Grizzlies vs. Hawks Point Spread Pick 3/26/23

Memphis Grizzlies (46-27 SU, 34-37-2 ATS) vs. Atlanta Hawks (37-37 SU, 34-39-1 ATS)
When: Sunday, March 26th, 6:00 PM (ET)
Where: State Farm Arena, GA, Atlanta
TV: NBA

Point Spread: Mem -2.0/Atl +2
Total: 224.5
Money Line: Memphis Grizzlies -132/+108

Notable Injuries

Grizzlies

• Steven Adams (Out) Knee
• Brandon Clarke (Out) Achilles
• Ziaire Williams (Out) Foot
• Vince Williams Jr. (Out) Right Shoulder

Hawks

• De’Andre Hunter (Questionable) Knee
• Jalen Johnson (Out) Hamstring

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Memphis is 46-27 overall. When taking to the road, Memphis has a mark of 14-22 and a win percentage of 39%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, they are 34-37-2 vs the spread. In their matchup against Atlanta, the Memphis Grizzlies have won 5 straight games and will look to push that mark to 6 in a row.

In their last game, Memphis defeated the Rockets (151-114) as 12 point favorites. Luke Kennard led the team with 30 points on 90.9% shooting. The Grizzlies also covered the spread with the victory.

Heading into the game, Atlanta is 37-37 overall. When playing at home, Atlanta has a mark of 21-15 and a win percentage of 58%. Currently, the team is 8th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 34-39-1 vs the spread. In Atlanta’s last 5 games, the Hawks have a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 4-1 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 5-5 and 6-4 ATS.

In their previous game, the Atlanta team emerged victorious against the Pacers, winning by a margin of 10 points as predicted. John Collins shone for the Hawks, scoring 21 points on a shooting percentage of 75.0%. The Hawks not only won the game but also successfully covered the spread.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Grizzlies picked up the 128-103 win over the Hawks. The Grizzlies’ margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 9.5 point favorite. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the Hawks have an average scoring margin of +3 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. Memphis and Atlanta averaged a combined 233 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Analysis

This season, Memphis is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 116.7 points per game. So far, the Grizzlies are also one of the more up-tempo teams in the league, sitting at 100.7 possessions per game. The Grizzlies have been able to put together a strong offensive attack despite sitting just 21st in 3-point shooting percentage. Overall, they are among the league leaders in attempts at 33.8 attempts per game. Defensively, the Grizzlies have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 109.93 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.88%.

Coming into today’s game, Ja Morant is the leading scorer for Memphis at 26.7 points per game. This season, Morant has a field goal percentage of 46.6%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Desmond Bane at 21.1 points per contest.

This season, Atlanta is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 118.0 points per game. So far, the Hawks are also one of the more up-tempo teams in the league, sitting at 100.8 possessions per game. Atlanta comes into the game ranked just 29th in 3-point attempts per game. So far, they have connected on 35.6% of their shots from deep, which places them 25th in the NBA. Defense has been a struggle for Atlanta, as they are currently allowing 112.38 points per game. The team’s 3-point shooting defense has been a problem this year. So far, opposing offenses have hit 36.43% of their looks from the outside.

Trae Young is the top scorer for Atlanta, averaging 26.6 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 43.4%. The team’s second leading scorer is Dejounte Murray, with an average of 20.5 points per game.

Betting Trends

• Grizzlies are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Grizzlies are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games.
• Hawks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Grizzlies look great on paper, winners of their last five in a row. When you look a bit closer, you’ll see that the streak isn’t all that impressive as they’ve beaten up on some creampuffs who aren’t playing well. The Hawks are playing better ball as of late and have won their last three home games. The public is hammering Memphis to the tune of of 73% and the line isn’t budging. The sportsbooks, sharps and Predictem crew are all on the same side, which is always a good sign! I’m betting the Hawks at +2!