NBA Basketball
2013-05-07 - Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Tuesday 7 May 2013 - Tip Off 9:30pm
2:30am (British Time)
Preview
Kevin Durant was clutch as he carried the Oklahoma City Thunder on his back and led them to a victory in Game 1 of the series. However, the Memphis Grizzlies will certainly feel they gave the game away having had two turnovers in the last 18 seconds and also missing three free throws that would have almost certainly sent the game into overtime.
Unsurprisingly, all the talk after Game 1 was of Kevin Durant and where he will eventually sit with the all time greats in the game. There is no doubt that he is one of the most clutch performers in the NBA and he has already proven that with three last second baskets to win games. The problem for the Thunder is can they get enough offense from the other pieces in their team to keep the team competitive, especially if defenses decide to lock down on Durant.
Memphis were disappointed with the way Game 1 ended, but there was plenty for them to take in a positive from that one and they certainly feel they are capable of winning this series.
The boards is where they have their success and there was plenty of Zach Randolph to inspire the Grizzlies. However, there is a feeling that he wasn't involved in the final minutes enough and that is why Lionel Hollins has made it clear that he considers Randolph to be the best of the clutch players the Grizzlies have at their disposal.
The manner of the loss in Game 1 also makes Memphis believe that they are capable of overturning that result and stealing home court advantage from the Thunder. They will want to be a little more careful with the ball in the closing moments of games, while the Grizzlies will also feel they did 'limit' Durant enough to make other players beat them.
Head to Head
The season series is now tied at 2-2 thanks to the Thunder win in Game 1.
This will be the fourth meeting in Oklahoma City where the Thunder lead 2-1 at the moment.
Prediction
It was a terrible first quarter and both teams going on long stretches of missing baskets that prevented Game 1 from hitting the over and the layers have responded by adding a couple of points to that total.
I think both teams have shown enough offensively to think they can surpass that total, I just hope they show they consistently in this Game 2.
The Pick :
Oklahoma City Thunder 96-95 Memphis Grizzlies
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 188 Points @ 1.95
