The Memphis Grizzlies (14-28) clash against the New York Knicks (20-24) at FedExForum. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
Memphis is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 201 points.
New York Knicks at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
The Knicks will be hoping for similar success after topping the Brooklyn Nets in their last matchup, 119-104. New York’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Brooklyn. The Knicks had a rate of 0.567 (above their season average of 0.512), while the Nets posted a mark of 0.431 (below their season average of 0.505). New York rallied around Michael Beasley, who finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Grizzlies’ last game, they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 123-114. Memphis was successful at getting and making free throws. The Grizzlies made 29 of their 34 free throws (85.3 percent), while the Lakers were 26-31 (83.9 percent). With 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans had a good game.
The physical Memphis offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this showdown. The Grizzlies rank sixth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.222, while New York ranks 21st in FTA rate allowed (0.208). Also, the Knicks rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.2 percent), while the Grizzlies rank 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent).
New York heads into the game with records of 20-24 straight up (SU) and 23-21 against the spread (ATS). Knicks games have a slight tendency to go over the total (50.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Memphis is 14-28 SU and 16-24-2 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 26 of their 44 games have gone under the total.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Marc Gasol had 17 points and eight rebounds in the first game, in which the Grizzlies lost 99-88, unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 187 points, which was 10 points below the projected point total of 197 points. The Knicks had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.3 vs. 11.1) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.590 vs. 0.500).
New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New York is 8-12 ATS with 10 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
At home, Memphis is 8-13-1 ATS with 16 unders and 6 overs.
Memphis is 9-9 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while New York is 9-1.
The Grizzlies are 9-9 when they reach 100 points, while the Knicks are 19-13.
Memphis ranks seventh in fast break points per game (13.6) while New York ranks 29th (6.9).
The Knicks rank seventh in rebounds per game (44.8) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (40.1).
New York ranks third in second chance points per game (14.3) while Memphis ranks 24th (10.5).
The Grizzlies rank third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Knicks rank 22nd (8.5).
New York averages 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Memphis ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
The Grizzlies rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.7) while the Knicks rank 27th (31.3).
Memphis ranks ninth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.4) while New York ranks 25th (18.3).
The Knicks rank 12th in assists per game (22.8) while the Grizzlies rank 28th (20.7).
Memphis leads the league with 40.0 points allowed in the paint per game while New York is second with 41.0 points allowed in the paint per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New York is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Memphis is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Knicks have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, New York has lost by an average of 0.7 points.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 102.2 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
