The Memphis Grizzlies (8-20) look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they meet the Atlanta Hawks (6-22) at FedExForum. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 15, 2017.
Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies Free Prediction
The Hawks are hoping for a better outcome after their 105-91 loss to the Detroit Pistons in their last matchup. Detroit’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Pistons had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (32 vs. 27) and total rebounds (46 vs. 34). Ersan Ilyasova was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
In the Grizzlies’ last matchup, they lost to the Washington Wizards, 93-87. Washington’s 0.526 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Memphis, who had a rate of 0.444. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 0.511, while the Grizzlies’ was below their season average of 0.504. With 15 points and 15 rebounds, JaMychal Green had a solid performance for Memphis.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Memphis offense. Memphis ranks 18th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of Atlanta forces the third-most turnovers in the league (16.1 percent).
Atlanta heads into the contest with records of 6-22 straight up (SU) and 14-12-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hawks’ 27 games that accepted bets, 15 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 8-20 SU and 10-17-1 ATS. Contrary to Atlanta, games featuring the Grizzlies have typically finished under the projected point total (64.3 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Grizzlies won the last game 103-91. The Grizzlies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 vs. 20.0) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 16.5).
Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Atlanta is 8-6-1 ATS on the road with 8 unders and 7 overs.
At home, Memphis is 5-11 ATS with 12 unders and 4 overs.
Memphis is 6-5 when they allow below 100 points, while Atlanta is 1-2.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Hawks are 6-13 and the Grizzlies are 4-6.
Memphis ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.3) while Atlanta ranks last (26.4).
The Hawks rank fifth in steals per game (8.6) while the Grizzlies rank 22nd (7.2).
Memphis ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5) while Atlanta ranks 27th (32.6).
The Grizzlies rank 11th in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while the Hawks rank 28th (14.1).
Memphis ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.1) while Atlanta ranks 26th (3.9).
The Grizzlies rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.1) while the Hawks rank 19th (44.8).
Atlanta ranks 14th in fast break points allowed per game (11.1) while Memphis ranks 25th (13.1).
The Grizzlies average 16.9 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. The Hawks rank 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
Neither of these teams are great at rebounding the ball. Atlanta is 28th in the NBA with 39.9 rebounds per game while Memphis is 29th with 39.0 rebounds per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 5.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 93.0 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
