San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies
The Spurs will look to end a 4 game losing streak as they head to Memphis for this playoff game. However, they've had a few close losses against playoff teams (Suns and Knicks) recently so they should be pretty confident in this matchup. In terms of their lineup, the Spurs will still be missing Derrick White but otherwise, they're looking healthy. In this defensive matchup against the Grizzlies, DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray will likely be the key with the ball in hand as they both have good defensive matchups. Poeltl also has a nice matchup as Memphis have given up plenty of points against centres lately.
Memphis went down to the Warriors 113-101 last time out but they've won 4 straight home games and that will give them a lot of confidence against San Antonio. Their squad is also looking very healthy with no significant injury problems and they could also get Grayson Allen back. Looking at the matchup, the Grizzlies will likely look to attack the Spurs in the front court with the likes of Valanciunas as the Spurs have struggled in this area.
In the last meeting, the Grizzlies smashed the Spurs 133-102 and while this should be a closer affair, we do like the Over trend in this matchup. The Over has saluted in 4 of the last 5 meetings at this venue. Both sides are looking injury free so their starters and bench are full strength, which should lead to plenty of points on the board.
Stadium Record
The Grizzlies have won 5 of their last 6 home games. San Antonio has a solid 4-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Memphis has crushed the Spurs in the last 2 meetings : 133-102 and 129-112. But since 2019, the head to head is locked at 5-5.
Best Bet
Over 221.5 pts = $1.87
Same Game Multi
Over 219.5 / J. Valanciunas 16+ Points / D. Murray 16+ Points / J. Poeltl 9+ Points = $4.90
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
The Warriors will be fired up for a primetime matchup with the Lakers and they couldn't be in better form. They come into this playoff game having won 6 straight games and that includes victories over the Suns and Jazz. The major sticking point is their road form wasn't great this season (14-22) and the Lakers have the wood over them after 2 heavy defeats. But with Steph Curry on the court, an upset is always a possibility if their defence can keep the Warriors in the game. In terms of injuries, Golden State will still be missing Oubre Jr., Wiseman, Lee and of course, Klay Thompson.
Meanwhile, the Lakers find themselves in a battle for a playoff spot but they'll be eager to defend their title from last season. It's been an exhausting and injury riddled season for the Lakers but the good news is that they have a healthy squad for this clash. LeBron and Anthony Davis weren't playing heavy minutes before the end of the regular season so we expect them to get 35+ minutes, especially if this becomes a close playoff game.
Looking at the last 2 meetings, the Lakers defence has been the difference as they've kept the Warriors under 100 points. So in a playoff game, we expect the Lakers defence to be the key once again. The Under also has a nice 10-5 record at Staples Centre and the Warriors are 5-1 against the Under on the road.
Stadium Record
The Lakers hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 games. Golden State has won 6 of 8 games at this venue against the Lakers.
Head to Head Record
Los Angeles has dominated the Warriors in the last 2 meetings with 128-97 and 117-91 results. The Lakers have also won 6 of the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
Under 219.5 / A. Drummond 9+ Rebounds / L. James 6+ Assists / Draymond Green 6+ Rebounds = $3.30
