Two of our favorite and most improved teams in the NBA square off tonight in Memphis as the Grizzlies host the Oklahoma City Thunder. While home court advantage has proven vital in the Western Conference so far this year, the Grizz best not be overconfident in this spot as the Thunder are one of just three teams in the Conference with a winning road record. Memphis is favored by 3.5 points at BetUS Sportsbook.

Believe it or not, but these two teams own the best two records in the Western Conference since December 22nd. Oklahoma City is a West best 11-4 while Memphis is right behind them at 10-4 over that same span. The Thunder currently occupies the seventh spot in the conference standings, while the Grizzlies, despite a 22-19 mark, are actually on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture and in last place of the very tough Southwest Division.

Oklahoma City comes in riding a three-game win streak, but did not cover last time out, winning by just a two-point margin at Minnesota as seven-point chalk. The Thunder have been excellent this season when coming off an ATS loss, going 14-2 against the number. As mentioned earlier, they are one of just three teams (Dallas, Lakers) in the West with a winning road record (12-9), but do have a losing record vs. conference foes of 9-14. That being said, they have already surpassed last season's win total by virtue of beating the T'wolves Wednesday night.

Memphis is a very good home team, having won a franchise record nine straight at the FedEx Forum while going a very profitable 18-6-1 ATS for the year. Since beginning the year 1-8, they have won 21 of 32 games overall, leaving the sour taste of the Allen Iverson experiment as a distant memory.

Kevin Durant leads a young nucleus for the Thunder. The soon-to-be All-Star has averaged 33 PPG over his last seven contests (five wins), but it has been his team's defense that has led the way, allowing just 93.6 points per game since Christmas, ranking them near the top of the league. In fact, opponents field goal percentage of 41.9% is #1 over that time frame.

Meanwhile, offense has been the calling card for the Grizzlies, who are averaging better than 108 points per game since before Christmas time. They too are off a loss, however, falling at New Orleans Wednesday night, 113-111, a game they were leading by as many as nine in the third quarter.

Oklahoma City did win the previous meeting between these teams, 102-94 as two-point dogs, here in Memphis. The Grizzlies made just 58% of their free throw attempts in the loss and were 4 of 18 from three-point land. Memphis is 16-9 ATS in its last 25 revenge situations, including 11-4 ATS if the opponent scored 100 or more in the previous meeting.

Is there a possible lookahead for the Thunder? They will be in Cleveland to play the Cavs on Saturday night.

Totals bettors should note that the Grizzlies are a perfect 10-0 Over this season after covering four of their previous games.

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