The NBA Playoffs continue on Sunday afternoon and I will have a free pick in the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, which will take place at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The game has a start time of 3:30 pm (Eastern) and will be televised on ABC. Current Vegas betting odds have Golden State listed as 10 point favorites, while the total is set at 196.5.
Analysis: The Memphis Grizzlies really limped into the playoffs, but they got lucky with their first round draw as they were facing an equally beat up Portland squad. Memphis was able to take out the Trailblazers in 5 game to move on to the 2nd round. Memphis was a solid road team this year where they have gone 25-18, but they did lose their lone game at Golden state this year. Memphis has gone 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record and 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Golden State. The Grizzlies have scored just 97.2 ppg on 45.8% shooting overall and 33.4% from long range on the road this year. Defensively they have been solid away from home as they have allowed just 97.0 ppg on 45.9% shooting overall and 36.7% shooting from long range.
The Warriors have really been the best team in the NBA all year and they continued that as they took out the Pelicans in 4 straight to move on to the Semis in the West. The Warriors are 41-2 ay home for the year so far. Golden State has gone 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, but just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win. The Warriors have been a very good offensive team this year, ranking 1st in scoring (110.0 ppg), 1st in shooting, 1st in 3 point shooting and 9th in FT shooting. Defensively the Warriors have been average, ranking 15th in points allowed (99.9 ppg), 1st in defensive FG% and 5th in 3 point defense.
Pick: Going with the Warriors to get the big easy win in this one. Even though they won in 4 vs New Orleans, they went just 1-3 ATS in the series and failed to cover both games at home. I expect them to come out a bit more focused and send a statement right away to a Memphis squad that is still banged up. Its all about the Warriors offense here as they will just score too much for the Grizzlies to keep the game close.
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