NBA Basketball
2013-05-03 - LA Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Friday 3 May 2013 - Tip Off 9:30pm
2:30am (British Time)
Preview
For the second time in two seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies and the LA Clippers are playing a hard series and the winner will surely feel they have a chance to reach the Western Conference Finals with either Houston or Oklahoma City standing in their way. However, the focus for both is this Game 6 after the Grizzlies stole home court away from the Clippers with a strong win on the road in Game 5 to make it three straight wins in the series.
There is nothing to suggest the Grizzlies feel they will come out with any complacency as they know how tough it is to close out the Clippers, especially after losing Game 7 here against them last season.
Memphis certainly feel they have been the better team in the last four games of the series and that is finally being told on the scoreboard between the teams. They have continued dominating inside with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph and that has opened up the perimeter for the shooters in the team.
It is also clear that the Clippers are a little banged up at the moment with Blake Griffin limited in Game 5 and a doubt for this one. Chris Paul also has a bruised thumb, but that won't keep him out with this game being a 'play hard or go home' contest for the Clippers.
A lack of consistent production from the Clippers hasn't helped their cause and they are averaging just 87.7 points per game in the last four games of the series, far below their season average.
Head to Head
Memphis lead the First Round series 3-2, but it is the LA Clippers that have a 5-4 season series lead.
The Grizzlies have won their last 2 home games against the Clippers, but they had previously lost 3 in a row including that Game 7 in the First Round last season.
Prediction
I was very tempted to back the LA Clippers with the 6.5 point head start in this game, but the Grizzlies have found a real offensive groove and it may be tough for the Clippers to keep tabs.
However, my gut is telling me the Clippers make this a real game and in order to do so, I think this game follows many others in this series and goes over the total points.
The Pick :
Memphis Grizzlies 97-94 LA Clippers
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 180 Points @ 1.95
