Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The New Orleans Pelicans (13-13) and their outstanding offense will be 4.5-point favorites when they welcome the Memphis Grizzlies (14-9) and their stifling defense. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217 points and it will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds

Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last game. The Pelicans (5.5-point favorites) defeated the Dallas Mavericks 132-106, while the Grizzlies (2-point favorites) beat the Los Angeles Clippers 96-86. The New Orleans game finished 12 points over the projected point total of 226, while the Memphis game finished 27.5 points under the projected point total of 209.5.

Memphis dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.6 (worse than their season average of 12.0) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.476 (below their season average of 0.518). Los Angeles was 16.8 and 0.392, respectively, for those same stats. The Pelicans, on the other hand, forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.647 (above their season average of 0.533). New Orleans’ Julius Randle played well, contributing 27 points and 18 rebounds. JaMychal Green, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Memphis with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

This series was highly competitive last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. The Pelicans won the last game 123-95. Converting at the free throw line was one of New Orleans’ biggest strengths. They were 17-19 (89.5 percent), while the Grizzlies were 11-15 (73.3 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Matchups including the Grizzlies have a tendency to finish under the total (56.5 percent). Memphis holds records of 14-9 straight up (SU) and 14-9 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Memphis, games including the Pelicans have typically gone over the total (57.7 percent). Moreover, New Orleans is 13-13 SU and 12-14 ATS.

Mike Conley has been playing at a high level as of late for Memphis, averaging 24 points,8.6 assists over the last five games.

This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as New Orleans currently ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and Memphis is fourth in defensive efficiency.

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Grizzlies rank 4 in blocks allowed per game (4.565217391304348) while the Pelicans rank 16 (5.076923076923077).
  • New Orleans ranks first in second chance points per game (16.8) while Memphis ranks 29th (9.6).
  • The Grizzlies rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the Pelicans rank 26th (51.5).
  • New Orleans ranks third in assists per game (27.2) while Memphis ranks 18th (23.5).
  • New Orleans averages 14.038461538461538 fast break points per game, which ranks 14 in the league. Memphis ranks 27 in fast break points allowed per game (15.782608695652174).
  • The Grizzlies rank first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Pelicans rank 27th (8.9).
  • The Grizzlies rank 4 in points off turnovers per game (19.52173913043478) while the Pelicans rank 17 (16.653846153846153).
  • New Orleans ranks 24 in three pointers attempted per game (28.846153846153847) while Memphis ranks 25 (27.869565217391305).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in rebounds per game (48.0) while Memphis ranks last (39.7).
  • When allowing below 100 points, Memphis is 7-2 and New Orleans is 2-0.
  • In games where they score over 100 points, the Grizzlies are 10-4 and the Pelicans are 13-12.
  • New Orleans is 7-6 ATS at home, while Memphis is 6-6 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone under in 7 of the Grizzlies’ 12 road games, while 8 of the Pelicans’ 13 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Memphis and New Orleans have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Pelicans are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Grizzlies are 2-3.
  • The Pelicans\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 2.4 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 106.8 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average).