks 29th, letting up 30.4 OPPG. With both teams ranked 7th and 8th, respectively, in 1Q scoring margins, all signs are pointing towards a high-flying, neck-and-neck opening quarter.