The Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14) challenge the Memphis Grizzlies (10-17) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Oklahoma City is a 6.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 217.5 points.
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
The Grizzlies will be hoping for a similar outcome after beating the Miami Heat in their last matchup, 118-111, as 3-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (229) finished over the O/U total of 217.5. Memphis won the rebounding battle. The Grizzlies had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (29 vs. 28) and total rebounds (45 vs. 35). Memphis received a boost from Jonas Valanciunas, who led the team in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting.
The last time the Thunder were in action, they won a close one over the Chicago Bulls, 109-106, but failed to cover as 5-point favorites. The total points for the game (215) were over the projected point total of 208. The Thunder made 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (above their season average of 18.1). Chris Paul was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer with 30 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Thunder won two out of three games against the Grizzlies last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Memphis won 115-103. The Grizzlies knocked down 24 of their 31 free throws (77.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.0 vs. 21.4).
Memphis heads into the game with records of 10-17 straight up (SU) and 12-15 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Grizzlies have finished under the O/U total 51.9 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is 12-14 SU and 15-10-1 ATS. Vegas is known to set the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 57.7 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Jaren Jackson Jr. (25 points,1.6 blocks) has been fantastic for the Grizzlies while Paul (18 points,7.6 assists,2.0 steals) has contributed greatly to the Thunder.
The physical Oklahoma City offense could be getting to the charity stripe a lot in this battle. The Thunder currently rank third in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.235, while Memphis ranks 28th in FTA rate allowed (0.234).
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Memphis is 5-6 ATS on the road with 7 unders and 4 overs.
Oklahoma City is 7-5-1 ATS at home with 7 unders and 6 overs.
Oklahoma City is 5-3 when they allow below 100 points.
The Grizzlies are 10-12 when they score more than 100 points, while the Thunder are 12-8.
Memphis ranks fifth in fast break points per game (16.0) while Oklahoma City ranks last (8.7).
The Grizzlies rank third in assists per game (26.6) while the Thunder rank 27th (21.6).
Memphis ranks third in points in the paint per game (53.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 25th (44.8).
The Grizzlies rank ninth in second chance points per game (13.6) while the Thunder rank last (9.8).
Oklahoma City ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Memphis ranks 26th (5.9).
The Thunder rank second in three pointers allowed per game (30.6) while the Grizzlies rank 20th (34.6).
Oklahoma City ranks 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1) while Memphis ranks last (20.6).
The Grizzlies rank 16th in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Thunder rank 27th (42.7).
Memphis ranks ninth in steals per game (8.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
Over its last five outings, Memphis is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Memphis has been defeated by an average of 5.8 points.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 103.2 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 99.2 points per game (8.0 below their season average).
