The Memphis Grizzlies (1-1) visit the Golden State Warriors (1-1) Saturday for Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Grizzlies are among two teams left in the playoffs with both an offensive and defensive rating in the top six during the regular season (the Phoenix Suns are the other).
That play was in full effect against the visiting Warriors in Game 2 in which PG Ja Morant dropped a game-high 47 points in a 106-101 victory. He single-handedly abused the Warriors’ “fast five” lineup.
The series now moves to Chase Center, where the Warriors posted the NBA’s second-best home record (31-10) during the regular season – the Suns were first at 32-9. The Dubs are significantly better at home and likely won’t shoot 7-for-38 from deep again as they did in Game 2.
Golden State will be without SG Gary Payton II, the primary defender on Morant in the opener, due to a fractured elbow. Payton was injured when hit from behind on a breakaway by SF Dillon Brooks in the first 3 minutes of Game 2. Brooks received a flagrant foul 2, was ejected and has been suspended for Saturday’s contest.
Grizzlies at Warriors odds and lines
- Money line: Grizzlies +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Warriors -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies +6.5 (-105) | Warriors -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Grizzlies at Warriors key injuries
Grizzlies
- SF Dillon Brooks (suspension) out
Warriors
- F Andre Iguodala (neck) out
- SG Gary Payton II (shoulder) out
Grizzlies at Warriors picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 112, Grizzlies 110
Money line
PASS.
The Warriors (-300) are entirely too expensive. The only playable side is the Grizzlies (+230), but considering the Warriors made a league-high 15 triples per game at home this season, I’d go with the points (spread) instead.