The Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14) will be 6.5-point favorites at home in Chesapeake Energy Arena when they challenge the Memphis Grizzlies (10-17). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
The Grizzlies come in on a high note after defeating the Miami Heat in their last contest, 118-111, as 3-point underdogs. The Thunder, meanwhile, beat the Chicago Bulls,109-106, but were unable to cover as 5-point favorites. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Memphis game went 11.5 points over the projected point total of 217.5, while the Oklahoma City game finished 7 points over the projected point total of 208.
The Grizzlies, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.1, had an absurd mark of 36.4 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.564 (above their season average of 0.519). The Thunder, on the other hand, knocked down 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). Oklahoma City’s Chris Paul led the way, recording 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Memphis, meanwhile, rallied around Jonas Valanciunas, who contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Thunder held the advantage in this series last year, winning two out of three contests. In the most recent matchup, Memphis won 115-103. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Memphis’ largest strengths. They made 31 trips to the line, while Oklahoma City went 20 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Grizzlies games have finished under the projected point total 51.9 percent of the time. Memphis heads into the contest with records of 10-17 straight up (SU) and 12-15 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas tends to set the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 57.7 percent of their games have gone under the O/U total. Additionally, Oklahoma City owns records of 12-14 SU and 15-10-1 ATS.
The Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 25 points,1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Paul has averaged 18 points,7.6 assists,2.0 steals during that same time frame for the Thunder.
The physical Oklahoma City offense could be getting to the free throw line a lot in this meeting. The Thunder rank third in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.235, while Memphis ranks 28th in FTA rate allowed (0.234).
Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies rank 16th in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Thunder rank 27th (42.7).
- Memphis ranks fifth in fast break points per game (16.0) while Oklahoma City ranks last (8.7).
- 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).
- Oklahoma City ranks 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1) while Memphis ranks last (20.6).
- The Grizzlies rank third in assists per game (26.6) while the Thunder rank 27th (21.6).
- The Thunder rank second in three pointers allowed per game (30.6) while the Grizzlies rank 20th (34.6).
- Memphis averages 8.2 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Oklahoma City ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- Memphis ranks third in points in the paint per game (53.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 25th (44.8).
- Oklahoma City is 5-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points.
- The Grizzlies are 10-12 when they score above 100 points, while the Thunder are 12-8.
- Oklahoma City is 7-5-1 ATS at home, while Memphis is 5-6 ATS on the road.
- In 11 road games, the Grizzlies have 7 unders and 4 overs.
- The Thunder have 7 unders and 6 overs in 13 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Thunder are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Memphis has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Oklahoma City has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. On 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).