The San Antonio Spurs (31-18) and the Memphis Grizzlies (17-29), who both like to play patient, will square off at FedExForum. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
The Spurs come in on a high note after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last outing, 114-102. The Spurs forced 18 turnovers and held the Cavaliers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.8 (below the 20.8 mark opponents have averaged against San Antonio this season). With 30 points on 12-for-18 shooting, LaMarcus Aldridge was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Grizzlies played, they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 105-101. Memphis’ 11.4 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 21.4. The Grizzlies’ mark was better than their season average of 13.0, while the 76ers’ was above their season average of 15.3. With 18 points and eight assists, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans played well.
The ineffective offense of Memphis (24th in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 104.3) will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of San Antonio (second in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 101.4). The Spurs figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
San Antonio heads into the contest with records of 31-18 straight up (SU) and 24-20-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Spurs are involved, as 60.4 percent of their games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 17-29 SU and 20-24-2 ATS. Coinciding with San Antonio, games involving the Grizzlies also have typically gone under the total (58.7 percent).
The Spurs have won both games against the Grizzlies this season, including a 95-79 victory the last time these teams met. San Antonio covered as a 3-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 174 points, which was 18.5 points below the projected point total of 192.5 points. The Spurs had a much better free throw rate (0.314 vs. 0.189) and had a better turnover percentage (13.4 vs. 16.3). Aldridge was the game’s top overall scorer with 22 points.
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
San Antonio is 9-14-3 ATS on the road with 18 unders, 7 overs and 1 push.
At home, Memphis is 11-13-1 ATS with 17 unders and 8 overs.
When allowing below 100 points, Memphis is 11-9 and San Antonio is 20-9.
The Spurs are 24-3 when they reach 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 12-10.
San Antonio ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.4) while Memphis ranks 26th (5.3).
The Spurs rank 10th in rebounds per game (44.4) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (40.3).
Memphis ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while San Antonio ranks 19th (8.0).
The Grizzlies rank fifth in fast break points per game (13.7) while the Spurs rank 20th (9.8).
San Antonio ranks 20th in assists per game (22.0) while Memphis ranks 29th (20.7).
The Grizzlies rank 20th in points in the paint per game (42.3) while the Spurs rank 27th (41.3).
Memphis ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while San Antonio ranks 26th (24.4).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, San Antonio is 2-2-1 ATS with 5 unders.
Memphis is 5-0 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Spurs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 108.6 points per game (8.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
