Grizzlies vs. Hawks Predictions 3/18/22

Memphis Grizzlies (48-22 SU, 45-25-0 ATS) vs. Atlanta Hawks (34-35 SU, 28-41-0 ATS)
When: Friday March 18 2022, 07:30 PM (ET)
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: BSSE-MEM

Point Spread: MEM -5/ATL +5 (Opened MEM -3 at Bovada)
Total: 235.5 (Opened at 236)
Money Line: Memphis Grizzlies -204/Atlanta Hawks 168
Power Rating: MEM -6

Probable Starting Lineups

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant Q, SG Dillon Brooks, SF Desmond Bane, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Steven Adams
Atlanta Hawks PG Trae Young Q, SG Kevin Huerter, SF De’Andre Hunter, PF Danilo Gallinari Q, C Clint Capela

Key Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant: Back (QUESTIONABLE)

Atlanta Hawks John Collins: Foot (OUT) Trae Young: Quadricep (QUESTIONABLE) Danilo Gallinari: Bicep (QUESTIONABLE)

The Atlanta Hawks host the Memphis Grizzlies in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:30 PM ET at the State Farm Arena.

Recent Form

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 48-22, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 24-12. Over their last five games, the Grizzlies have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Memphis is averaging 124.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 114.7. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though Memphis has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 114.0 points per game, up from the Grizzlies’ usual rate of 109.4. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, Memphis took down Indiana by a score of 135-102

The Atlanta Hawks come into this game with an overall record of 34-35, placing them 10nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Atlanta is above .500 at home, holding a record of 22-13. The Hawks have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Atlanta is averaging 117.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 112.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though the Hawks have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 117.0 points per game, up from Atlanta’s usual rate of 112.2. In the Atlanta Hawks’ most recent game, the team fell to Charlotte by a score of 116-106.

Individual Player Analysis

As Memphis travels to take on the Atlanta Hawks, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer is Ja Morant. Through 55 games, Morant is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 49.0% of his games. Against the Hawks, Morant will need to be on top of his game as Atlanta is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 46.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Trae Young leads the Hawks in scoring, averaging 28 points across his 63 games. Throughout the season, Young has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. Given that Memphis’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Trae Young should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Grizzlies have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.85% of their games, giving them a rank of 21st among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Hawks come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 112 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Atlanta is winning at a rate of 65%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 12.0 points. On the other side, the Grizzlies hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 28 games as the better defensive team, picking up 19 wins.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks have met up for 1 game. Atlanta took game one by a score of 132-100.

How the Public is Betting the Grizzlies vs Hawks

67% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 236.0

More Picks: Mavs vs. Sixers 3/189/22 Betting Predictions >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

Grizzlies are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest. Hawks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Hawks are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are 5 point favorites, with Ja Morant being listed questionable for tonight’s action with a back injury. Even if Morant is unable to play, the team will still look to attack the paint, as not only are they the NBA’s leader in paint points, but Atlanta struggles with their interior defense. In addition, I still see the Grizzlies holding a clear advantage on the boards. Look for Memphis to cover the spread, regardless of Morant’s status.