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The Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Golden State Warriors in a crucial Game 6 matchup on Friday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Grizzlies-Warriors prediction and pick.
This series has been one of the most entertaining matchups of the entire postseason. The Warriors, led by point guard Stephen Curry, put on a shooting show every time they take the court. The Grizzlies have used a fast-paced offensive attack in order to keep pace with Golden State. Both teams have traded off victories, and now the Grizzlies are on the brink of elimination. Memphis will need to win on the road here, so this should be an interesting matchup. Let's get straight into the pick.
Here are the Grizzlies-Warriors NBA Playoffs odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Playoffs Odds: Grizzlies-Warriors Odds
Memphis Grizzlies: +8 (-110)
Golden State Warriors: -8 (-110)
Over: 218 (-110)
Under: 218 (-110)
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Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
Memphis's style of offense is the perfect counter to Golden State's defense. The Grizzlies are one of the best fast-break attacks in the NBA, as they averaged 17 points in that category during the regular season. They also notch the most steals per game in the league, a stat that obviously helps them get out in transition. The Warriors struggled to defend against the fast break all year long, allowing 12.5 points per game in transition. Surprisingly, Golden State also committed the second-most turnovers per game during the regular season. The Grizzlies should continue to have success in transition throughout this game and this series.
This is a fairly large spread for the Warriors to cover. The Grizzlies would have covered this spread in every single game but one this series, so it's kind of weird to see the line come in that big. Even in the first round, the Warriors were involved in a number of close games that wouldn't have seen them cover this spread. This seems like a mistake from the oddsmakers, and the Grizzlies may be able to capitalize on that.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Grizzlies are dealing with an injury to their most important player. Star point guard Ja Morant suffered a bone bruise on his knee in Game 3, an injury that will likely keep him out the rest of the postseason. Morant led the team in points per game, assists, per game, and rebounds per game in this postseason. The importance of his absence can't be overstated, and it will play a huge part in the rest of this series.
Home court advantage will benefit the Warriors in this matchup. The Warriors were one of the best home teams in the NBA during the regular season, earning a 31-10 record in Oracle Arena compared to a 22-19 record anywhere else. The Grizzlies had similar results on their home court, as they went 30-11 when playing in Memphis. Golden State is yet to lose a game at home during this postseason, and it's very likely that continues in this game.
Final Grizzlies-Warriors Prediction & Pick
The Warriors should cover fairly easily here. The Grizzlies aren't consistent without Morant, and Golden State has been dominant on their home floor. Lock in the Warriors to cover here.
Final Grizzlies-Warriors Prediction & Pick: Golden State Warriors -8 (-110)
