Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction 02/23/19

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Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Memphis Grizzlies (23-37), 1-point underdogs, visit Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers (13-46). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 202.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports – Ohio at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds

In the Cavaliers’ previous matchup, they defeated the Phoenix Suns, 111-98, comfortably covering as 1-point favorites. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, were beat by the Los Angeles Clippers, 112-106, and failed to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The Cleveland game went 12.5 points under the projected point total of 221.5, while the Memphis game went 10.5 points over the projected point total of 207.5.

Cleveland played a nearly perfect game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 27.0 (above their season average of 24.0) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.496). For those same stats, Phoenix had marks of 21.2 and 0.476, respectively. Memphis, on the other hand, forced Los Angeles into a turnover percentage of 19.7 (above their season average of 12.3). Cleveland received a boost from Ante Zizic, who contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Joakim Noah had a good game for Memphis, putting up 22 points and 11 rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies to a 95-87 win. He produced 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Memphis was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite and the two teams combined for 182 points, which was under the projected point total of 196. Memphis’ free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Cleveland. The Grizzlies had a rate of 0.250, while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 0.129.

Vegas is known to set the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 61.0 percent of their contests have ended under the total. Memphis comes into the game with records of 23-37 straight up (SU) and 26-32-1 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Memphis, just over half of Cavaliers games have finished over the total. Additionally, Cleveland owns records of 13-46 SU and 26-32-1 ATS.

Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams clash. Cleveland ranks 29th in possessions per game (98.5) and Memphis is 30th (97.8).

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • Neither of these teams are great at rebounding the ball. The Cavaliers are 25th in the NBA with 42.9 rebounds per game while the Grizzlies are 29th with 40.4 rebounds per game.
  • Memphis ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.7) while Cleveland ranks 28th (2.6).
  • The Cavaliers rank ninth in second chance points per game (13.6) while the Grizzlies rank 28th (10.0).
  • Memphis ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (23.0) while Cleveland ranks 23rd (25.4).
  • Cleveland ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (13.7) while Memphis ranks 27th (15.3).
  • The Grizzlies rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (13.8).
  • The Grizzlies rank seventh in steals per game (8.6) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (6.7).
  • Memphis ranks 25th in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while Cleveland ranks 26th (27.5).
  • Memphis ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Cleveland ranks 21st (50.4).
  • Cleveland is 5-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Memphis is 13-6.
  • The Grizzlies are 14-14 when they score above 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 11-22.
  • Cleveland is 13-17 ATS at home, while Memphis is 11-18-1 ATS on the road.
  • The Grizzlies have 20 unders and 10 overs in 30 road games.
  • In 30 home games, the Cavaliers have 17 overs and 13 unders.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Memphis and Cleveland have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Grizzlies are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Cavaliers are 2-3.
  • During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 103.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
  • The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 10.1 for the season.