The Memphis Grizzlies (18-49) will attempt to put an end to their 18-game losing streak when they take on the Chicago Bulls (23-44) at FedExForum. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 15, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 211.5 points with Memphis opening as a 1-point favorite.
Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies Free Prediction
The last time the Bulls played, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Clippers, 112-106. One of Los Angeles’ largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 41 free throw attempts, while Chicago had just 15. Bobby Portis led Chicago in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-19 shooting.
The Grizzlies were blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks in their last contest, 121-103. Milwaukee’s 0.185 free throw rate was their largest strength over Memphis, who had a rate of 0.112. The Bucks’ mark was below their season average of 0.229, while the Grizzlies’ was below their season average of 0.208. With 17 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Marc Gasol was Memphis’ high scorer.
Second-chance points might be rare for Memphis in this contest. The Grizzlies currently rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.0 percent), while Chicago ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (80.9 percent).
Chicago holds records of 23-44 straight up (SU) and 34-30-3 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Memphis is 18-49 SU and 27-37-3 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 38 of their 67 games have ended under the projected point total.
Dillon Brooks has averaged 18.8 points over the last five games for Memphis.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Brooks scored a game-high 29 points in the first game, in which the Grizzlies lost 119-110, unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 229 points, which was 17.5 points above the projected point total of 211.5 points. The Bulls made 24 of their 32 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 vs. 22.0).
Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 16-16-1 ATS on the road with 20 overs and 13 unders.
At home, Memphis is 14-20-1 ATS with 23 unders and 12 overs.
Memphis is 11-11 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Chicago is 6-6.
When reaching 100 points, the Grizzlies are 13-19 and the Bulls are 21-21.
Memphis ranks sixth in assists allowed per game (21.5) while Chicago ranks 28th (25.4).
The Bulls rank seventh in rebounds per game (44.7) while the Grizzlies rank 28th (40.4).
Memphis ranks 11th in blocks per game (4.9) while Chicago ranks last (3.6).
The Grizzlies rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.7) while the Bulls rank 28th (31.5).
Chicago ranks third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Memphis ranks 18th (7.9).
The Grizzlies rank 12th in points off turnovers per game (16.7) while the Bulls rank 27th (14.9).
Chicago ranks 13th in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while Memphis ranks 25th (13.9).
The Grizzlies rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (41.5) while the Bulls rank 14th (44.7).
Chicago ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Memphis ranks seventh (11.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Memphis is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 6.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 93.8 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
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