Over the past few months, the San Antonio Spurs have played like the best team in the NBA. On Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks square off in a battle to determine who gets the No. 7 seed in the West, and who gets to avoid the mighty Spurs in the first round.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
When: Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 8:00 PM EST
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
Line: Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Dallas Mavericks
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Mavericks would do well to avoid the Spurs, having lost their last nine games against San Antonio. Dallas has already beaten Memphis three times this season, averaging 108.7 against the Grizzlies’ sound defense. Furthermore, Mark Cuban’s team is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games against Memphis.
Dallas has won five of its last seven games thanks in large part to Monta Ellis, who is averaging 21 points and six dimes a game in April. Known as a dominant ball-handler, Ellis has improved his off-ball game this season, making 54% of his shots when cutting to the rim away from the ball, according to mysynergysports.com.
The Mavs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, with each matchup going under the total.
Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has been on a streak lately. Mike Miller has been a force in their recent run, having contributed 10 PPG on 61% 3PT shooting in 18 minutes of action in his last five games. The team can also thank Marc Gasol, who in April has delivered 17.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 3.4 APG.
Against Ellis and company, the Grizzlies will have to do a better job of limiting Dallas’ scoring. In their three wins over Memphis, the Mavericks shot 49% from the field and 39% from downtown.
Their last game of the season will be the last chance for the Grizz to improve their abysmal 3-12 record against Southwest Division clubs this season.
Writer’s Prediction
With Gasol back and healthy and Mike Miller stroking almost every three-ball he attempts, taking Memphis on the spread looks like the best choice. To bet on this game, join Top Bet today.
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