NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies Game 3
Game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies Sat. May 11, 2013 5 p.m. ET
The plot has started to thicken in the second round playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder with the series shifting to the FedEx Forum for the first time. Memphis was able to bounce back in Game 2 of the series to even things up at one game apiece and seem to have convince many that it is their series to lose heading back home.
There’s no question the Thunder are still a very talented basketball team with a bright future ahead with superstar forward Kevin Durant at the helm, but they clearly aren’t the same team without Russell Westbrook running the show in the backcourt. With Westbrook going down, the team’s chances of winning an NBA title have gone down in the Las Vegas odds as well as this team doesn’t seem to be able to hack against the best of the best in the Western Conference.
In Game 3, the series may very well be on the line for the Thunder as a win would instantly reenergize this team and the hopes of advancing to the Western Conference Finals for a second consecutive season. Durant is doing everything within his power to keep this team alive, but it hasn’t been enough with the Grizzlies appearing to be the better all-around squad.
As of right now, Memphis has the edge before stepping on their home floor with a -5 point spread in their favor. The Grizzlies pride themselves on the defensive end of the floor and excel while playing at home leading me to believe that Memphis will take the series lead with a convincing win at FedEx Forum on Saturday night.
Although the Thunder may make a game of it, in the end the Grizzlies will prevail while covering the spread.