Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder Pick ATS

Memphis Grizzlies (46-22 SU, 44-24-0 ATS) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-46 SU, 38-24-4 ATS)
When: Sunday March 13 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
TV: BSSE-MEM

Point Spread: MEM -13/OKL +13 (Opened at MEM -12.5 SportsBetting)
Total: 230 (Opened at 229.5)
Money Line: Memphis Grizzlies -988/Oklahoma City Thunder 645
Power Rating: MEM -12

Probable Starting Lineups

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant, SG Dillon Brooks Q, SF Desmond Bane, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Steven Adams Off Inj

Oklahoma City Thunder PG Tre Mann Q, SG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SF Aaron Wiggins, PF Darius Bazley, C Isaiah Roby

Key Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks: Ankle (OUT)

Oklahoma City Thunder
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl: Foot (OUT)
Derrick Favors: Back (OUT)
Tre Mann: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Ty Jerome: Hip (OUT)
Luguentz Dort: Shoulder (OUT)
Mike Muscala: Ankle (OUT)
Kenrich Williams: Knee (OUT)
Josh Giddey: Hip (OUT)

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Memphis Grizzlies in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Paycom Center.

Recent Form

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 46-22, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 22-12. Over their last five games, the Grizzlies have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Memphis is averaging 119.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 114.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. Even though Memphis has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 113.0 points per game, up from the Grizzlies’ usual rate of 109.3. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, Memphis took down New York by a score of 118-114

The Oklahoma City Thunder come into this game with an overall record of 20-46, placing them 14th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Oklahoma City has struggled in their 33 home contests, sitting at 9-24. Over the Thunder’s last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Oklahoma City is averaging 108.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 102.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Thunder’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 127.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.2. In the Oklahoma City Thunder’s most recent game, the team fell to Minnesota by a score of 132-102.

Individual Player Analysis

As Memphis travels to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer is Ja Morant. Through 53 games, Morant is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 49.0% of his games. Against the Thunder, Morant will need to be on top of his game as Oklahoma City is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 39.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder in scoring, averaging 23 points across his 51 games. Throughout the season, Gilgeous-Alexander has outscored his season average in 53.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Gilgeous-Alexander will need to do so against a Grizzlies defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 44.23%. This figure is good for a rank of 8th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 22 of Memphis’s 34 games, leading to a winning percentage of 64%. So far, the Oklahoma City Thunder have played 52 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 52 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Okla City picked up a 102-99 win.

How the Public is Betting the Grizzlies vs Thunder

67% are betting the against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 230.0

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
• Grizzlies are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a road favorite.
• Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
• Thunder are 3-1-2 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this game, the Memphis Grizzlies are 12.5 favorites on the road. So far, Memphis has been outstanding vs the spread, posting an ATS record of 44-24, even with being favored in a majority of their games. On the other side, despite their season-long struggles, Oklahoma City has an ATS record of 38-24. However, they have dropped two straight games vs the spread. Look for Memphis to win this game by a wide margin, as each team will look to push the pace. This up-tempo style of action will give Memphis the additional opportunities needed to cover this large spread.