NBA Betting Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Game 3

Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies
Thursday, 4/25/13, 9:30 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Memphis -3.5
Current Betting Line: Memphis -4
Opening Total: 180.5
Current Total: 179.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Memphis Grizzlies were 32-9 SU at the FedExForum during the regular season

Los Angeles has won the first two games of this best of seven Western Conference first round series, including a 93-91 victory over Memphis as 5.5-point home favorites Monday night, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. “We have enough veteran leadership to know how important these games are,” commented Clippers point guard Chris Paul. He is averaging 23.5 points and 8.0 assists, which is important to consider when looking over the NBA betting lines Thursday night. Los Angeles is 12-4 ATS when playing on two days rest, with the OVER going 10-6 in that situation.

The Clippers became the 51st team in NBA history to take a 2-0 series lead in this type of setting, with 47 of the previous 50 advancing to the second round, but that group compiled a 22-28 record in Game 3. Los Angeles is currently enjoying its third-longest winning streak in franchise history dating back to the regular season, as it has come out on top in its last nine affairs. It’s important to keep an eye on the score after the opening 12 minutes, with this squad winning 43 of 47 games when leading after the first quarter this season.

Memphis scored 91 points in each of the first two games in this series, but it will need to tighten things up on defense to come away with a victory in this spot, as it led the NBA in allowing just 89.5 points per game during the regular season. “We have to do a better job coming back and picking up those 50-50 balls,” stated Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley. The Grizzlies were 32-9 at the FedExForum during the 2012-13 campaign, including a 20-6 mark versus conference rivals. Memphis is 7-2 ATS as home favorites of 3.5 to 6 points this season, with the OVER going 6-3 in that situation.

The Grizzlies went 43-2 this season when shooting a higher field goal percentage thean their opponent, while going 13-24 when failing to do so. Memphis needs a big game out of power forward Zach Randolph in the paint, as he’s grabbed just 12 total rebounds after averaging 11.2 during the regular season.