Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks – Picks & Predictions

Line: Memphis -3.5

There’s going to be no tiebreaker needed to determine the 7^th and 8^th seeds in the Western Conference.

Thanks to the Grizzlies victory over Phoenix Suns on Monday night, Dallas and Memphis will face-off to decide the final two seeds in the NBA’s regular season finale.

The reward for the winner will be a matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the loser guaranteeing themselves a trip to San Antonio, to face a team that has the NBA’s best record and has lost only four times since the All-Star break.

Memphis has failed to defeat Dallas this season, losing all three times. Although this seems to point towards another Mavericks victory, the Grizzlies are one of the most dangerous teams heading into the playoffs. The Grizzlies are 26-14 at home this season, but Dallas has rarely disappointed on the road going 27-11 ATS.

These teams play opposite styles. Memphis emphasizes a very slow tempo, while Dallas, who ranks in the top-5 in pace of play and is number two in the league in 3-point shooting, can put up points in a hurry averaging 104.8 points per game. The Grizzlies, who were 10-15 after a loss to Dallas on Dec. 18 now has the NBA’s third best record since January 14. Ranking in the top-10 in defensive efficiency, giving up a mere 94.4 points per game – 3^rd best in the league – the Grizzlies will look to contain Dirk Nowitzki and a Mavericks team that shoot 47% from the field.

If this game was going to be played in Dallas, I’d say take the Mavericks.  But as good as the Grizzlies have been playing, it’s hard for me pick against them. Take Memphis -3.5 all day (and night) long baby.