The Memphis Grizzlies (13-9) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (16-7) at FedExForum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Memphis is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 212.5 points.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
The Clippers come in on a high note after narrowly defeating the New Orleans Pelicans in their last game, 129-126, as 1.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (255) were well over the O/U total of 234.5. One of Los Angeles’ biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 30 free throw attempts, while New Orleans had 22. Los Angeles received a boost from Danilo Gallinari, who had 24 points and five rebounds.
The last time the Grizzlies took the floor, they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 103-95. They were not able to cover as 6.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (198) finished under the O/U total of 211.5. One of Philadelphia’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 30 free throw attempts, while Memphis had 23. With 21 points on 6-for-17 shooting, Mike Conley led Memphis in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Grizzlies lost 112-107, unable to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. Marc Gasol led both teams with 27 points and also put up 13 rebounds and 7 assists. The game finished with a total of 219 points, which was 9 points above the projected point total of 210 points. The Clippers made 24 of their 27 free throws (88.9 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 13.8).
Los Angeles holds records of 16-7 straight up (SU) and 15-8 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Clippers tend to finish over the total (65.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 13-9 SU and 13-9 ATS. Unlike Los Angeles, just over half of Grizzlies games have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Gallinari (20 points,7.4 rebounds,3.2 assists,1.2 steals) has been great for the Clippers while Conley (26 points,9.4 assists) has made solid contributions to the Grizzlies.
Memphis should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Memphis ranks fifth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while Los Angeles forces the fewest turnovers (11.3 percent). Also, the Clippers rank first in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.266), while the Grizzlies rank 29th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.236).
Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 7-6 ATS on the road with 9 overs and 4 unders.
Memphis is 7-3 ATS at home with 5 overs and 5 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 6-2 and Los Angeles is 3-0.
When reaching the century mark, the Clippers are 16-6 and the Grizzlies are 10-4.
Memphis ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (19.4) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (14.9).
The Grizzlies rank fifth in steals per game (8.9) while the Clippers rank 27th (6.0).
Memphis ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.6) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (6.1).
The Grizzlies rank fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Clippers rank 26th (14.8).
Memphis ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Los Angeles ranks 24th (51.4).
The Clippers rank 10 in rebounds per game (46.34782608695652) while the Grizzlies rank last (39.31818181818182).
Los Angeles averages 11.826086956521738 fast break points per game, which ranks 19 in the league. Memphis ranks 28 in fast break points allowed per game (16.136363636363637).
Neither of these teams shoot many threes. The Grizzlies are 25 in the NBA with 27.863636363636363 three pointers per game while the Clippers are 27 with 25 threes per game.
Bettings Trends:
In its last five contests, Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Memphis is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (4.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.0 points per game (9.9 above their season average).
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