NBA Basketball Matchup: Grizzlies vs Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies are having a tough mini road trip facing both teams from last year’s NBA Finals back to back.
Memphis Grizzlies (30-23) vs Miami Heat (39-14)
Friday April 6
American Airlines Arena – Miami, FL
7:30PM
Moneyline: No money line currently listed.
Spread: Miami -8
O/U: 189
Memphis
Against Dallas Wednesday night they had the lead heading into the fourth but couldn’t hold on, stopping a streak of three in a row. They haven’t played the Heat in over a year but their visit last season was an embarrassment – a 33 point loss that was over by halftime.
At least they will have a day off after playing three nights in a row.
For Memphis the rest should be good for point guard Mike Conley who just came back from injury and looked sluggish in losing to the Mavs Wednesday. Shooting guard O.J. Mayo had another solid game, shooting it will from deep range. They will have to increase his minutes even though his defense can be a liability.
Defense is important against the Heat but sometimes Tony Allen is too one dimensional. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Miami
The Miami Heat came up with a strong effort in a statement game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday night. They allowed Kevin Durant to score 30 points but also forced him to turn the ball over 9 times. That is an awful lot for someone who is going to shoot it more often than not.
Lebron James led the way with 34 points of his own, tacking on 10 assists as well. Miami really won the game at the arc and at the line.
James has been fantastic the last two games averaging 37+ points and making a late run for the MVP award.
The Heat are so reliant on their big three that is worth noting when somebody else make a significant contribution. That somebody of late has been point guard Mario Chalmers who has scored more than 12 points in 5 of his last 6 games.
His play will be important in the playoffs when defenses clamp down that much more.
Spread Pick: Miami -8
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Miami 101 – Memphis 91
