Grizzlies – Spurs

This Western Conference first round matchup will return to Memphis with San Antonio leading 3-2, after both teams won their home games up to this point.

Memphis (7th seed) has been pretty impressive so far in this series, particularly on home court – and especially as they are playing without Tony Allen, their best defender. The Grizzlies fell down 0-2 after two meetings in San Antonio, but were able to tie it at 2-2 against a superior Spurs team – before eventually losing Game 5, away, by 13. Memphis will hope to maintain the same intensity at home and force a Game 7, where everything could happen – even if it would be again on the road.

The Spurs (2nd seed) were regarded to be the 2nd best team in the league after the regular season and maybe that`s why there has been a sense of disappointment that they haven`t been able to close the series out so far. San Antonio was dominant at home against Memphis, but they did show some weakness on the road, particularly on the defensive end.

Bet on Grizzlies vs. Spurs and get your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet.com now!

Memphis has been praised a lot for winning both home games against San Antonio and many are starting to believe they have a shot at winning the series, but that isn`t exactly fair.

Memphis was blown out in San Antonio by 29, 14 and 13 points, so they have been completely outplayed in Texas, but even the two wins at home were somewhat circumstantial. At home, Memphis had two extraordinary shooting nights, really surprising for an offensively challenged team. They won Game 3 convincingly by 11 points, but they needed overtime and a buzzer beater to win Game 4, despite the excellent shooting.

I believe Memphis will feel some pressure in this do or die Game 6 and a savvy, experienced team like the Spurs know how to pull the trigger in these situations. They are the best coached team in the NBA and Gregg Popovich will surely have something up his sleeve against a team with its back against the wall, like Memphis.

I expect the Spurs to come out with better intensity on defense and not allow Memphis to have another out of the ordinary shooting night. The Spurs are without a doubt one of the 3 best teams in the NBA and even if they haven`t been at their best in this series, they have still been much better than the Grizzlies. Credit to Memphis for keeping it tight so far, but they are fortunate the series didn`t end already.

Handicapping this Game 6 might be a bit tricky considering Memphis’ toughness and resilience. I do expect San Antonio to win rather comfortably and qualify for the next round, but a victory below the point spread line can`t be ruled out. As such, my tip will be San Antonio to win straight up, no handicaps. Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies – San Antonio Spurs 89 – 96.

Pick: Spurs
Odds: 1.59 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.72
Event date: 28 April