The Memphis Grizzlies (20-22) will try to prolong their seven-game winning streak against the New Orleans Pelicans (16-27) at FedExForum. The game will air on TNT at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Prediction
Although the Pelicans were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game, 133-130, they did cover as 7.5-point underdogs. The gameโs total points (263) finished well over the projected point total of 240.5. Los Angeles’ 9.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over New Orleans, who had a rate of 17.1. The Clippers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.8, while the Pelicans’ was above their season average of 12.7. With 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, Lonzo Ball led the way for New Orleans with his second triple-double of the year.
In the Grizzlies’ previous game, they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-109, but were not able to cover as 9-point favorites. The combined points for the game (222) were under the projected point total of 230. Memphis’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Cleveland. The Grizzlies had a rate of 10.9 (better than their season average of 12.9), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 12.7. With eight points and 18 rebounds, Jonas Valanciunas had a good performance for Memphis.
The sweet-shooting offense of Memphis will face off against the mid-tier defense of New Orleans. The Grizzlies rank eighth in effective field goal percentage (0.536), while the Pelicans are 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.536). The Grizzlies figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
New Orleans comes into the contest with records of 16-27 straight up (SU) and 20-20-3 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Pelicans have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (58.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Memphis is 20-22 SU and 22-19-1 ATS. Of the Grizzlies’ 42 games, 22 have finished over the O/U total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Ball (12 points,10.0 assists,8.0 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Pelicans while Ja Morant (19 points,9.2 assists,5.2 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Grizzlies.
After splitting four games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Grizzlies won 99-90. The Grizzlies’ 9.4 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Pelicans, who had a mark of 13.3.
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Betting Pick
Prediction:ย ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
New Orleans is 9-10-3 ATS on the road with 13 overs and 9 unders.
At home, Memphis is 13-11 ATS with 14 overs and 10 unders.
Memphis is 1-0 when they allow under 100 points, while New Orleans is 3-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Pelicans are 16-24 and the Grizzlies are 20-17.
Memphis averages 55.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the league. New Orleans ranks 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.5).
The Grizzlies rank fourth in fast break points per game (17.4) while the Pelicans rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (15.0).
New Orleans averages 13.5 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Memphis ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
The Grizzlies average 28.0 assists per game, which ranks first in the league. The Pelicans rank 18th in assists allowed per game (24.6).
Memphis averages 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Pelicans average 38.4 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Grizzlies rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (34.3).
New Orleans averages 16.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Memphis ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.0).
The Pelicans average 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
New Orleans averages 45.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Memphis ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (44.8).
Over its last five contests, New Orleans is 4-1 ATS with 5 overs.
Memphis is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Pelicansโ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 121.8 points per game (8.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.8 points per game (5.0 below their season average).