NBA Odds: Grizzlies (even)
The Los Angeles Clippers (37-21) travel to Memphis (41-15) to take on the Grizzlies in a matchup that pits the first-ranked offense against the fourth-ranked defense. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Friday, Feb. 27 and will air on FSN-PT and SPSO.
The Grizzlies were beaten by the Kings 102-90 on Wednesday. Marc Gasol played well for Memphis, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The Clippers, meanwhile, are coming off a 110-105 loss to the Rockets on Wednesday. DeAndre Jordan scored 22 points and recorded 19 rebounds earning his 30th double-double of the season.
Over the last five games, Jordan and Jamal Crawford have been on a tear for the Clippers. During that stretch, Jordan has averaged 18.4 points, 17.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks. Not to be outdone, Crawford has put up 21.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers.
It will be a battle of strength versus strength, as the high-powered offense of the Clippers (first in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 109.9) takes the court against the stingy defense of the Grizzlies (fourth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 99.5).
The Grizzlies have won both matchups against the Clippers this season, including a close 90-87 victory in their last matchup. Chris Paul played a big role with 30 points and 10 assists.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Grizzlies look to build on their records of 41-15 Straight Up (SU) and 28-26-2 Against The Spread (ATS). They have a record of 25-10 SU and 18-17 ATS versus the Western Conference. Memphis has been steady from the free throw line, shooting a stellar .778.
On the other side, the Clippers head into the game with records of 24-34 ATS and 37-21 SU. Los Angeles has a record of 24-10 SU and 15-19 ATS against the West. The Clippers are an excellent long-range shooting team with 565 three-point shots made (9.7 per game) that ranks fourth in the NBA. When it comes to making good decisions with the ball, nobody is better than the Clippers. They are the top assist-to-turnover ratio team in the league at 2.1.
Following the Grizzlies’ latest win over Los Angeles, their SU record against the Clippers moves to 8-2 over the last 10 meetings. Additionally, with a 9-1 record, the Grizzlies have the advantage ATS. Los Angeles had the advantage in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last 10. Memphis has never had the edge in all categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – MEM, ATS Winner – MEM
Notes
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis’s last 5 games.
Memphis is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis’s last 5 games at home.
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Memphis is 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers.
Memphis is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers.
Memphis ranks 15th in points per game with 100.1, while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in points allowed with an average of 100.9 given up.
Los Angeles ranks third in points allowed per road game (103.6 PPG), while Memphis ranks 12th in points per home game with 102.8.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Grizzlies are 30-5 on the season. When the Clippers score fewer than 100, they are a subpar 3-10.
Memphis is 11-10 when allowing 100 or more points this season. The Clippers have a formidable 34-11 record when they hit the century mark.
The Clippers have a defensive rating of 103.7 (ranked 18th). The Grizzlies rank 11th for their offensive rating of 104.2.
Los Angeles beats Memphis in both possessions per game and points per possession. The Clippers average 97.3 possessions and 1.099 points per possession, while the Grizzlies average 96.1 possessions with 1.042 points per possession.
Los Angeles has an average effective field goal percentage of 53.1%, ranked second in the league. Memphis is a winning 8-4 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Memphis attempts 15.5 three pointers and Los Angeles attempts 26.3 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Grizzlies are undefeated at 2-0 while the Clippers have a winning 23-12 record.
Among all teams, Los Angeles has the best assist to turnover ratio this season of 2.11. Memphis ranks slightly lower at eighth with an A/TO of 1.74.
The Memphis Grizzlies rebound 43.1 times per game and are ranked 17th. Ranked 23rd, the Los Angeles Clippers rebound 42.0 times per game.
The Los Angeles Clippers rank 27th in offensive rebounding, while the Memphis Grizzlies rank 14th in defensive rebounding.
Memphis has forced one of the highest average turnover rates this season with 15.5% (ranked sixth). In games where their turnover rate is 15.5% or higher, Los Angeles is an even 3-3.
