Memphis shot life into the series by winning the second game of its Western Conference semifinal at home. Heading to San Francisco down 2-0 to a dangerous Golden State team would have made life difficult on the Memphis Grizzlies. Even with the boost of winning the last game, NBA betting odds indicate that the Golden State Warriors will have a big advantage at home.
Memphis won in Game 2 despite shooting below 40 percent from the field. The Grizzlies also made life difficult for the Warriors’ offense. If Memphis’ defense can keep holding Golden State down, Game 3 may be interesting. However, keeping the Warriors’ stout shooting at bay isn’t something many people have figured out.
All of the drama from the fourth quarter in Game 2, with Memphis pulling away late, will set up a pivotal Game 3 for both sides.
Last game Records
Memphis beat Golden State 106-101 May 3 at Memphis. The series is tied at 1-1.
Matchup Information
Grizzlies at Warriors Betting Analysis
Memphis Betting Analysis
Memphis, which shot 74 percent from the free-throw line in the regular season, didn’t miss any of its opportunities from the line in Game 2. The Grizzlies only missed one free throw, shooting 95.2 percent (20-of-21) from the free-throw line to seal the victory. Taking advantage of those opportunities was important, as Memphis shot 39.6 percent (36-of-91) from the field.
The Grizzlies, however, did make twice as many 3-pointers as Golden State did. Memphis also took care of the basketball, only turning the ball over 12 times. The Grizzlies’ defense was also opportunistic, stealing the ball away 13 times.
Ja Morant shined in Game 2, scoring a career-playoff high 47 points in addition to grabbing eight rebounds and eight assists. Ziaire Willias was second on the team in scoring, putting up 14 points.
Golden State Betting Analysis
The Warriors’ renowned shooting fell flat on their face in Game 2. Golden State only made 18.4 percent (7-of-38) of its 3-point shots. The Warriors were only able to earn 18 trips to the free-throw line and make 77.8 percent of their attempts.
Steph Curry scored 27 points and finished just shy of a triple-double. Curry also grabbed nine rebounds and handed out eight assists. Jordan Poole also scored 20 points.
Not all of Golden State’s numbers were bad. The Warriors held a 52-47 edge in rebounding and outscored Memphis 60-42 in the paint. Golden State also moved the ball well, recording assists on 27 of its 40 field goals.
Updates
Gary Payton II will miss the game with a fractured elbow for Golden State. Andre Iguodala will also likely be out for Game 3. Memphis will be without Killian Tillie, Santi Aldama and Steven Adams.
- Memphis is 57-32-1 against the spread.
- Golden State is 44-41-4 against the spread.
- The over has gone 45-41-4 in the Grizzlies’ games.
- The over has gone 40-47-2 in the Wariors’ games.
- Memphis is 37-22-1 against the spread following a win.
- Golden State is 15-15 against the spread following a loss.
Grizzlies at Warriors Betting Preview
Betting stats NBA have Golden State as a 6.5-point favorite. You can also make NBA picks on the Warriors as -275 on the moneyline, while the Grizzlies are +225. The over/under is set at 226.5 points.
Grizzlies at Warriors Betting Prediction
It’s hard to see Game 2 of the series as anything but an anomaly. Golden State likely won’t make only seven 3-pointers and shoot such a poor percentage from the 3-point line. Memphis will need another performance from Morant, who has been inconsistent in the postseason, to sustain its success.
The question for the Grizzlies is how do they replicate their performance on defense two games in a row against a powerhouse like Golden State? Memphis will likely need to get to the free-throw line and guard the perimeter ferociously. On the road, that is a big task for a young team. Expect Golden State to get back on track and crush the Grizzlies.
How to Bet Grizzlies at Warriors
Bet on Golden State -6.5.
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