NBA Basketball
2012-05-05 - Memphis Grizzlies at LA Clippers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Western Conference Play Off First Round
Saturday 5 May 2012 - Tip Off 4:30pm ET
9:30pm (British Standard Time)
Preview
Before the Play Offs began, I thought this was going to be the closest and perhaps the most entertaining series in both Conferences and it has been set up nicely as we head back to LA and the Staples Center with both the LA Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies tied at 1-1.
It is ironic, but both teams actually feel they could be 2-0 up in the series as both have won games they really should have lost. The Clippers were forced to come back from a 27 point deficit in game 1 to win, but they then blew a first half lead as they fell to a 7 point loss in game 2.
The building is usually accustomed to hosting LA Lakers Play Off games, but this will be the first time in six years that the Clippers are playing a post-season game here. Both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have been talking up the boost the fans can give them as the home team.
Memphis got to the free throw line 21 more times than the Clippers in game 2 and that is something that LA are looking to rectify in this one. Another key to this game is the turnover battle with the Clippers giving up the ball 21 times in the last game and that is another area they will be looking to greatly improve in this game.
Caron Butler may also return for the Clippers despite breaking his hand on his non-shooting hand in game 1. Butler was practising with the team and feeling more comfortable with his cast and could be given some minutes in this one.
Head to Head
The LA Clippers have lead the season series 3-2 following the split of two games in Memphis, both straight up and against the spread.
The Clippers have won their last 3 home games against the Grizzlies, including both this year, and they are 2-1 against the spread in those games.
In fact, the Clippers are 5-1 straight up in their last 6 home games against Memphis, and they are 7-4 against the spread in their last 11 against them here.
Other Interesting Trends
Memphis are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games as the road underdog given 4.5 points or fewer.
They are 7-16 against the spread in their last 23 games against a team with a winning record at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the LA Clippers to win this game and take an important lead in the series. I think the Clippers will cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, the Clippers have a strong home record against the Memphis Grizzlies in recent meetings.
Second, the building should be loud an should motivate the home side into a big performance. With this being their first home post-season game since 2006, I expect the fans to really want to be emotionally involved in the game and I expect the young Clippers team to be fully motivated and inspired.
Third, the Clippers have been good in revenge spots this season, going 20-12 against the spread in that position.
Fourth, Memphis seem like a team that may just come out a bit cold on a rest and there is suggestions of that as they have lost all 5 games they played on 2 days rest against the spread.
The Pick :
LA Clippers 98-92 Memphis Grizzlies
