The Portland Trail Blazers (46-28) look to lengthen their seven-game road winning streak in a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (20-54) at FedExForum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies ATS Prediction
The Trail Blazers will be looking for similar success after beating the New Orleans Pelicans in their last outing, 107-103. Portland’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over New Orleans. The Trail Blazers had a rate of 8.4 (better than their season average of 11.9), while the Pelicans posted a mark of 13.8. With 41 points on 18-for-33 shooting, Damian Lillard was the game’s high scorer.
In the Grizzlies’ last game, they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 101-93. Memphis’ 0.565 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Minnesota, who had a rate of 0.468. The Grizzlies’ mark was above their season average of 0.496, while the Timberwolves’ was below their season average of 0.526. With 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Memphis’ Marc Gasol played well.
The offense of Memphis will face off against the elite defense of Portland. The Grizzlies currently rank 28th in offensive efficiency, while the Trail Blazers are eighth in defensive efficiency. The Trail Blazers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Portland holds records of 46-28 straight up (SU) and 40-26-7 against the spread (ATS). Trail Blazers games have a tendency to finish under the total (56.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Memphis owns records of 20-54 SU and 30-41-3 ATS. Coinciding with Portland, games involving the Grizzlies also have typically gone under the total (55.4 percent).
Jusuf Nurkic has averaged 15.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks over the last five games for Portland.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Trail Blazers won the most recent matchup 100-92, covering as 1.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 192 points, which was just 5 points below the projected point total of 197 points. The Trail Blazers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 10.0) and had a much better free throw rate (0.337 vs. 0.209). Noah Vonleh put up a double-double in the victory with 11 points and 18 rebounds.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Portland is 20-12-3 ATS with 21 unders and 14 overs.
At home, Memphis is 15-22-1 ATS with 25 unders and 13 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 13-11 and Portland is 23-5.
When scoring over 100 points, the Trail Blazers are 41-15 and the Grizzlies are 15-22.
Portland ranks fourth in rebounds per game (45.4) while Memphis ranks 29th (40.6).
The Trail Blazers average 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Grizzlies rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Memphis ranks 11th in fast break points per game (13.0) while Portland ranks 29th (7.9).
The Grizzlies rank 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.7) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (14.2).
Memphis ranks 21st in steals per game (7.4) while Portland ranks 26th (6.9).
The Grizzlies rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.6) while the Trail Blazers rank sixth (42.1).
Memphis ranks 26th in assists per game (21.4) while Portland ranks last (19.4).
The Trail Blazers average 13.6 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank eighth in second chance points allowed per game (11.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Trail Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 2.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 98.6 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 114.0 points per game (9.3 above their season average).
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