The Washington Wizards (36-28) take on the visiting Memphis Grizzlies (45-18) at the Verizon Center. The game gets underway at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Mar. 12 and will air on TNT.
The Wizards easily got past the Hornets 95-69 on Monday. Marcin Gortat was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are coming off a 101-91 win over the Bulls on Monday. Jeff Green stood out for Memphis, posting 19 points, seven rebounds, and one steal.
Over the last five games, Gortat has really been playing well for the Wizards. During that stretch, he has averaged 14.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Wizards look to build on their records of 36-28 Straight Up (SU) and 24-39-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 1-9 ATS over their last 10 games. Washington has averaged 91.3 points per game over the last ten weeks, lower than its season average of 98.4.
On the other side, Memphis has a SU record of 45-18 and an ATS record of 30-31-2. In Eastern Conference games, Memphis has gone 17-5 SU and 11-9-2 ATS. The Grizzlies are the top defensive team in the league, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 95.5 points allowed per game.
This game marks the first time these teams will play this season. The last time the Wizards and the Grizzlies played, Memphis won, bringing its SU record in the past 10 games to 8-2. At 5-5, they are even bets ATS. Memphis held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once in the last 10, while Washington wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – MEM, ATS Winner – MEM
Notes
Washington is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games.
Washington is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games.
Washington is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home.
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis.
Washington ranks 15th in the league with 101.7 points per home game. Memphis allows just 96.6 points per away game (ranked fourth).
The Washington Wizards won their last game by 26 points. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, the Memphis Grizzlies are 5-2. Washington is 5-7 in blowouts this season.
Memphis has a formidable 33-8 record when it gives up under 100 points this season. Washington is 15-22 when it puts up under 100.
Memphis is 12-10 when allowing 100 or more points this season. The Wizards have an outstanding 21-6 record when hitting triple digits.
The Grizzlies have an offensive rating of 103.7 (ranked 12th), while the Wizards rank 10th for their defensive rating of 100.5.
The Washington Wizards have one of the best field goal percentages this season, ranking fourth in the league with a FG% of 46.5%. The Memphis Grizzlies have a solid 13-5 record in games where opponents have a similar or higher FG%.
The Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Washington is 13th and fourth in the league for EFF% and FG% respectively, while Memphis ranks 17th and sixth in these categories.
The Washington Wizards, ranked fifth in the NBA, average 24.1 assists per game. The Memphis Grizzlies make 21.9 assists (ranked 12th)
The Washington Wizards average 4.7 blocks per game for a rank of 17th. The Memphis Grizzlies rank lower (22nd), earning 4.4 blocks each game.
Washington is ranked 19th when it comes to offensive rebounding. Memphis ranks 14th in defensive rebounds.
Memphis averages 8.7 steals per game (ranked seventh). Washington is 19-15 when allowing at least 8 steals.
