The
Memphis Grizzlies welcome the Oklahoma City
Thunder to the FedEX Forum this evening as each squad looks to take a crucial 2-1 series lead. Today’s
Game 3 clash between the two squads is scheduled to tip off at 5:00pm ET on ESPN.
2013 NBA Playoff Picks have the Grizzlies listed as a -5 against the spread home favorite and the Over/Under set at 186.5 points. The Thunder are drawing +170 moneyline odds ($100 wins $170) to win this evening’s game (Grizzlies -200).
The Thunder found life difficult without Russell Westbrook in their best of seven set against the Rockets, but they still managed to win the series 4-2. Through two games of their second round series with Memphis, it would appear Westbrook’s absence will prove OKC’s postseason undoing.
Yes, the Thunder did procure a 93-91 Game 1 victory, but it required some serious heroics on the part of Kevin Durant (35 points, 15 rebounds, six assists) as well as an uncharacteristically brilliant first half performance from Kevin Martin (finished the game with 25 points off the bench).
The Thunder were not as fortunate in Game 2 as they, again, struggled offensively against the Grizzlies suffocating defense. Memphis attempted 16 more shots than Oklahoma City (86 to 70) and they forced 19 Thunder turnovers in the 99-93 win.
The Grizzlies offense, which generated 32 free throw attempts, was powered by
Mike Conley and Marc Gasol as the duo combined for 50 points and 14 assists.
With both teams having almost four days off, they should be well rested and ready to attack on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately for the Thunder, that probably means another night of miserable offense as they will, no doubt, struggle to put the ball in the basket against a fresh Grizzlies defense.
Notable Trends: The Under is 7-3 in the Grizzlies last 10 games as a home favorite with a total between 185 and 190 points.
2013 NBA Playoff Picks Thunder vs Grizzlies Game 3:
Oklahoma City Thunder +5 (-110), Over 186.5 (-110), +170 (Moneyline)
Memphis Grizzlies -5 (-110), Under 186.5 (-110), -200 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies
What pro basketball bettors need to know about Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday (5/11/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo, with Ken Thompson.