In tonights cross-Conference matchup and the 2nd match for these two teams in 2019, we will be looking at Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons both of which will be looking to end their losing streak tonight at FedEx Forum.
Memphis Grizzlies are currently sitting at the 10th spot in the league as a 0.500 team (18-18), which in the West is usually not enough to be in the top 8, and that is the case here, as they are 2 spots under the playoffs spot. In their last 5 games, Grizzlies have won 2 against LA Lakers (99:107) and Cleveland Cavaliers (95:87), but failed to do the same against Sacramento Kings (102:99), Boston Celtics (103:112) and most recently against Houston Rockets (113:101). However, for the next match, Memphis will be playing at home, where they are currently 10-7 in the 17 games this season. Looking at Memphis Grizzlies the last match against Houston Rockets, Grizzlies failed to perform in the first 2 quarters, as they were behind by 23 even before stepping into the 3rd quarter. In the 3rd quarter, Grizzlies woke up as they managed to outscore Houston by 10 points (25:35), which meant they went into the last 12 minutes 13 points apart. A though margin to catch up to, but possible one nonetheless. Despite the slim chance for Grizzlies to turn around the match, they failed to do so as they ended the quarter 27:28. With that, Grizzlies suffered their 2nd defeat in a row. Final score: 113:101.
The visiting side, Detroit Pistons are not fairing much better than Grizzlies, as they are coming into this match after 3 consecutive defeats. As of now, Pistons are 8th in the East, with an overall record of 16-19. In the last 5 games played, they only defeated Washington Wizards (106:95), but lost to; Atlanta Hawks (95:98), Indiana Pacers (125:88), Orlando Magic (109:107) and most recently against Milwaukee bucks (121:98). In the match against the Bucks, Pistons were the worse team in all of the 4 quarters. By the end of the first half of the match, Pistons were already 16 points behind and they failed to catch up to Milwaukee in the next 2 quarters. Instead, Bucks even increased the margin to 23 points by the end of the match. Final score: 121:98.
As it can be seen both teams are struggling in recent matches. Still, I must mention both teams have got some fight in them, despite the fact they failed to win as many games as they would have wanted. Pistons biggest issue is their defence. On average they let opponents score 109.5 points per game, however looking at their last 3 games, the average went up to 118.3 ppg. But there is one thing Pistons have going for them for the upcoming match and that is Memphis poor rebounding. Grizzlies are currently the worst team in the league when it comes to rebounding, averaging only 47 rebounds per game. In addition, Memphis struggles when it comes to defending against 3pointers, as they let opponents score 36.1% of their 3pt attempts. But it’s not all that dark for Grizzlies. They have not been performing winning a lot in the recent matches, but they did have though opponents. I have been mentioning Memphis poor defence, but to be fair, Pistons have not been good in the defensive end in their recent matches neither. Looking at how NBA is played this season, seeing under 200 points is rather a rare occurrence that is why I am surprised the line is set at 199.5. This match surely won’t be a high scoring one, but I would be surprised if the total score does not reach 200 points.
Prediction: Over 199.00 points
Odds: 2.06 Matchbook
