The Memphis Grizzlies (18-47) will attempt to put an end to their 16-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Dallas Mavericks (20-45) at American Airlines Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 205.5 points with Dallas set as an 8-point favorite.
Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks Free Prediction
The last time the Grizzlies played, they were topped by the Utah Jazz, 95-78. Utah’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Memphis. The Jazz had a rate of 0.216 (above their season average of 0.199), while the Grizzlies posted a mark of 0.120 (below their season average of 0.210). Marc Gasol had a good performance for Memphis, putting up nine points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets in their last outing, 118-107. Dallas was lights out from beyond the arc (15-27; 55.6 percent). Denver, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (20-26; 76.9 percent). With 18 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, Dennis Smith Jr. played well for Dallas.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Dallas currently ranks 24th in possessions per game (97.7) and Memphis is 30th (96.5).
Memphis holds records of 18-47 straight up (SU) and 27-34-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 56.3 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Dallas is 20-45 SU and 33-32 ATS. Similarly to Memphis, a little over half of Mavericks games have finished under the O/U total.
Dwight Powell and Smith Jr. have been playing well over the last five games for Dallas. Powell has averaged 10.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Smith Jr. has put up 16.8 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals a game during that span.
The Mavericks lead the season series against the Grizzlies two games to one, including a narrow 95-94 victory in their last matchup. Dallas covered as a 6-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 189 points, which was 10 points below the projected point total of 199 points. The Mavericks’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Grizzlies. Dallas had a rate of 7.5, while Memphis posted a mark of 16.3. Tyreke Evans was a top player in the game with 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Mavericks, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Memphis is 13-16-2 ATS on the road with 16 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.
Dallas is 16-18 ATS at home with 17 unders, 16 overs and 1 push.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Memphis is 11-11 and Dallas is 13-11.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Mavericks are 14-22 and the Grizzlies are 13-18.
Dallas ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (32.4) while Memphis ranks 24th (26.2).
The Grizzlies rank eighth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while the Mavericks rank 27th (45.5).
Memphis ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Dallas ranks 28th (3.8).
The Mavericks rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Grizzlies rank 20th (17.3).
Memphis averages 13.3 fast break points per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Dallas ranks 27th in fast break points allowed per game (14.4).
The Mavericks rank 16th in assists per game (22.6) while the Grizzlies rank 25th (21.3).
Memphis ranks 23rd in second chance points per game (11.1) while Dallas ranks last (10.2).
The Grizzlies rank 24th in points in the paint per game (41.9) while the Mavericks rank last (38.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Memphis is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Dallas is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 109.2 points per game (6.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
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