The No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS) go for the first series sweep in franchise history when they take on the No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) in Game Four of their first-round playoff series Monday. You can watch the game live on TNT.
The Grizzlies controlled Portland in the regular season and that dominance has carried over to the playoffs. Memphis attempts to finish off the four-game sweep of their first-round series on Monday with their eighth consecutive win over the Blazers this season. The Griz are 7-0 ATS versus the Blazers this season and 11-1 ATS in the last 12 head-to-head games.
The Blazers face a daunting task as they try to become the first NBA team to rally from a 3-0 deficit. The Blazers, who have dropped seven in a row overall and 12 of the last 13 to Memphis, broke out of their offensive slumber but couldn’t overcome the Grizzlies 39 free throws in a 115-109 loss Saturday.
KEY INJURY
Memphis point guard Mike Conley will not play Monday after taking an elbow from Blazers guard CJ McCollum to the face Saturday. Conley stayed on his hands and knees for several moments before heading to the locker room. According to reports, Conley's left eye was swollen after he was taken to a local hospital for exams. The team said Sunday that Conley would return to Memphis for additional evaluation.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Obviously no one has ever come back 0-3. That is the easy thing to say: ‘No one has come back 0-3.’ It’s not impossible. We’ve got another game at home. If our minds are right and we take care of business at home – get a win, have some pride, do not get swept at home – it gives us a chance to steal one in Memphis.” – Blazers guard Damian Lillard
BETTING TRENDS
- Memphis is 11-1 ATS in the last 12 head-to-head meetings.
- Portland is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games overall.
- The OVER is 7-2 in Memphis’ last nine road games.
KEY STATS
6: Blazers forward Nicolas Batum tied a franchise playoff record with six three-pointers and scored a postseason career-high 27 points in Saturday’s loss.
39: The Grizzlies set a team playoff record by making 39 free throws in 43 attempts Saturday.
0: Memphis has never swept a seven-game series in its history.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
If the Grizzlies are to complete the first series sweep in franchise history they’ll have to do it without starting point guard Mike Conley, who took an elbow to the face Saturday and was sent home for further evaluation. Conley has played a major role in Memphis taking a commanding lead in the series, averaging 17.0 points on 54.5 percent shooting. He had 14 points and four assists before leaving Saturday's contest. Conley also worked on the defensive end helping to contain Damian Lillard. “He does so much for us, with the ball, with the defense, setting us up. He shoulders a huge amount of responsibility for us,” coach Dave Joerger said.
It’s been a difficult postseason for the Blazers with a patchwork lineup and key players struggling. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge haven't found their rhythm in this series. Aldridge totaled 56 points and 28 rebounds in the first two games, but went one for 10 in the first half Saturday finishing with 21 points and Lillard is shooting just 35.2 percent from the field in the series. “It's certainly disappointing to be 0-3 in the series. Obviously our backs are against the wall and our focus is going to be on getting a win on Monday,” coach Terry Stotts said.
Memphis has had its inside-outside game working in the series, outscoring Portland 144-102 in the paint while hitting 44.1 percent from three-point range. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have owned the inside with Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge seemingly distracted with his free agency plans. The Grizzlies could use a little break with the possibility of facing the Golden State Warriors in the next round. Despite the efforts of Nicolas Batum and CJ McCollum, the Griz get the sweep and advance with a win Monday.
Memphis 103, Portland 98
The NBA lines for this contest will first be released by BookMaker sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The contest pitting the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Portland Trail Blazers will commence Monday, April 27, 2015, at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Moda Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
