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It’s the last series remaining of the 2011 NBA Playoffs First Round games with the Spurs vs. Grizzlies line at Memphis -3. 25-12-3 Against The Spread is the record for NBA underdogs in the First Round after Thursday night’s 2-1 showing. It’s been an unprecedented run for the dogs. Let’s check out the Spurs vs. Grizzlies betting review courtesy of Sportsbook.com and Carrie Stroup.
Sportsbook.comLine/Total: Memphis -3 & 188.5
Memphis was just seconds away from winning its first-ever playoff series on Wednesday, before the Spurs hit two shots in the final 2.2 seconds to force overtime and win Game 5. The Grizzlies get a second chance to advance when they host the Spurs on Friday.
Coming so close to advancing and not coming through, Memphis will be devastated if it doesn’t recover and finish off the Spurs in Game 6. Very few people will give the Grizzlies a chance in Game 7 if it gets that far. After scoring just 11 points in Game 4, Zach Randolph recorded his third 20-point performance of the series, with 26 points and 11 rebounds in Game 5. Marc Gasol continued his strong series, grabbing 17 rebounds and scoring 11 points. Memphis has done an excellent job guarding the perimeter in this series, holding the Spurs to 31 percent shooting from three-point land.
After Gary Neal’s shot sent Game 5 into OT, the Spurs outscored Memphis 13-6 to force Game 6. Manu Ginobili was outstanding, hitting a shot with 2.2 seconds left to pull the Spurs within one, and scoring 33 points to lead all scorers. If San Antonio continues to get scoring from Ginobili, and Tony Parker can take care of the ball like he did in Game 5 (nine assists, one turnover), then the Spurs will be back in San Antonio for Game 7.
Having been brought back from the dead, the Spurs look ready to take advantage of their second chance. If overtime of Game 5 is any indication, Memphis might just be too shell-shocked to regain its composure. Even head coach Lionel Hollins said his team was not in the game mentally after allowing the Spurs to force the extra session.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
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