The Memphis Grizzlies fought back to make this a series in Game 3, and now need to win another one at home to really give the San Antonio Spurs something to worry about. The second-seeded Spurs are the better team, but Memphis played well last time out and has the type of defense that can keep it in games.
San Antonio is likely to be a slight favorite in this matchup despite playing on the road. If the Spurs win, it will all but wrap up the series since it would give them a 3-1 lead. A victory by Memphis would really put the pressure on, and a similar performance from last time out would get it there.
This is a pivotal contest and one each side would really like to capture.
This war on the floor will go down Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Saturday schedule.
NBA Odds
The Grizzlies were slight underdogs in Game 3 but came away with the upset to cover the spread and pay off nicely on the moneyline. The scoring total was only 188 and the “over” easily hit in the 105-94 victory.
Memphis is 44-41 straight up and 42-43 against the spread. The Grizzlies have played in 42 home games and covered in 22 of them. Memphis is 22-20 against the spread as the underdog on the season and is expected to get a few points in this matchup.
The Spurs are 63-22 straight up and 43-20-2 against the spread. San Antonio has gone 22-18-2 against the spread on the road this season. The Spurs are 38-39-1 against the spread as the favorite.
Last Time Out
After losing by double digits in the first two games in San Antonio, the Grizzlies showed life in Game 3, using a strong third quarter to take control and then cruising to the win. Memphis shot better than 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from downtown and 90 percent from the free-throw lead, which added up to the win.
Mike Conley led Memphis with 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting while adding eight assists. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph had 21 points apiece and each of the Grizzlies’ starters shot 50 percent from the field or better.
Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge had good games but they got very little support. Tony Parker didn’t score a point, missing all four of his shots, while Pau Gasol only had six points and Manu Ginobili was also held scoreless.
Key Stat
30. That’s the number of victories on the road the Spurs had in the regular season, which was the second-most in the NBA behind only the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Game 3 loss, that’s something to keep in mind for this one.
The oddsmakers likely won’t be turned off by one bad game, as San Antonio should again be the favorites. It seems unlikely Parker, Gasol and Ginobili play poorly again, as the Spurs have the experience to bounce back.
Memphis was seven games over .500 at home on the year, but San Antonio’s road record was quite a bit better.
Free NBA ATS Pick
The Spurs didn’t play well in Game 3, but that will happen. They should be able to bounce back in Game 4 and take control of this series. While Leonard and Aldridge should continue to be great, they are going to need some help.
While Parker, Gason and Ginobili are on the back ends of their careers, they can still contribute. The Spurs have the better depth and while those player struggled last time out, it will glow in this one. Conley, Randolph and Marc Gasol need to have big games again to give Memphis a chance, and if any of them struggle it will be too tough to pull the upset.
NBA Odds: Spurs 104, Grizzlies 99
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
