Can’t get enough basketball action? Well you’re in luck as the NBA has lined up two mouth-watering playoff games that will definitely whet your hoops appetite tonight. Opening festivities later this evening is the pivotal Game 4 clash between the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards.
Over at the Western Conference, it’s Game 4 as well between Memphis and Golden State with the Grizzlies looking to build a commanding 3-1 series advantage. Which teams will grab the crucial wins tonight? Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two important ballgames and while you’re at it, you can check out our Game 5 previews of Cleveland vs. Chicago and LA Clippers vs. Houston.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Atlanta Hawks (-4) at Washington Wizards (+4); total: 199.0 – view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]Where would the Wizards be in this year’s playoffs without Paul Pierce? The Truth drained a clutch 21-foot bank shot at the buzzer to steer Washington to a nerve-wracking 103-101 win over the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of their second-round series.
Pierce has been a calming influence for this young Wizards squad in this postseason, averaging 15.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in seven playoff games thus far. With John Wall probably out for the rest of the series with a fractured hand, the onus is on Pierce and Bradley Beal (21.1 PPG) to carry the scoring cudgels for the Wizards in Game 4.
For the Hawks to level the series at two games apiece, they need to do a much better job with their perimeter offense. They shot just 7 of 23 (30.4%) from beyond the arc in Game 3, way below their 34.8 percent three-point shooting clip this postseason. It’s vital for the Hawks to get Kyle Korver going quickly in Game 4. Korver scored just six points in Game 3 and is shooting just 35.5% from the field in this series.
The Wizards are 5-1 SU in their last six home games with the Hawks.
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Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta wins, 97-90, to level the series at 2-2.
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies (9:30 PM ET)
Line: Golden State Warriors (-4.5) at Memphis Grizzlies (+4.5); total: 196.0 – view all NBA lines
Memphis will head to Game 4 with momentum on its side after recording a 99-89 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Four players scored in double-figures for the Grizzlies who now lead the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol pounded their way down low for the Grizzlies, scoring 22 and 21 points respectively. It was their defense, though, that really stole the show as they held Golden State to just 43.2% (32-of-74) shooting from the field, including going just 6 of 26 from downtown. Stephen Curry in particular, had a rough outing from beyond the arc, going just 2 of 10 from deep in Game 3.
The Warriors need to get their high-octane offense in order quickly for them to stand a chance in this series. The Warriors went just 12 of 31 on uncontested looks on Saturday. That simply won’t do against a Memphis defense that is allowing just 93.6 points per game this postseason, second-best in the entire league.
The Grizzlies are 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS in their last 10 home games against the Warriors.
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Writer’s Prediction
Memphis wins, 95-91, to go 3-1 up in the series. Create a betting account now and bet on the best games for tonight.
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