NBA Trends Watch: The Grizzlies are no longer in hibernation mode
Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks looks on before an NBA game. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
April 8th, 2021
We've entered the home stretch of the NBA season, and now have a strong set of data to dive into.
Let's break down the latest metrics from around the league, and determine which trends you should take advantage of as the playoffs near.
Favorites for a reason
Another week has passed and the favorites are still dominating the league. In all games combined, favorites are 61-45 ATS in the past two weeks. The road favorites are an astounding 29-18 ATS over that period. On the entire season, road favorites are now 169-151-3 ATS and one of the most consistent betting trends for the longterm.
The best teams overall as favorites are the Memphis Grizzlies (16-7 ATS) and New York Knicks (13-6 ATS). The worst teams overall as favorites are the Houston Rockets (3-11 ATS) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1-3 ATS). The Oklahoma City Thunder have only been favored twice this season, but are 1-0-1 ATS in such games.
Randle and the Knicks dominate the Pistons, getting a 44pts win 😅😅😅
— Redshirt Heisman (@TasteOfSport) April 4, 2021
Randle (29pts) and Bullock (22pts) take care of business 💪#NBA #NewYorkForever #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/AusrZ29sfD
Jazz are cooling down
The Utah Jazz have been the best team all season long in both straight-up and against the spread records. However, they are starting to fall back to Earth on the ATS front. They are 7-12 ATS in all games since Feb. 26.
There are two situations where the Jazz struggle the most with covering the spread. When they are playing divisional games, they are 2-3 ATS on the season. After a loss, they are 5-6 ATS.
Maybe the worst offensive first half of the season for the @utahjazz who score just 40 points, and trail the @suns by 11.
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 8, 2021
Jazz shoot just 33 percent from the floor and 14 percent from three on 21 attempts. #takenote pic.twitter.com/QRCZiG8AiR
Grizzlies are out of hibernation
The Memphis Grizzlies typically do not receive much hype, but they are the hottest team against the spread in the league. They have covered in six consecutive games, and 10 of their last 11. They are pushing for a playoff spot and could continue to get undervalued.
The Grizzlies are especially good as road favorites. They are 6-2 ATS in these spots. They are also 15-5 ATS in games against Eastern Conference opponents. They are 17-8 ATS in games following a win, which they seem to be doing a lot in the past few weeks.
LET'S HAVE SOME FUN GRIND CITY pic.twitter.com/7nKm1JLpn4
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) April 8, 2021
The "Pace" car is out of gas
The Indiana Pacers have had a rough, disappointing season, and it has only gotten worse in recent weeks. The Pacers are 23-27 straight-up, and 20-30 ATS on the season. They are 6-15 ATS since the All-Star break.
The worst scenarios for the Pacers against the spread include when they are on 2-3 days rest. In this scenario, they are 1-6 ATS. The Pacers are 2-5 ATS as a home underdog, and 7-17 ATS as a home team overall. They are also 10-20 ATS when facing Eastern Conference teams. These are all signs that the Pacers will likely be left behind when the playoffs are set.
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