San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 4 Preview
Where: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
When: Saturday, April 22, 2017 – 8:00 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) at Memphis Grizzlies (+3.5); total: 188.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
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Betting on the San Antonio Spurs (-170)
After being bullies for eight straight quarters, the Spurs got slowed down in Game 3’s 105-94 loss. They started fairly despite all the energy from the Grizzlies and the home crowd, but got lost in the back-and-forth during the second and third quarter, where they were outscored by a combined 18 points.
The lost rhythm was also quite evident in going 16-for-28 from the line after going 50-for-57 in the first two games.
Kawhi Leonard (18 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (16 rebounds, 11 rebounds), as always, led the way for the team, but was unable to get ample help. The two were the only starters to score in double figures, and if we exclude Patty Mills, Kyle Anderson, and Jonathon Simmons, who scored most of their points during garbage time, Leonard and Aldridge would be the lone Spurs to have 10 or more points.
It’s just one of those rare off nights, though. Let’s not forget how quick a Gregg Poppovich-coached team can adjust, especially in a playoff series. The Spurs can easily dust off this loss and return to a more patient-but-demanding form of play moving forward.
Expect a more assertive Leonard, who still stands head and shoulders above every wing player of Memphis, and a more efficient inside presence from Aldridge, David Lee, and Pau Gasol. Tony Parker, meanwhile, should have a better game, because he can’t get lower than 0-for-4 shooting with no assists in 19 minutes of play.
Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies (+150)
Though considered to be heavy underdogs against the mighty Spurs, the scrappy type of basketball we saw in Thursday’s win was what most people expected from Memphis, which was missing in Games 1 and 2.
David Fizdale’s rant definitely lit a fire under his team.
The Grizzlies’ big three – Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph – each scored 20 or more, while also collectively shooting 55.8 percent from the field. The Gasol and Randolph tandem down low came through for the first time in the series, as they helped power the team to 44 points in the paint.
Along with improved playmaking and paint offense, Memphis also took excellent care of the ball. They only had two turnovers through three quarters (finished with five), while the Spurs had 12, which they converted to 13 key points.
Game 4 will now tell us if the resurgence is for real or they are just riding the emotion of their first home playoff game this season and coach Fizdale’s rant.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spurs (-3.5) win and put the Grizz on the ropes, 103-91.
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