The Memphis Grizzlies (18-41) and the Phoenix Suns (18-44) will attempt to snap their 10-game losing streaks when they go head-to-head at FedExForum. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Suns fell to the New Orleans Pelicans in their last outing, 125-116. Devin Booker had a solid performance for Phoenix, leading the team in scoring with 40 points on 14-for-28 shooting. New Orleans did a great job of getting and making free throws (31-40; 77.5 percent). Phoenix, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 vs. 19.6).
In the Grizzlies’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Boston Celtics, 109-98. JaMychal Green led Memphis in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Boston held the Grizzlies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 22.1). Memphis, meanwhile, did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (25-32; 78.1 percent).
The physical Memphis offense might be getting to the foul line a lot in this battle. The Grizzlies currently rank seventh in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.213, while Phoenix ranks 27th in FTA rate allowed (0.220). It will also be a showdown of conflicting paces as the fast-breaking Suns rank third in possessions per game, while the more methodical Grizzlies rank 30th.
Of Phoenix’s 62 games, 31 have finished under the projected point total, while 32 of Memphis’ 59 games have finished under the projected point total. Both teams have dreadful straight up (SU) records (18-44 for Phoenix; 18-41 for Memphis), but the Suns hold a slight edge against the spread (ATS). Phoenix is 28-32-2 ATS, while the Grizzlies are 25-32-2.
Elfrid Payton has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Phoenix, averaging 16.8 points, 8.6 assists and 7.0 rebounds per game.
These two teams have already met three times this season, with the Suns leading the series two games to one. In the most recent game, Tyreke Evans scored a game-high 27 points and the Grizzlies defeated the Suns 120-109, covering as 8-point favorites. The two teams combined for 229 points, which was 24 points above the projected point total of 205 points. Memphis’ 0.633 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Phoenix, who had a mark of 0.506.
Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies Odds Prediction
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies average 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Suns rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Memphis ranks 27th in assists per game (21.1) while Phoenix ranks 28th (21.0).
- Memphis ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (7.6) while Phoenix ranks 28th (8.6).
- Memphis is 13-17-1 ATS at home, while Phoenix is 16-13-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 15 of the Suns’ 30 road games, while 20 of the Grizzlies’ 31 home games have gone under.
- Memphis is 11-10 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Phoenix is 6-2.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Grizzlies are 13-14 and the Suns are 14-26.
- The Grizzlies rank 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.7) while the Suns rank 26th (18.7).
- Memphis ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.0) while Phoenix ranks 27th (47.6).
- The Suns average 14.4 fast break points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Grizzlies rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (14.0).
- Memphis ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Phoenix ranks 28th (45.5).
Bettings Trends:
- Memphis is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 4.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 103.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 119.0 points per game (5.8 above their season average).