Memphis Grizzlies vs Atlanta Hawks Free Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Memphis Grizzlies (0-1), 7-point favorites, get their home schedule underway at FedExForum against the Atlanta Hawks (0-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 209.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Hawks (4-point underdogs) were defeated by the New York Knicks, 126-107, while the Grizzlies (7.5-point underdogs) fell to the Indiana Pacers, 111-83. The Atlanta game went 16.5 points over the projected point total of 216.5, while the Memphis game went 10.5 points under the projected point total of 204.5.

Atlanta had a better effective field goal percentage (0.511 vs. 0.515) while Memphis did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (23-28; 82.1 percent). Marc Gasol had a solid performance for Memphis, finishing with 13 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Atlanta received a boost from Taurean Prince, who put up 21 points, six rebounds and six assists.

This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Memphis. Since the 2017-18 season, Memphis ranks 27th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Atlanta has forced the fourth-most turnovers in the league (14.6 percent).

Since last season, the Hawks are 24-59 straight up (SU) and 42-47 against the spread (ATS). Games involving Atlanta have had a tendency to go under the O/U total since last season (58.4 percent).

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are 22-61 SU and 43-46 ATS since last season. Memphis’ games have had a slight tendency to go over the projected point total over that same period (50.6 percent).

This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Hawks won the last contest 108-82. The Hawks’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Grizzlies. Atlanta had a rate of 12.4, while Memphis posted a mark of 22.8.

Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Pick

NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Neither of these teams are great at rebounding the ball. The Hawks are 25th in the NBA with 41.9 rebounds per game while the Grizzlies are 29th with 40.4 rebounds per game.
  • Memphis ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (22.2) while Atlanta ranks last (26.0).
  • The Grizzlies rank 11th in fast break points per game (13.1) while the Hawks rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
  • Memphis ranks 20th in steals per game (7.5) while Atlanta ranks last in steals allowed per game (8.7).
  • Atlanta averages 31.1 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Memphis ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
  • The Grizzlies rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while the Hawks rank 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.0).
  • The Grizzlies rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the Hawks rank 14th (44.5).
  • Memphis ranks 15th in blocks per game (4.8) while Atlanta ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
  • Atlanta is 12-4 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Memphis is 13-12.
  • In games where they score over 100 points, the Grizzlies are 17-23 and the Hawks are 20-32.
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