NBA Odds: Clippers (even)
The Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) and their first-ranked offense welcome the Memphis Grizzlies (39-14) and their fourth-ranked defense. Action begins at 10:30 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 23 and can be seen on NBATV, SPSO and FSN-PT.
The Clippers played well in their last game, blowing out the Kings 126-99 on Saturday. Austin Rivers was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 105-89 loss against the Thunder on Wednesday. Memphis still lost despite the best efforts of Zach Randolph, who recorded his 31st double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
DeAndre Jordan and Jamal Crawford have been better than usual over the last five games for the Clippers. During that stretch, Jordan has averaged 18.2 points, 18.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks, while Crawford has recorded 22.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers a game.
This showdown pits one of the league’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses, as Los Angeles currently ranks first in the NBA in offensive efficiency and Memphis is fourth in defensive efficiency.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Grizzlies winning the first matchup 107-91. Marc Gasol put up 30 points and 12 rebounds.
The odds for Los Angeles and Memphis are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Clippers come into this game 37-19 Straight Up (SU) and 24-32 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 24-8 SU and 15-17 ATS against the Western Conference. The Clippers are one of the best in the NBA in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive .372 from beyond the arc. Los Angeles is the most disciplined team in the league with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.1.
Over on the other bench, the Grizzlies have a record of 26-25-2 ATS and 39-14 SU. Against the Western Conference, Memphis is 23-9 SU and 16-16 ATS. The Grizzlies convert their free throws at a high percentage, ranking fifth in the league at .778.
In their previous meeting this season, Memphis beat Los Angeles, bumping its SU record over the last 10 meetings to 7-3. Furthermore, the Grizzlies hold the advantage ATS with a record of 8-2. Los Angeles held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time in the last 10 matchups. On the other side of the court, Memphis never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – MEM, ATS Winner – MEM
Notes
On average, Memphis scores 100.6 points per game (ranked 14th). Los Angeles ranks 22nd in points allowed per game with 100.9.
Los Angeles ranks 17th in points allowed per home game (98.8 PPG), while Memphis ranks 16th in points per away game with 98.1.
Los Angeles has an outstanding 24-2 record when it allows under 100 points this season. Memphis is 13-12 when it puts up under 100.
Los Angeles is 13-17 when allowing 100 or more points this season. The Grizzlies have a stellar 26-2 record when they hit the century mark.
The Clippers have the top-ranked offense this season, averaging 110.3 points per 100 possessions. The Grizzlies have one of the best defenses, allowing 99.6 points in the same number of possessions (ranked fourth).
On average, Los Angeles has 97.2 possessions per game and scores 1.103 points on each possession. Memphis has both fewer possessions (96.1) and scores fewer points during those possessions (1.046).
Los Angeles has an average effective field goal percentage of 53.2%, second-ranked in the NBA. Memphis is a winning 8-4 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
The Los Angeles Clippers average 26.2 three point attempts per game, while the Memphis Grizzlies attempt 15.6 per game. When attempting 25 or more three pointers in a game, Los Angeles is 23-10 while Memphis is undefeated (2-0).
The Los Angeles Clippers top the league in assist to turnover ratio this season with an A/TO of 2.14. The Memphis Grizzlies are also among the best (ranked ninth) with an A/TO of 1.74.
The Clippers rank 24th in rebounds per game with 41.9, while the Grizzlies rank 16th with 43.2 per game.
The Memphis Grizzlies rank 19th in offensive rebounding, while the Los Angeles Clippers rank 15th in defensive rebounding.
Memphis is one of the best in the league in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.4% (ranked sixth). Los Angeles is an even 3-3 SU when it has a TOV% of 15.4% or greater.
