The Memphis Grizzlies (0-1) welcome the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) to FedExForum for their home opener. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Memphis is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 209.5 points.
Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
The Hawks are hoping to rebound after not being able to cover as 4-point underdogs in their 126-107 loss to the New York Knicks in their last outing. The total points for the game (233) finished well over the projected point total of 216.5. New York’s 11.8 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Atlanta, who had a rate of 19.7. Taurean Prince was Atlanta’s leading scorer with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The last time the Grizzlies played, they were blown out by the Indiana Pacers, 111-83. They were not able to cover as 7.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (194) came in under the O/U total of 204.5. Indiana won the rebounding battle. The Pacers had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (44 vs. 21) and total rebounds (57 vs. 28). With 13 points on 2-for-11 shooting, Marc Gasol led Memphis in scoring.
It could be an error-filled game for the Memphis offense. Dating back to last season, Memphis ranks 27th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Atlanta has forced the fourth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.6 percent).
Since last season, the Hawks are 24-59 straight up (SU) and 42-47 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, Atlanta games have had a tendency to go under the O/U total (58.4 percent).
On the other hand, the Grizzlies, have records of 22-61 SU and 43-46 ATS since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Memphis games over that same period with 45 overs compared to 44 unders.
These two teams split two games last season. The Hawks won the last matchup 108-82. The Hawks had a much better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 22.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.193 vs. 0.127).
Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies Pick
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Atlanta is 12-4 and Memphis is 13-12.
The Hawks are 20-32 when they score over 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 17-23.
Memphis ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (22.2) while Atlanta ranks last (26.0).
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).
Memphis ranks 15th in blocks per game (4.8) while Atlanta ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
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 averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. Atlanta ranks last in steals allowed per game (8.7).
The Grizzlies rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the Hawks rank 14th (44.5).
Atlanta averages 31.1 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Memphis ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
The Hawks rank 25th in rebounds per game (41.9) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (40.4).
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