The Memphis Grizzlies (9-20) will have their hands full against the league’s top scoring defense when they go head-to-head with the Boston Celtics (24-7) at FedExForum. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
In the Celtics’ last game, they were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 107-95. Utah won the rebounding battle. The Jazz had nine offensive rebounds and 55 total rebounds, while the Celtics had two and 31, respectively. Kyrie Irving was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points on 11-for-25 shooting.
The Grizzlies won a close one over the Atlanta Hawks in their last matchup, 96-94. Memphis’ 26.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta, who had a mark of 17.5. The Grizzlies’ mark was above their season average of 19.1, while the Hawks’ was below the 23.0 mark opponents have averaged against Memphis this season. Tyreke Evans was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
Memphis might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Boston ranks first in defensive efficiency, while the Grizzlies rank 27th in offensive efficiency.
Boston heads into the game with records of 24-7 straight up (SU) and 20-8-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Celtics have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Memphis is 9-20 SU and 10-17-1 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 18 of their 30 games have ended under the total.
After the Celtics won both contests against the Grizzlies last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Boston won 113-103. The Celtics’ 36.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Grizzlies, who had a mark of 28.3.
Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 11-4 ATS with 8 unders and 7 overs.
Memphis is 5-11 ATS at home with 12 unders and 4 overs.
Memphis is 7-5 when they allow below 100 points, while Boston is 17-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Celtics are 17-3 and the Grizzlies are 4-6.
Boston ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (8.6) while Memphis ranks 24th (13.4).
The Celtics rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Grizzlies rank 23rd (5.3).
Boston ranks 11th in rebounds per game (44.3) while Memphis ranks 29th (39.1).
The Grizzlies rank 15th in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while the Celtics rank 28th (13.7).
Boston ranks 16th in assists per game (22.4) while Memphis ranks 25th (20.9).
The Grizzlies rank 20th in points in the paint per game (42.2) while the Celtics rank 28th (39.9).
Boston ranks 21st in second chance points per game (11.5) while Memphis ranks 28th (9.6).
The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Grizzlies rank ninth (7.4).
Boston averages 31.0 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Memphis ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (27.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 5.4 points.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 94.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
