The Golden State Warriors visit FedExForum Sunday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Warriors come into this series after beating the Denver Nuggets in 5 games, only losing by 5 points in Game 4. The Warriors were 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in that series and 3-1 when giving a spread under 8.
Golden State was led by two-time MVP G Stephen Curry who averaged 28 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from deep. The Dubs have covered 8 of their last 11.
Memphis it is coming off a tiring series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was 6 games of high-energy performances in which the Grizzlies covered 3 of them.
The Grizzlies were led in the series by G Desmond Bane who averaged 23.5 points per game and shot 49.1% from the field. Memphis is 55-32-1 ATS, the best covering rate in the NBA.
Warriors at Grizzlies odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:13 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Warriors +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Grizzlies -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Warriors -2.5 (-110) | Grizzlies +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Warriors at Grizzlies key injuries
Warriors
- F Andre Iguodala (cervical) out
Grizzlies
- F Steve Adams (health and safety protocols) out
[tipico]
Warriors at Grizzlies picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 114, Grizzlies 107
Money line
PASS.
The Warriors opened at -140 which was a bit too pricey for me although I do expect them to come out on top. Although the line has flipped I’ll pass here and back the spread.
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Against the spread
BET the WARRIORS -2.5 (-110).
While the Grizzlies are young and should be able to quickly bounce back from their Game 6 on Friday night, preparing for the Warriors in such a quick time is difficult.
They’ll also be preparing for a lineup they’ve yet to see this season, the Warriors’ “Fast Five.”
Also, Memphis’ regular-season advantage was on the glass, where it was the best offensive rebounding team in the league. Without Adams, it won’t have that same size dominance on the smaller Warriors.
Considering his absence will take away their top advantage coupled with F Draymond Green‘s ability to limit G Ja Morant‘s drives, I expect the Warriors to tame a lethal Grizzlies attack.
Over/Under
LEAN to the OVER 220.5 (-110).
The Warriors had the second-best defensive rating in the NBA, but much of the total will depend on the pace.
That’s what the Grizzlies bring to the table. The Grizzlies ranked 4th in pace during the regular season and their series with the Minnesota was the fastest-pace first-round matchup.
The extremely high totals forced it to just be 4-2 O/U. The Warriors were 4-1 O/U during their 5-game series. Golden State scored 120 or more in 3 of the 5 games.
I expect similar offensive prowess from the Dubs, and they should be able to do just that with the extra possessions a quicker game will undoubtedly provide.
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