The Memphis Grizzlies (14-22) will travel to Talking Stick Resort Arena to go head-to-head against the Phoenix Suns (14-21). The Grizzlies opened as 6-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 233 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Suns (7-point favorites) defeated the New York Knicks 120-112, while the Grizzlies (4-point underdog) beat the Los Angeles Clippers 140-114. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Phoenix game went 8.5 points over the projected point total of 223.5, while the Memphis game finished 29.5 points over the projected point total of 224.5.
Memphis played a nearly flawless game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.171) and a turnover percentage of 7.7 (better than their season average of 13.3). For those same stats, Los Angeles was 0.168 and 10.5, respectively. Phoenix, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 12.3) and a free throw rate of 0.289 (above their season average of 0.212). New York was 12.5 and 0.217, respectively, for those same stats. Phoenix’s Devin Booker led the way, contributing 38 points and seven assists. Memphis was lifted by Jae Crowder, who contributed 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Grizzlies had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 115-108 victory, to even the season series at one. Jackson Jr. had a standout performance in the victory, producing 24 points and six rebounds. Memphis’ 0.540 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.446. The two teams combined to score 223 points, which was under the projected point total of 230, and Memphis covered as a 7-point underdog.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Grizzlies games, with 19 overs compared to 16 unders. Memphis holds records of 14-22 straight up (SU) and 16-18-1 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Suns are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have ended over the O/U total. Although Phoenix has trouble winning games outright (14-21 SU), they have a solid record ATS (20-14-1).
The Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 19 points,5.8 rebounds,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Booker has averaged 28 points,6.8 assists,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Suns.
The prolific offense of Phoenix will clash against the mid-tier defense of Memphis. The Suns currently rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while the Grizzlies are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Suns should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Ball security could be troublesome for the Grizzlies. They rank 23rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the Suns force the fourth-most turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Grizzlies, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Suns rank 12th in steals per game (7.8) while the Grizzlies rank 18th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- Phoenix ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while Memphis ranks 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.6).
- The Grizzlies rank 10th in blocks per game (5.2) while the Suns rank 27th (3.6).
- Phoenix ranks 11th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8) while Memphis ranks 26th (14.6).
- Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while Memphis ranks 16th (33.7).
- The Suns average 28.4 assists per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 25th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
- The Suns average 14.5 fast break points per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (14.6).
- Memphis averages 54.7 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.5).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 1-0 and Phoenix is 2-2.
- When reaching 100 points, the Grizzlies and Suns are both 14-17.
- Memphis is 7-8-1 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 10-8-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 9 of the Grizzlies’ 16 road games, while 14 of the Suns’ 19 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Suns are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Grizzlies are 2-2-1.
- In their last five games, Phoenix has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Memphis has 4 overs and 1 under.
- 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).
- The Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 7.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Memphis has lost by an average of 4.3 points.
