The Phoenix Suns (14-21) go head-to-head against the Memphis Grizzlies (14-22) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Phoenix is a 6-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 233 points.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
The last time the Grizzlies played, they dismantled the Los Angeles Clippers, 140-114, as 4-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (254) were well over the projected point total of 224.5. The Grizzlies knocked down 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 7.7 (better than their season average of 13.3). With 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Jae Crowder was Memphis’ leading scorer.
The Suns beat the New York Knicks in their last game, 120-112, covering as 7-point favorites. The total points for the game (232) came in over the projected point total of 223.5. The Suns forced 15 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.289 (above their season average of 0.212). Devin Booker was the top scorer from either team with 38 points on 14-for-27 shooting from the field.
Phoenix should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Suns rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while Memphis ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency. Also, the Grizzlies rank 23rd in turnover percentage (14.4 percent), while the Suns rank fourth in opponents’ turnover percentage (14.9 percent).
Memphis heads into the game with records of 14-22 straight up (SU) and 16-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Grizzlies games, with 19 overs compared to 16 unders.
Although Phoenix has a difficult time winning games outright (14-21 SU), they have a solid record ATS (20-14-1). Suns games have a tendency to finish over the total (60.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jaren Jackson Jr. (19 points,5.8 rebounds,1.2 blocks) has been great for the Grizzlies while Booker (28 points,6.8 assists,1.2 steals) has contributed greatly to the Suns.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Grizzlies won the most recent matchup 115-108, covering as 7-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 223 points, which was 7 points below the projected point total of 230 points. Memphis had a better effective field goal percentage (0.540 vs. 0.446). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 15.5). Jackson Jr. was a standout player in the game, producing 24 points and six rebounds.
Grizzlies vs. Suns ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Memphis ranks first in points in the paint per game (54.7) while Phoenix ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.5).
Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while Memphis ranks 16th (33.7).
The Suns rank 12th in steals per game (7.8) while the Grizzlies rank 18th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
Phoenix is 10-8-1 ATS at home, while Memphis is 7-8-1 ATS on the road.
Over its last five outings, Memphis is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 7.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Memphis has lost by an average of 4.3 points.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 111.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
