The Memphis Grizzlies (18-44) and the San Antonio Spurs (36-27), who both like to play patient, will clash at AT&T Center. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 5, 2018.
Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs Free Prediction
The Grizzlies are trying to rebound after their 107-100 loss to the Orlando Magic in their last contest. Orlando was effective at getting and making free throws. The Magic made 27 of their 33 free throws (81.8 percent), while the Grizzlies were just 18-26 (69.2 percent). JaMychal Green played well for Memphis, contributing 10 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
The last time the Spurs played, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, 116-112. One of Los Angeles’ biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 27 trips to the line, while San Antonio went 20 times. With 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Pau Gasol was San Antonio’s high scorer.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams battle. San Antonio currently ranks 29th in possessions per game (96.7) and Memphis is 30th (96.5). Furthermore, the Grizzlies’ 27th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 102.5) will clash against the Spurs’ second-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 102.9).
Memphis comes into the game with records of 18-44 straight up (SU) and 26-33-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Grizzlies are involved, as 56.5 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is 36-27 SU and 31-28-4 ATS. Similarly to Memphis, Spurs games have gone under the projected point total 50.8 percent of the time.
Dejounte Murray has averaged 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks over the last five games for San Antonio.
The Spurs have emerged victorious in all three games against the Grizzlies this year, including a 23-point blowout in their last matchup. San Antonio covered as a 1-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 193 points, which was just 1 points above the projected point total of 192 points. The Spurs knocked down 22 of their 25 free throws (88.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 16.0). Gasol recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Memphis is 12-15-2 ATS with 15 overs, 13 unders and 1 push.
San Antonio is 17-12-1 ATS at home with 17 overs and 13 unders.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 11-10 and San Antonio is 24-10.
The Spurs are 29-9 when they score above 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 13-17.
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.6) while Memphis ranks 25th (5.3).
The Spurs rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.4) while the Grizzlies rank 27th (40.7).
San Antonio ranks 13th in assists per game (22.9) while Memphis ranks 26th (21.3).
The Grizzlies rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.4) while the Spurs rank 11th (43.1).
San Antonio ranks 16th in fast break points allowed per game (11.8) while Memphis ranks 25th (13.8).
The Grizzlies rank 24th in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while the Spurs rank 27th (24.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Memphis is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
San Antonio is 2-3 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 11.6, up from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 113.2 points per game (10.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.0 points per game (14.6 above their season average).
