Grizzlies vs Thunder Game 2 Pick

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Game 2

Monday, 8:00 PM EST

April 21, 2014

Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -7

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are well on their way to becoming the greatest one-two punch in NBA history.

At this point in the season, Durant continues to amaze every time he takes the court. The soon-to-be league MVP, once again put on a show, scoring 33 points en route to a victory in Game 1. And thanks to Westbrook, who scored 23 points of his own, the Thunder lead the Grizzles 29-16 at the end of the first quarter—with Durant and Westbrook combining for 21—precisely because they are so fast and so good.

As for the Grizzlies, if they stand a puncher’s chance against the Thunder, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are going to have to play better. It’s that simple.

This game was over after the first 24 minutes were played. Going 12-for-48 from the field in the first half, setting a franchise-low shooting 25% from the field, the Grizzlies looked shaky from the start.

Randolph’s seven for 22 shooting, combined with the team shooting just 36 percent from the field and making just 18 of 31 free throws, made it a mere impossibility for the pesky Grizzlies to claw themselves to a victory, despite cutting their deficit to 69-65 at the end of the third quarter.

Go ahead and argue if you believe that after the Thunder’s Game 1 performance, a resounding statement was made from Oklahoma City all the way to South Beach that the Thunder will be waiting for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. But if the No. 7 seed Grizzlies revert back to their style of basketball, instead of trying to do the impossible by outscoring the Thunder, then they’ll have another agenda for the No. 2 seed in the West.

Although the Thunder shot 44.7 percent from the floor and 25 percent from beyond the three-point arc as well as 87.5 percent from the free throw line, anticipate the Grizzlies to charge out of the game faster and stronger in Game 2. Otherwise, if they repeat their lackluster effort that was on display during the first half, the Thunder’s dominance will continue.

I picked the Grizzlies to defeat the Thunder in seven games. Therefore, if that’s going to happen, the Grizzlies must find a way to get the victory in Game 2. But if the script repeats itself, the Grizzlies will find themselves in a deep hole, which they’ll be unable to climb out of.

I won’t tell you to take the Grizzlies moneyline because you might not believe they have a chance to win, but I will tell you to take the Grizzlies and the points. I expect a much better showing this time around. You should too.

My pick: Memphis +7

April 20, 2014 by : Posted in Picks and Predictions No Comments
Adam Rosen

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Adam Rosen is a seasoned sports writer with special interests in Pro Football and Basketball. He has been picking sports games against the spread for years, and has posted a 56% win rate over his last 75 predictions.

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