The Memphis Grizzlies (9-8) host the Toronto Raptors (8-10) Wednesday at the FedExForum for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.
Toronto has dropped five of its past seven games (2-5 ATS), which includes a 119-104 loss at the Golden State Warriors Sunday. This is the fifth of Toronto’s six-game road trip. The Raptors are 7-11 ATS and 10-8 O/U with the 18th-best net rating (minus-0.1).
Memphis has won three of its past four games including a thrilling 119-118 victory at the Utah Jazz Monday. The Grizzlies are 10-7 ATS and 9-8 O/U but are ranked 25th in net rating at minus-5.1.
These teams split last year’s season series 1-1 overall and ATS with the road team winning and covering both meetings. Either side of the total cashed in each contest.
Raptors at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Raptors +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Grizzlies -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +3.5 (-112) | Grizzlies -3.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Raptors at Grizzlies key injuries
Raptors
- C Precious Achiuwa (shoulder) questionable
- SF OG Anunoby (hip) questionable
Grizzlies
- SG Dillon Brooks (hamstring) questionable
- PG De’Anthony Melton (groin) questionable
Raptors at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Raptors 113, Grizzlies 111
Money line
“LEAN” to the RAPTORS (+125) for a small wager since I “like” Toronto plus the points in this spot.
The Raptors are 6-4 overall with a plus-2.6 margin of victory as a road underdog despite getting spanked by double-digits their last time out vs. the Warriors. Also, this feels like a “trap game” and I want to maximize the underdog’s value by “sprinkling” on the money line.
Against the spread
Definitely BET the RAPTORS +3.5 (-112) heavier than or instead of their money line. This crappy price point reeks and makes me feel as though oddsmakers are laying a trap for the public.
For instance, according to Pregame.com, three-fourths of the action is on Memphis but the Raptors have been steamed down from a 4.5-point underdog to the current price. That type of “reverse line movement” suggests the House wants to bait more pro-Grizzlies money.
Furthermore, Memphis isn’t as good as its record indicates. According to CleaningTheGlass.com, the Grizzlies have the highest win differential based on net efficiency and the second-worst ATS margin. Essentially, Memphis has three more wins than it should.
Lastly, Toronto has the second-best ATS margin (plus-8.0) on the road and is 6-4 ATS in away games.
Over/Under
BET the OVER 221.5 (-110) for 1 unit because both teams like to push the pace and get out in transition, which is a major reason why both are one of seven teams to play more to the Over thus far.
On top of that, Yahoo! Sports app says the betting splits are even for the total but Pregame.com says it’s one-way traffic on the Under. Either way, I’m encouraged that more people aren’t betting the Over in Raptors-Grizzlies.
More importantly, both teams have a terrible defensive effective field goal percentage and both teams crash the glass on offense. So, whether it be second-chance points or wide-open 3-pointers, both offenses should put up points in this matchup.
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