Monday, April 21, 2014
Grizzlies-Thunder Over 190
It's no surprise the total went under in Game 1 of this series. The Grizzlies shot only 36 percent from the floor while missing on nine of 11 3-point tries. They also converted on only 58 percent of their free throws.
It's not like Oklahoma City did anything special. The Grizzlies had open looks, but came out tight missing their first 18 shots from beyond the paint. Normally reliable big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph missed a combined 26 of 40 shots from the floor.
Oklahoma City is only a slightly above normal defensive team giving up 99.8 points per game. The Thunder are a top-five offensive club. They put up triple digits on Memphis despite shooting only 44.7 percent from the floor and missing 12 of 16 from beyond the arc.
Despite all of this poor shooting, the teams came within less of five points of going above the total. The two teams have gone over in 14 of their last 20 meetings in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are going to continue to play up-tempo and get their points with Kevin Durant. Memphis should shoot much better from the field and free throw line.
I am 23-14-1 (62 percent) on my last 38 paid/free NBA plays and 1-1 in the playoffs after losing on Sunday with the under in the Trail Blazers-Rockets Game 1 matchup as the game didn't go above the total until overtime.
I have NBA and MLB plays going today. They can be found here: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
Hoping for better luck than on Sunday.