Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction 02/07/19

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The NBA’s top scoring defense will be on the road at Chesapeake Energy Arena, when the Memphis Grizzlies (22-33) battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-19). Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Odds

Both teams covered in their last outing. The Thunder (8.5-point favorites) defeated the Orlando Magic 132-122, while the Grizzlies (4-point underdog) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Oklahoma City game went 30 points over the projected point total of 224, while the Memphis game went 7.5 points over the projected point total of 206.5.

Memphis dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 7.5 (better than their season average of 12.6) and a free throw rate of 0.244 (above their season average of 0.202). Minnesota put up marks of 13.5 and 0.218, respectively, for those same stats. The Thunder, on the other hand, held the Magic to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.3 (below the 22.7 mark opponents have averaged against Oklahoma City this season) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.518). Russell Westbrook played a massive role in the victory for Oklahoma City with 16 points, 16 assists and 15 rebounds to register his sixth triple-double in a row (19th of the year). Memphis, meanwhile, rallied around Ivan Rabb, who recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The Thunder dominated this series last year, securing victories in all four games. In the last game, Oklahoma City won 137-123. Oklahoma City’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Memphis. The Thunder had a rate of 0.671 while the Grizzlies posted a mark of 0.555. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Grizzlies are playing, as 34 of their 55 games have gone under the O/U total. Memphis comes into the contest with records of 22-33 straight up (SU) and 24-30-1 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Memphis, Thunder games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (52.8 percent). Additionally, Oklahoma City owns records of 34-19 SU and 30-23 ATS.

Contrasting styles will be on display in this battle. Oklahoma City likes to play quickly (second in possessions per game), while Memphis is methodical (30th in possessions per game). Also, the Grizzlies’ 27th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 103.0) will square off against the Thunder’s fifth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 104.1).

Grizzlies at Thunder Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Grizzlies average 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Thunder rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
  • Oklahoma City ranks second in rebounds per game (48.0) while Memphis ranks 29th (40.3).
  • The Grizzlies rank fifth in assists allowed per game (22.8) while the Thunder rank 22nd (25.2).
  • Memphis averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Oklahoma City ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (20.6) while Memphis ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.8).
  • The Thunder rank fourth in second chance points per game (14.7) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (10.1).
  • The Grizzlies rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.2) while the Thunder rank 18th (49.5).
  • Oklahoma City ranks 19th in three pointers attempted per game (30.2) while Memphis ranks 25th (27.5).
  • Oklahoma City averages 18.4 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Memphis ranks 21st in fast break points allowed per game (14.4).
  • In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Memphis is 12-6 and Oklahoma City is 6-0.
  • The Thunder are 32-13 when they reach 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 14-11.
  • Oklahoma City is 14-11 ATS at home, while Memphis is 11-16-1 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 16 of the Thunder’s 25 home games, while 19 of the Grizzlies’ 28 road games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Grizzlies are 4-0-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Thunder are 4-1.
  • In their last five games, Memphis has 4 unders and 1 over, while Oklahoma City has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Memphis has lost by an average of 2.9 points.
  • During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 124.6 points per game (9.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.4 points per game (7.4 above their season average).