The Memphis Grizzlies (18-50) will attempt to snap their 19-game losing streak when they challenge the Denver Nuggets (38-31) at FedExForum. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
The last time the Nuggets played, they topped the Detroit Pistons, 120-113. The Nuggets made 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.8 vs. 20.5). Nikola Jokic played a huge role in the victory for Denver, collecting 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his seventh triple-double this year.
The Grizzlies lost a tough one against the Chicago Bulls in their last outing, 111-110. One of Chicago’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 33 trips to the line, while Memphis went 25 times. Memphis’ Marc Gasol finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the game.
The prolific offense of Denver (sixth in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 109.7) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Memphis (20th in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 108.3). The Nuggets figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Denver holds records of 38-31 straight up (SU) and 31-35-3 against the spread (ATS). Nuggets games have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (50.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 18-50 SU and 27-38-3 ATS. Of the Grizzlies’ 68 games, 38 have finished under the projected point total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jokic (19.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals) has been fantastic for the Nuggets while Dillon Brooks (20.2 points) has made great contributions to the Grizzlies.
The Nuggets have won all three matchups against the Grizzlies this season, including a six-point victory the last time these teams met. Denver was unable to cover as a 9-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 210 points, which was 7 points below the projected point total of 217 points. Denver did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (22-26; 84.6 percent). Memphis, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.4 vs. 20.7). Gary Harris was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points.
Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Denver is 12-18-2 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 16 unders.
Memphis is 14-21-1 ATS at home with 23 unders and 13 overs.
Memphis is 11-11 when they allow less than 100 points, while Denver is 13-2.
The Nuggets are 32-22 when they score above 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 13-20.
Memphis ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.4) while Denver ranks 25th (47.2).
The Nuggets rank fourth in assists per game (25.0) while the Grizzlies rank 25th (21.4).
Denver ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.8) while Memphis ranks 23rd (11.2).
The Nuggets rank 10th in rebounds per game (44.2) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (40.5).
Memphis ranks 12th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while Denver ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.9).
The Nuggets average 13.8 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (13.9).
Denver ranks 13th in steals per game (7.9) while Memphis ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
The Nuggets average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 18th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Denver ranks ninth in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while Memphis ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (27.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Denver is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Memphis is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Nuggets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 96.2 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
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