The Memphis Grizzlies (21-54) visit Utah to take on the Jazz (42-33) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 30, 2018.
Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz Betting Prediction
The Grizzlies come in on a high note after topping the Portland Trail Blazers in their last contest, 108-103. Memphis’ 26.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Portland, who had a mark of 18.6. The Grizzlies’ mark was above their season average of 22.3. Memphis rallied around Dillon Brooks, who put up 18 points and six rebounds.
The last time the Jazz played, they lost a tough one against the Boston Celtics, 97-94. Boston launched 21 three pointers, making 12 of them (57.1 percent). Utah, on the other hand, was 9-33 (27.3 percent). With 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, Ricky Rubio had a good performance for Utah.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the league’s slowest-paced teams face off. Utah currently ranks 28th in possessions per game (97.4) and Memphis is 30th (96.7). Additionally, the 27th-ranked offense of the Grizzlies (offensive efficiency of 102.3) will face a tough test against the second-ranked defense of the Jazz (defensive efficiency of 102.5).
Memphis comes into the game with records of 21-54 straight up (SU) and 31-41-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Grizzlies games, with 41 unders compared to 33 overs.
Meanwhile, Utah owns records of 42-33 SU and 39-36 ATS. Coinciding with Memphis, just over half of Jazz games have finished under the O/U total.
Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles have played at a high level over the last five games for Utah. Mitchell has averaged 26.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Ingles has put up 15.0 points, 7.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds a game during that span.
The Jazz have emerged victorious in both games against the Grizzlies this year, including a 17-point victory the last time these teams met. Utah covered as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 173 points, which was 24.5 points below the projected point total of 197.5 points. The Jazz made 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.534 vs. 0.410). Despite the loss, Marc Gasol had a standout performance with nine points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Memphis is 15-19-2 ATS with 19 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 20-17 ATS with 24 unders and 13 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 13-11 and Utah is 29-7.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Grizzlies are 16-22 and the Jazz are 33-12.
Utah ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while Memphis ranks 24th (13.8).
The Jazz rank fourth in steals per game (8.7) while the Grizzlies rank 22nd (7.3).
Utah ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Memphis ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
The Jazz average 16.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1).
Utah ranks 21st in rebounds per game (43.0) while Memphis ranks 28th (40.7).
The Jazz rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.3) while the Grizzlies rank 10th (28.5).
Utah ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while Memphis ranks eighth (11.5).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (20.0) while the Grizzlies rank sixth (21.6).
Utah leads the league with 41.6 points allowed in the paint per game while Memphis is third with 41.7 points allowed in the paint per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Utah is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 5.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 107.4 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.6 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
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