Spurs vs Grizzlies | Game 1 Prediction & Pick

vs.

San Antonio Spurs (61-21) vs Memphis Grizzlies (46-36)
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 1:00 pm EST on TNT

Spread: San Antonio Spurs -6
Money Line: Spurs -270 / Grizzlies +230
Over/Under: 194

Season Series: These two teams split their season series 2-2.

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The San Antonio Spurs enjoyed a very good regular season even though they weren’t able to maintain their early record setting pace. Still, despite top spot in the Western Conference their stumbles down the stretch have many believing that it will be someone else representing the West in the Finals. I have to admit I might be among that group, this team full of veterans but I think it is obvious they peaked too soon. Not helping matters is the fact that leading scorer and playmaker Manu Ginobili is doubtful for the opener and perhaps longer. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this team went far and it wouldn’t be a shocker if they lost in the first round either given the way Memphis has battled them this season. Tim Duncan was supposed to have been saving himself for the playoffs. Let’s see.

Note: SA is 0-4 ATS against Memphis this season.

No team has played the Spurs as tough as the Memphis Grizzlies this season. They split their series with the Spurs this season including forcing overtime at San Antonio. This team may be young but their success against San Antonio should mean they won’t be overly intimidated. The funny thing about this matchup is how everyone concedes the Grizzlies are better up front. Tim Duncan may be a Hall of Famer but his production is way down this year, meanwhile Zach Randolph had a beast of a season averaging 20 and 12 while actually providing some leadership for this very young team. Throw in centre Marc Gasol and there is going to be plenty of been banging in this series. If the Grizzlies can grab one of the first two the Spurs are in trouble…but can they?

The current line on this one is San Antonio Spurs -6 with an over/under of 194. That is fair value with Ginobili but if he is out then I would back the Grizzlies in a heartbeat.

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Prediction: All the underdogs have been coming out pretty strong and I expect the same here. Grizzlies challenge all game long but come up just short.

Score: San Antonio 97 – Memphis 94

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San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies 2011 Playoff Schedule
Game 1: Sun. April 17: Memphis @ San Antonio – 1:00 pm EST on TNT
Game 2: Wed. April 20: Memphis @ San Antonio – 7:30 pm EST on NBA TV
Game 3: Sat. April 23: San Antonio @ Memphis – 6:30 pm EST on ESPN
Game 4: Mon. April 25: San Antonio @ Memphis – TBD
Game 5: Wed. April 27: Memphis @ San Antonio – TBD
*Game 6: Fri. April 29: San Antonio @ Memphis – TBD
*Game 7: Sun. May 01: Memphis @ San Antonio – TBD
* If necessary

San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends

• Spurs are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
• Spurs are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Spurs are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.

Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends

• Grizzlies are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Southwest.
• Grizzlies are 17-4 ATS in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.