NBA Basketball
2010-03-01 - Portland Trail Blaze at Memphis Grizzlies
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
NBA Basketball
Monday 1st March, Start: 01:00 (GMT)
Preview
This is a big match for both teams as playoff implications may be affected come April 14th. The Western Conference is the more competitive of the 2 Conferences when it comes to potential playoff teams and it may come down to 1 or 2 wins that separates coming into the Number 8 seed or a long off season.
Memphis are 30-29 this season and find themselves 3.5 games behind their opponents who occupy the final playoff berth. The Grizzlies are 18-12 at home this season, but have been involved in 2 long streaks at home, riding 11 consecutive wins and currently on a 6 game losing slide at home. Memphis are 16-13-1 against the spread at Fedex Forum.
The Grizzlies are 4-6 in their last 10 games but they have won 2 of their last 3. As mentioned, they have lost 6 in a row at home, but the last 3 matches have been close. In those 3 games, they have suffered an overtime loss, a 1 point defeat to the LA Lakers who scored a 3 pointer with the last shot of the game, and a 4 point defeat.
Jamaal Tinsley is the only question mark for Memphis, but is listed as being probable.
Portland would be the 8th seed in the NBA Western Conference if the regular season was to end today, and they hold a 3 game lead over their nearest rival, the New Orleans Saints. However, there is still a lot of basketball to be played by a side that is struggling with little injuries to key players. They have a 35-27 record this season, and they have a solid enough 16-14 record on the road. This road record translates into an impressive 19-11 against the spread.
The Trail Blazers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, although they have picked up their form recently with 3 wins from their last 4 games, the only defeat being an overtime loss. They have won 4 of their last 5 on the road and this will be their 5th consecutive road game.
Portland do not have any new injury concerns for this match.
Head to Head
Portland have a fantastic record in Memphis in recent matches, winning 6 in a row at Fedex Forum.
The Trail Blazers also won 8 games in a row in their meetings after their most recent win at Memphis. However, this has been changed since that loss, with Memphis winning the last 2 games between the sides, both in Portland.
Memphis are 17-11-1 against the spread with 1 day rest. Portland are 15-19 against the spread, also with 1 day rest.
Prediction
Memphis will look to dominate the boards in a fashion similar to the Chicago Bulls who inflicted the last defeat on Portland. They have been close to winning at home in their last 3 matches, and they will look to their form at home to help push for a playoff spot.
Portland are a good team that seems to be a little restricted with niggles to some of their key players. Marcus Camby was recently brought in from the LA Clippers to give them more options off the boards, and his integration into the side will be key.
I thinK Memphis will snap their record of losing games at home in this match. They can dominate the boards and that will give them an edge. Close losses have affected them at home, but a win here will push them back towards the playoff picture. It will be tough for Portland who play their 5th consecutive road game so I will take Memphis to win.
The Pick :
Memphis Grizzlies 112-104 Portland Trail Blaz
