The Oklahoma City Thunder (11-13) look to snap their eight-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (8-17) at FedExForum. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and will air on NBATV.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
In the Thunder’s last outing, they were beaten by the Brooklyn Nets, 100-95. One of Brooklyn’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 30 free throw attempts, while Oklahoma City had 23. Russell Westbrook was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points on 10-for-27 shooting.
The Grizzlies fell to the Toronto Raptors in their last contest, 116-107. Toronto made good use of their 33 trips to the charity stripe, making 29 of them (87.9 percent). Memphis, on the other hand, was 16-22 (72.7 percent). Memphis’ Tyreke Evans had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 27 points on 10-for-19 shooting.
The ineffective offense of Memphis (23rd in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 102.7) will square off against the top-notch defense of Oklahoma City (third in the league with a defensive efficiency of 101.0). The Thunder should have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, the Thunder rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (26.3 percent), while the Grizzlies rank 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.6 percent).
Oklahoma City holds records of 11-13 straight up (SU) and 7-16-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Thunder’s 24 games, 16 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 8-17 SU and 8-15-1 ATS. Coinciding with Oklahoma City, Grizzlies games also tend to finish under the total (66.7 percent).
After the Thunder won three out of four matchups against the Grizzlies last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Oklahoma City won 103-100. Oklahoma City had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.9 vs. 17.9). Memphis, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (17-21; 81.0 percent).
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Oklahoma City is 2-10 ATS with 8 unders and 4 overs.
At home, Memphis is 4-9 ATS with 11 unders and 2 overs.
Memphis is 6-4 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 9-4.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Thunder are 9-5 and the Grizzlies are 4-5.
Oklahoma City ranks fifth in second chance points per game (14.3) while Memphis ranks 28th (8.9).
The Thunder rank first in steals per game (10.3) while the Grizzlies rank 20th (7.4).
Oklahoma City averages 13.5 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Memphis ranks 24th in fast break points allowed per game (12.8).
The Thunder rank 15th in rebounds per game (43.4) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (38.6).
Oklahoma City ranks second in points off turnovers per game (20.0) while Memphis ranks 15th (17.4).
The Grizzlies rank seventh in blocks per game (5.4) while the Thunder rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Oklahoma City ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (39.7) while Memphis ranks sixth (41.4).
The Grizzlies rank third in assists allowed per game (20.2) while the Thunder rank sixth (21.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Memphis is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 96.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.6 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
