Memphis Grizzlies Large Favorite (-7.5+) Betting Trend

The Grizzlies' struggles as large favorites stem from a fundamental mismatch between their grinding, defensive identity and the expectations that come with hefty spreads. Memphis has built their culture around "Grit and Grind" basketball, relying on methodical possessions and suffocating defense rather than explosive offensive outbursts. When laying significant points, they're essentially being asked to play against their nature - maintaining intensity while building and protecting large leads against opponents with nothing to lose. This team's young core, led by Ja Morant, often plays with maximum effort regardless of game script, but that same energy can lead to careless turnovers and momentum swings when they're expected to cruise. Memphis also tends to face opponents' best efforts when heavily favored, as underdogs circle these games as statement opportunities. The Grizzlies' tendency to experiment with rotations and rest key players in anticipated blowouts further compounds their spread-covering challenges. Smart bettors should be particularly wary of backing Memphis as large home favorites against divisional opponents or teams playing back-to-back games, where motivation disparities create the most dangerous betting spots. This trend matters most during nationally televised games where the spotlight amplifies the pressure to perform dominantly.