Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction 01/31/20

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The Memphis Grizzlies (24-24), 4.5-point underdogs, will be at the Smoothie King Center to challenge the New Orleans Pelicans (19-29) in a Southwest Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 242 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 31, 2020.

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds

Both teams covered as favorites in their last contest. The Pelicans (8.5-point favorites) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 125-111, while the Grizzlies (2-point favorites) beat the New York Knicks 127-106. Both games went over their projected point totals. The New Orleans game went 4 points over the projected point total of 232, while the Memphis game went 11.5 points over the projected point total of 221.5.

Memphis played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.326 (above their season average of 0.174) and a turnover percentage of 9.9 (better than their season average of 13.1). New York was 0.209 and 13.4, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ 0.608 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Cleveland, who had a rate of 0.490. The Pelicans’ mark was above their season average of 0.532. Jrue Holiday played well for New Orleans with 28 points and eight assists. Meanwhile, Memphis was led by Ja Morant, who finished with 18 points and 10 assists.

In their first matchup this year, Holiday led the Pelicans to a 126-116 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 36 points. The two teams combined to score 242 points, which was under the projected point total of 250.5, and New Orleans covered as a 3-point underdog. New Orleans did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (21-24; 87.5 percent). Memphis, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.3 vs. 12.2).

Games featuring the Grizzlies have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Memphis holds records of 24-24 straight up (SU) and 26-21-1 against the spread (ATS).

Vegas tends to set the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 27 of their 48 games have gone over the total. Further, New Orleans is 19-29 SU and 23-22-3 ATS.

Memphis figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Grizzlies rank sixth in effective field goal percentage (0.538), while New Orleans ranks 19th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.532).

Grizzlies at Pelicans Pick

Free Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Grizzlies rank 15th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while the Pelicans rank 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
  • Memphis ranks first in points in the paint per game (56.0) while New Orleans ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.4).
  • The Grizzlies average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 27th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.2) while Memphis ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (34.5).
  • New Orleans averages 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Memphis ranks 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
  • The Grizzlies average 17.4 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. The Pelicans rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (15.0).
  • The Grizzlies average 27.8 assists per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 16th in assists allowed per game (24.4).
  • Memphis averages 45.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 15th in the league. New Orleans ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (46.0).
  • New Orleans averages 13.6 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Memphis ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
  • In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 2-0 and New Orleans is 3-0.
  • The Grizzlies are 24-18 when they reach the century mark, while the Pelicans are 19-26.
  • New Orleans is 12-12 ATS at home, while Memphis is 11-9-1 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 13 of the Pelicans’ 24 home games, while 11 of the Grizzlies’ 21 road games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Memphis and New Orleans have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pelicans are 3-2.
  • During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.4 points per game (6.8 below their season average).
  • The Pelicans have outscored opponents by an average of 5.6 points in their last five games. For the season, New Orleans has been defeated by an average of 2.5 points.