The Golden State Warriors are back to showing everyone why they’re the top seeds in the Western Conference. After dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 to take a precious 3-2 series lead, the Warriors will go for the kill on Friday, albeit in enemy territory. Will the Warriors finish off Memphis? Or will the Grizzlies grit and grind their way into extending the series? You can also click here for the preview of Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Wizards and the Hawks.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 6 Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 — May 3, Memphis Grizzlies 86 at Golden State Warriors 101
Game 2 — May 5, Memphis Grizzlies 97 at Golden State Warriors 90
Game 3 — May 9, Golden State Warriors 89 at Memphis Grizzlies 99
Game 4 — May 11, Golden State Warriors 101 at Memphis Grizzlies 84
Game 5 — May 13, Memphis Grizzlies 78 at Golden State Warriors 98
Game 6 — May 15, 9:30 PM ET, Golden State Warriors (-5) at Memphis Grizzlies (+5); total: 194.5 —view all NBA lines
Game 7* — May 17, Time TBD, Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
* if necessary
Betting on the Golden State Warriors
Swishes came in bunches for the Warriors in Game 5, as they embarrassed Memphis on their way to the victory. The Warriors made it rain from the outside in that game, as they made 14 of their 30 three-point shot attempts for an incredible 46.7 percent clip. Overall, the Warriors shot 46.9% (38-for-81) from the field. They’ll hit the road for Game 6, looking to end the series away from Oracle Arena. The Warriors are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games.
[sc:NBA240banner ]As usual, it was Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who did most of the damage in Game 5. Curry made 18 points, all from the three-point area, where he went 6-for-16. Thompson, meanwhile, enjoyed the opportunity of having a Tony Allen-free game, as he scored 21 points, which includes three triples.
Since going 6-for-26 from beyond the arc in Game 3, the Warriors have regained their deadly three-point shooting touch, going 28-for-53 (52.8%) from deep over the past two games. The Warriors are likely to be conference final-bound if they remain red-hot from the outside in Game 6.
The Warriors also got lots of help from their bench in Game 5 with Andre Iguodala continuing his outstanding play as the team’s sixth man this postseason. Iguodala, who scored 16 points in Game 5, has come to life over the past two games. During that stretch, he scored 27 total points on 68.7% shooting. It’s hard to stop the Warriors when their stars click, but it makes them close to being unbeatable when their bench produces significant numbers as well. The Warriors’ bench has averaged 32.5 points over the last two games.
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Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies must fine-tune their defense quick. Otherwise, Golden State might show them the exit door on Friday, when Memphis plays an elimination game at FedExForum. The Grizzlies are 8-2 SU and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Memphis’ defense was thoroughly abused in Game 5 by the Warriors, who seemed to score at will from anywhere on the playing court. The Warriors made 38 baskets on 28 assists, scored 34 points in the paint, and knocked down 14 triples. Obviously, the Grizzlies missed the services of Tony Allen, who didn’t suit up because of a hamstring injury. If Allen will not play in Game 6, then coach David Joerger will likely start Jeff Green again. Green, who scored 10 points in Game 5, is averaging 9.1 points this postseason.
Aside from their defense, the Grizzlies must also be able to find their rhythm on offense to keep in step with Golden State. Memphis scored just 78 points in Game 5, its fewest thus far in a game these playoffs.
Marc Gasol, the team’s leader in points this postseason with 17.4 per game, scored 18 points in Game 5. However, he threw a slew of bricks as he shot 8-for-22 from the field. He’ll have to be more efficient on Friday in order for Memphis to maximize its possessions. The Grizzlies score 100.2 points per 100 possessions thus far this postseason.
Writer’s Prediction
Golden State (-5) wins, 106-98.
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