Grizz +10
A big game for west rivals where Memphis is looking up at SA and OKC, the 1 and 2 seeds respectively. Rudy Gay and his inefficient production is not worth 10 points. This game should be a battle where the Grizzlies still have the advantage in the front court, and to keep the game respectable, only Westbrook needs to be limited as Durant will surely get his. Another x-factor is Grizz's new secret weapon Chris Johnson. Without Gay, the Grizz's offense will spread the ball around more and in effect actually take better shots. It is true that OKC can run anyone off the floor, but we're a bit deeper into the season that west rivals have acclimated to playing each other at least once (if not twice or more), which lends to competitive games. The question is whether the short-handed Grizz can compete tonight. Without Harden, OKC is clearly not the same team (despite their record) and even more reliant on fastbreak points and perimeter shots (Harden is/was relentless at getting to the rim and he has the size/strength to create mismatches throughout the game). K-mart fills a position but not the production of points in the paint (getting to the rim) and free throws. On the defensive side K-mart is a liability not having the size to guard bigger guards or small forwards. Even with the makeshift lineup, the Grizz can defend, rebound, dominate the paint, and that makes them a threat to beat anyone on any given night.
Mavs +3 & total over 203.5
Another rival game where the "underdog" should be competitive. Both these teams like to play at a faster than normal pace, take a lot of 3's, and have questionable defenses. Mavs have the horses to match up offensively, which is what this game is likely going to come down to. If Curry doesn't play, Warriors miss a big shot maker should the game come down to a 4th Qtr situation. Having Bogut will help in several areas but but strenuous running has yet to be seen and that will hurt the W's in transition defense. W's also face Dirk for the first time this season. Feel that the vets in Dallas are a bit more dire here for a win and they have the horses to get it done.
GL everyone
A big game for west rivals where Memphis is looking up at SA and OKC, the 1 and 2 seeds respectively. Rudy Gay and his inefficient production is not worth 10 points. This game should be a battle where the Grizzlies still have the advantage in the front court, and to keep the game respectable, only Westbrook needs to be limited as Durant will surely get his. Another x-factor is Grizz's new secret weapon Chris Johnson. Without Gay, the Grizz's offense will spread the ball around more and in effect actually take better shots. It is true that OKC can run anyone off the floor, but we're a bit deeper into the season that west rivals have acclimated to playing each other at least once (if not twice or more), which lends to competitive games. The question is whether the short-handed Grizz can compete tonight. Without Harden, OKC is clearly not the same team (despite their record) and even more reliant on fastbreak points and perimeter shots (Harden is/was relentless at getting to the rim and he has the size/strength to create mismatches throughout the game). K-mart fills a position but not the production of points in the paint (getting to the rim) and free throws. On the defensive side K-mart is a liability not having the size to guard bigger guards or small forwards. Even with the makeshift lineup, the Grizz can defend, rebound, dominate the paint, and that makes them a threat to beat anyone on any given night.
Mavs +3 & total over 203.5
Another rival game where the "underdog" should be competitive. Both these teams like to play at a faster than normal pace, take a lot of 3's, and have questionable defenses. Mavs have the horses to match up offensively, which is what this game is likely going to come down to. If Curry doesn't play, Warriors miss a big shot maker should the game come down to a 4th Qtr situation. Having Bogut will help in several areas but but strenuous running has yet to be seen and that will hurt the W's in transition defense. W's also face Dirk for the first time this season. Feel that the vets in Dallas are a bit more dire here for a win and they have the horses to get it done.
GL everyone
