NBA Basketball
2013-05-21 - Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Tuesday 21 May 2013 - Tip Off 9pm
2am (British Time)
Preview
The Western Conference Finals did not begin in the manner the Memphis Grizzlies would have been impressed with as they were blown out by the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Grizzlies won't be too panicked by being 1-0 down in the series as that is a familiar position for them, but they will demand a much improved effort in Game 2 before the series goes to the FedExForum.
Memphis have been down in the opening game of both Play Off series this season and both times have got off the floor to win. The difference this time is that the Grizzlies will need to make some adjustments after the manner in which they were beaten on Sunday afternoon.
Zach Randolph was a non-factor in the first game of the series after putting up huge numbers in the Semi Final Play Offs against Oklahoma City. He had just 2 points in the first game, his worst performance in the Play Offs, and Randolph admitted that he hadn't slept well on Sunday following that game.
The Grizzlies know that San Antonio have the size to play Randolph in the paint, but they will want to do a better of job of finding their main offensive weapon in this one. The Spurs made sure they double teamed Randolph where possible and that means Memphis have to get their other players shooting well to force San Antonio to play all of the players on court.
While San Antonio have received some plaudits for their performance in Game 1, the team themselves are taking nothing for granted after blowing a 2-0 lead at this same stage last year.
The Spurs dominated the first game despite Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili struggling for points. They made 14 three pointers from just 29 shots taken and are aware that they cannot rely on that production in every game.
Memphis will need to make a few adjustments on their defensive schemes as they left too many open shooters at the perimeter. Once Tony Parker penetrated the paint, it was easy for him to kick the ball out to open players and that is where the Grizzlies are looking to be a little better in Game 2.
Head to Head
San Antonio have moved into a 3-2 lead in the season series with Memphis thanks to their opening win in the Western Conference Finals.
The Spurs have won all 3 home games against Memphis this season to extend their run to 7 straight home wins against them.
Prediction
I am torn between two picks for this game- I think San Antonio will cover the spread, but I also think they will combine to go over the 181.5 points.
The Spurs are 4-1-1 against the spread in the last 6 home games against Memphis and, while this will be closer than Game 1, I expect San Antonio to cover.
The Pick :
San Antonio Spurs 99-92 Memphis Grizzlies
