After four fiercely contested games, both the Grizzlies-Thunder and Warriors-Clippers series are locked at two games apiece. Who will gain the valuable edge tonight in what are effectively two best-of-three series?
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – Game 5 (9:00 PM ET)
Line: Memphis Grizzlies (+6) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-6); total 186.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Grizzlies probably should have won Game 4 at home, but poor free throw shooting (13-for-23, 56.5%) cost them dearly. They should see some improvement in Game 5, which could be the difference in a series as tight as this.
The backcourt of Mike Conley (14 points on 5-for-16 FG) and Courtney Lee (9 points on 3-for-10 FG) could also have bounce back games after struggling from the field in Game 4.
As they’ve proven in the last three games, which all went to overtime, the Grizzlies will not go away. Memphis is 6-3-1 ATS in its last 10 road games in OKC.
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder proved in Game 4 that they can win with both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook struggling. Surely, the two All-Stars won’t have just 30 points combined on 10-for-45 shooting for a second straight game.
Reggie Jackson finally arrived in the series with 32 big points on 11-for-16 shooting. Even if they get half of that production in Game 5, the Thunder will be in good shape at home. Oklahoma City is 7-1 SU in its last eight home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Grizzlies do what they’ve done for most of the series and stick close to the Thunder, enough to cover the 6-point spread as road underdogs.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers – Game 5 (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Golden State Warriors (+6.5) at Los Angeles Clippers (-6.5); total 210.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Golden State Warriors
Don’t look now, but the Warriors offense has come alive. Going small in Game 4 brought out the best games of both Stephen Curry (33 points on 7-for-14 3PFG) and Andre Iguodala (22 points, 6-for-8 FG) in the series to date.
With the offense purring (55% FG% and 47% 3PFG% in Game 4) and Draymond Green doing a credible job guarding Blake Griffin, the Warriors will be dangerous on the road in Game 5. Golden State is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games.
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
Off-the-court issues may have distracted the Clippers in Game 4, but with a few days to regroup, they could come out with a renewed sense of focus in Game 5 at home. The Clippers are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five home games vs. Golden State.
Blake Griffin (26 PPG, 61% FG% in the series) still has a tremendous advantage inside, while Chris Paul (14 PPG, 43% FG % in his last three games) can explode at any moment.
Writer’s Prediction
The Clippers rally to win on their home floor, but the Warriors will muster enough offense to cover the 6.5-point spread on the road.
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