It will be a contest between two stifling defenses when the Boston Celtics (26-18), 10.5-point favorites, clash against the Memphis Grizzlies (19-25) at TD Garden. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 204.5 points and it gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics Betting Odds
In the Celtics’ last game, they beat the Toronto Raptors, 117-108, covering as 3-point favorites. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-101, and failed to cover as 6-point underdogs. The Boston game went 2 points over the projected point total of 223, while the Memphis game finished 0.5 points under the projected point total of 212.5.
The Celtics held the Raptors to an effective field goal percentage of 0.484 (below their season average of 0.537) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 22.1). Memphis, meanwhile, held Milwaukee to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 21.3). Boston was led by Kyrie Irving, who finished with 27 points, 18 assists and five rebounds. JaMychal Green, meanwhile led the way for Memphis, putting up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Irving led the Celtics to a 112-103 win. He notched a double-double with 26 points and 13 assists. The two teams combined to put up 215 points, which was over the projected point total of 202, and Boston covered as a 3.5-point favorite. Boston’s 0.600 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Memphis, who had a mark of 0.520.
Of the Grizzlies’ 44 games, 27 have finished under the projected point total. Memphis heads into the game with records of 19-25 straight up (SU) and 18-26 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Memphis, games involving the Celtics have typically finished over the O/U total (61.4 percent). Additionally, Boston owns records of 26-18 SU and 23-21 ATS.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Boston ranks 21st in possessions per game (101.6) and Memphis is 30th (97.7). Moreover, the 27th-ranked offense of the Grizzlies (offensive efficiency of 103.3) will battle against the fifth-ranked defense of the Celtics (defensive efficiency of 103.3).
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies rank 22nd in points in the paint per game (46.5) while the Celtics rank 27th (43.0).
- Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (36.0) while Memphis ranks 25th (27.1).
- The Celtics rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.3) while the Grizzlies rank 13th (16.6).
- Memphis ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Boston ranks 11th (5.4).
- Boston ranks 23rd in second chance points per game (12.5) while Memphis ranks last (9.5).
- The Celtics rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.6) while the Grizzlies rank 24th (14.8).
- The Celtics rank second in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Grizzlies rank ninth (7.3).
- Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (22.3) while Memphis ranks sixth (22.8).
- Boston ranks 17th in rebounds per game (45.1) while Memphis ranks 29th (40.0).
- Boston is 9-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Memphis is 11-3.
- The Celtics are 26-14 when they score more than 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 12-9.
- Memphis is 8-15 ATS on the road, while Boston is 15-6 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 13 of the Celtics’ 21 home games, while 15 of the Grizzlies’ 23 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Grizzlies are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Memphis has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 2.2 for the season.
