The Oklahoma City Thunder (47-34) and Memphis Grizzlies (22-59) commence Western Conference play at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game will air on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
The Grizzlies are trying to rebound after their 113-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup. Minnesota won the rebounding battle. The Timberwolves had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. 10), defensive rebounds (34 vs. 25) and total rebounds (52 vs. 35). Ben McLemore was Memphis’ high scorer with 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In the Thunder’s last game, they dismantled the Miami Heat, 115-93. The Thunder made 31 of their 38 free throws (81.6 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 8.4 (better than their season average of 12.0). With 23 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook led the way with his 24th triple-double this year.
The offensive glass should be a major advantage for Oklahoma City in this matchup. The Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.8 percent), while Memphis ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.4 percent). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Grizzlies, which ranks 27th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.9 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Thunder, which forces the most turnovers in the league (15.3 percent).
Memphis comes into the contest with records of 22-59 straight up (SU) and 34-44-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Grizzlies’ 81 games, 43 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City owns records of 47-34 SU and 33-46-2 ATS. Of the Thunder’s 81 games, 46 have finished under the O/U total.
Westbrook has averaged 29.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 2.6 steals over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder have won all three contests against the Grizzlies this season, including a 121-114 victory in their last matchup. Oklahoma City covered as a 4.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 235 points, which was 26.5 points above the projected point total of 208.5 points. The Thunder had a much better free throw rate (0.296 vs. 0.140) and had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 11.5). Westbrook put up a triple-double in the victory, with 23 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds.
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder Odds Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Memphis is 16-22-2 ATS on the road with 22 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
At home, Oklahoma City is 15-23-2 ATS with 23 unders and 17 overs.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 13-12 and Oklahoma City is 22-5.
The Thunder are 43-18 when they reach the century mark, while the Grizzlies are 17-22.
Oklahoma City ranks fifth in rebounds per game (45.1) while Memphis ranks 29th (40.5).
The Thunder average 15.0 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. The Grizzlies rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (14.1).
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.1) while Memphis ranks 21st (7.5).
The Thunder average 18.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
Oklahoma City ranks first in second chance points per game (15.1) while Memphis ranks 19th (11.7).
The Thunder rank 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Grizzlies rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Oklahoma City ranks 16th in points in the paint per game (43.9) while Memphis ranks 25th (42.2).
The Grizzlies rank 26th in assists per game (21.5) while the Thunder rank 28th (21.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 6.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 112.8 points per game (5.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
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