NBA Picks: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors
Friday, 3/14/14, 7:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Toronto -1
Current Betting Line: Toronto PK
Opening Total: 188
Current Total: 187
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Memphis Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents

Memphis has won four games in a row, including a 90-88 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans as 5.5-point road favorites Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total of 186. The Grizzlies are 18-12 SU on the road this season, including an 8-4 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents, which is important to consider when making your NBA betting picks. The squad is averaging 101.1 points on 49 percent shooting since the All-Star break—leading directly to a 9-3 record over that span. Memphis is 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 ATS as road favorites of three or fewer points this season.

The Grizzlies are scoring more points in the fourth quarter than any other during the 2013-14 campaign, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. Memphis has won 21 of 28 contests since the return of center Marc Gasol, as it has surrendered an average of 91.2 points per game over that span—trailing only the Chicago Bulls.

Toronto continues a three-game homestand in looking to build off a 101-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons as 8.5-point home favorites, while going UNDER the betting total of 206.5. The Raptors are 30-7 SU when holding opponents under 100 points this season, while they’ve won eight of 11 games since the All-Star break. It’s important to point out that the franchise is the only one currently in playoff position with two sophomores in the starting lineup. toronto is 3-9 SU and 3-8-1 ATS as home underdogs of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Raptors have all five players in their starting lineup averaging double figures, with guard DeMar DeRozan leading the way at 22.7 points a contest. Toronto holds a three-game lead over the Brooklyn Nets in the Atlantic Division standings, which has been made possible by going 15-4 SU at home since dropping eight of its first 12 at the Air Canada Centre.