Grizzlies vs. Thunder Prediction
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of three teams with a 47-34 record heading into the final game of the regular season tonight. Are the Thunder going to dominate at home and improve their seeding versus the struggling Memphis Grizzlies?
Game Snapshot & Current Odds
709 Memphis Grizzlies +16.5 at 710 Oklahoma City Thunder -16.5; 211.5
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Chesapeake Energy Arena, 8:10PM ET
TV: Fox Sports Southeast (MEM), FS Oklahoma (OKC)
NBA Betting Trends
As of Wednesday afternoon, 51 percent of public bets are coming in on the visiting Grizzlies. Check our NBA Public Betting Page for all up-to-date information.
Westbrook has chance at another triple-double stat line
Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook enters tonight’s game averaging averaging 25.6 points, 10.1 assists and 9.9 rebounds per game. After averaging a triple-double last season on his way to MVP honors, Westbrook comes into tonight’s game needing 16 rebounds to achieve the accomplishment for a second consecutive season. He might not say it publicly, but stats do appear to matter to Westbrook. Even in a game against Memphis that could turn into a blowout, expect him to try his darnedest to secure every rebound he can.
Adams an underrated contributor for Thunder
Westbrook and Paul George grab the most attention for Oklahoma City, while Carmelo Anthony is a marquee name who has had a rocky season but will be talked about extensively whether he is playing well or poorly. The forgotten man in the equation is Steven Adams, who is arguably the most consistent performer on the roster. He is averaging 13.8 points and nine rebounds per game this season with a PER of 20.64. He also offers strong defense in the paint. Expect a nice night out of Adams tonight and if the Thunder are going to win any games in the postseason, he will undoubtedly be a big reason why.
NBA Betting Trends
Memphis
The Grizzlies are 6-0 in their last six games on one day of rest. The over is 4-0 in the last four Memphis games against teams with a winning overall record. The over is 4-0 in the last four Grizzlies Wednesday games.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 7-0 ATS in its last seven home games versus Memphis. The over is 5-0 in the last five meetings. The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings overall.
Prediction:
This is an important game for the Thunder, but they have a tendency to play down to their opponent and will also be able to coast if they get a big lead. I believe the Grizzlies will either keep it close all game as they want to be as competitive as possible the last game of their season or else get a backdoor cover when OKC rests players during the fourth quarter. Memphis isn’t good, we know that. But this spread makes it more than manageable to cover.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES +16.5