Grizzlies vs. Thunder Pick
The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves as a 1-point underdog at home tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. Should you jump on the Thunder?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Thunder opened as the slight favorite for this game but are now a 1-point underdog at home against Memphis. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 204.5 points. The Thunder have won and covered the spread in three of their last four against Memphis. The two have split two meetings this season, with the home team winning each.
Oklahoma City is struggling entering today’s game, losing their last three by at least 14 points each. OKC now sits 28-22 overall and 26-23-1 against the spread. While the Thunder average 105.7 points per game on offense this season, that has dipped to 101.6 over their last five games. They give up an average of 105.7 per game this season as well, but that has climbed to 109.2 in the last five. The loss of Enis Kanter has certainly hurt the team. OKC is 1-3 since he broke his forearm. He was averaging 14.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the team. Russell Westbrook is leading the team with 30.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game.
Memphis has come in rolling, winning three straight, all on the road. The Grizzlies are now 30-21 overall and 26-25 against the spread. On the season, Memphis averages 100.6 points per game on offense while allowing just 99.5 defensively. Over the Grizz’ last five games, they are putting up 109.2 points per game on offense. Marc Gasol is leading Memphis with 20.8 points and 6 rebounds per game. Mike Conley is adding 19.2 points and 6.2 assists per game.
NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
The Thunder aren’t a home underdog often for a reason. Oklahoma City is usually pretty strong at home, but the loss of Kanter is clearly causing issues for the team. Westbrook can only do so much on his own and he faces a Memphis team that is pretty sound defensively. The Grizzlies are also hot on offense and a composed team. I expect them to continue their strong play and hand the Thunder another loss tonight.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES -1