The NBA battlegrounds have now entered the Second Round as the battle gets closer to the title race. The First Round saw top teams qualify and it once again proved why finishing on a high during the Regular Season is crucial. In this game, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semis. The Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves 4-2 in the first round while the Warriors beat the Nuggets 4-1. Which team will come firing on all cylinders.
Bet on Grizzlies-Warriors
Best bets on Grizzlies vs Warriors
Handicap: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that the Warriors have an edge over the Grizzlies as they have been given the odds of 1.75 to win the game. It is a bit surprising to me considering that the Grizzlies have the home-court advantage and overcame a much more effective offensive opponent than the Warriors. However, bookmakers must believe in the ability of the Curry-led Warriors squad that has found its footing. Still, I am a bit sceptical about taking the Warriors in Game 1, this is a tricky scenario indeed. That’s why I’d rather opt for Any team winning with a difference of less than 6. (To Win By (3 Way): Any Other Score- Win With Difference Less Than 6 for 2.90)
Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.83 for Ja Morant going Over 25.5 Points here(At least 26 Points). Morant had a tough series versus the Wolves and only scored 25+ in two of the six games. However, I see him recovering his ways even against tough Warriors' defense. I believe he will go “Over Here”. (Player Props: Player Points: Bobby Portis Over 14.5)
Total: Bookmakers at 1xbet give the Total of 220.5 the equal odds of 1.97 so they believe the game will be higher scoring than a usual Playoff tussle. I think both teams will go over that mark at least in two of the games and I do think this will be one of those games. I see a strong offensive start to the series. (Total Over 220.5 for 1.97)
Where to Watch Grizzlies vs Warriors
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Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies shot horribly from the three-point line in the last series versus the Timberwolves, unable to get going apart from Desmond Bane. Brooks struggled shooting-wise, and so did Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson. Bane still provides a high-quality three-point shooting but the Warriors' defense will be ready for him. However, the inside offense for the Grizzlies is strong with players like Morant and Clarke, two players who did their most of their damage inside using their incredible athleticism. Although a defender like Draymond Green will help out the matters, the Grizzlies can still make a significant headway into the paint, also earning a bunch of free-throws. I see them having a strong game from both inside and outside.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors’ offense is blessed with the best three-point shooter ever in Stephen Curry while Klay Thompson showed his brilliance in the Nuggets series as well. It will be interesting to see if Jordan Poole can recover from a couple of tough games to finish the Nuggets series and I do believe he will. Having Draymond Green gives the team a strong screener and passer, a great combo. Andrew Wiggins can be the “X-Factor” and he can help out the Warriors offense if their outside shooting is unable to get going against a sturdy Grizzlies perimeter defense. However, the bulk of the offensive responsibilities will lay upon Thompson and Curry, a deadly combo indeed. Against the fast-break and steal-heavy team of the Grizzlies, the Warriors can use the small-ball line up of Payton-Curry-Thompson-Wiggins-Green. Let us see what adjustments Kerr makes against a strong running team.
Grizzlies vs Warriors: possible lineups
- Grizzlies most likely starting five: PG: Ja Morant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. | C: Xavier Tillman;
- Key Bench Player: Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Tyus Jones;
- Warriors most likely starting five: PG: Jordan Poole | SG: Klay Thompson | SF: Andrew Wiggins | PF: Draymond Green | C: Kevon Looney;
- Key Bench Players: Stephen Curry, Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr.
