NBA Betting Picks: Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs

Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs
Wednesday, 1/16/13, 8:30 PM EST, TV: FSSW
Opening Point Spread: San Antonio -4.5
Current Betting Line: San Antonio -5
Opening Total: 186.5
Current Total: 187
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Memphis Grizzlies have held 33 of 36 opponents under 100 points this season

Memphis has dropped back-to-back games since putting together a four-game win streak, as it comes off a 99-73 setback to the Los Angeles Clippers as 4.5-point home favorites Monday night, while going UNDER the posted total of 179.5. “We’re inconsistent,” stated Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. The Grizzlies will have a hard time picking up a victory in this spot, as they’ve lost five straight and 15 of 16 at the AT&T Center. Memphis is 10-3 ATS when playing a good offensive team that averages 99-plus points per game, something to consider when looking over the pro basketball odds page.

The Grizzlies are hoping that leading scorer Rudy Gay returns to the lineup, as he missed the last game due to the death of his grandmother. He ranks 20th in the league in scoring 17.8 points per game, while power forward Zach Randolph contributes 16.5 points and 11.7 rebounds. Memphis is 9-7 on the road this year, including a 7-6 mark versus Western Conference foes. Defensively, the squad ranks second in the NBA in allowing 90.0 points per game, while holding 33 of 36 opponents under 100 points.

San Antonio has alternated wins and losses over its last seven games, coming off a 106-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves as 12.5-point home favorites last time out, while going UNDER the total for the fifth time in six contests. The Spurs have won 18 straight at home against divisional foes, but will be playing without key reserve Manu Ginobili for an extended period due to a hamstring injury. San Antonio is 0-3 ATS when playing a team that allows 91 points or less per game this season.

The Spurs are 16-2 in front of the home fans this season, including an 11-1 mark versus conference rivals. San Antonio will be looking to gain revenge from a 101-98 overtime loss to Memphis as two-point road underdogs five days ago, while that particular game went OVER the posted total of 188. Offensively, the team ranks third in the league in averaging 104.8 points per game, while sitting third in hitting 48.3 percent of its shots from the floor.