The Grizzlies, currently the eighth seed in the Western Conference overall standings, will face the Golden State Warriors this evening in Memphis. The two conference rivals are scheduled to take the court at the FedEX Forum at 8:00pm ET. NBA Point Spreads have the Grizzlies listed as a -10.5 against the spread and -700 moneyline favorite; the game total is set at 211.
It has been over five years since the Memphis Grizzlies garnered a post-season berth, but they are on the verge of ending
that streak this season. Certainly the team has much work left to do if it wants to assure a spot in the playoffs, but as of this moment, the Grizzlies are in with a two game lead over the ninth place Rockets.
Memphis (41-33), which has won four of its last five games, made a big statement on Sunday night, beating the Spurs 111-104 at the FedEX Forum. The Grizzlies shot 54.5 percent from the field in the win as six players reached double figures in scoring. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph led the way on offense, combining for 46 points on 17-of-24 shooting. Randolph finished the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds giving him his fifth double double in the Grizzlies last nine games.
Memphis, which owns a 26-10 home record, will play five of its final eight games at the FedEX Forum. That may be all the advantage it needs to stave off the streaking Rockets, who have won six of their last seven games.
Unfortunately for Warriors fans, Golden State has already been eliminated from playoff contention; however, with an epic run over its last seven outings, Monta Ellis and company could approach a respectable record. The team fell to 32-43 last night with a 114-115 overtime loss at Oklahoma City.
The setback snapped a two game win streak for the Warriors, who rank sixth in the league in scoring at 103.5 points per contest. Ellis and David Lee both finished the night with double doubles, the former going for 20 points and 11 assists while the latter tallied 24 points and 15 rebounds. Neither led the team in scoring, though, as Stephen Curry posted 35 points in 49 minutes of play.
Memphis took the last meeting between these two teams, pulling out a 116-111 win in Tennessee. The Grizzlies are 3-1 in its last four home games against Golden State, winning by an average of 11.3 points per game.
Warriors vs Grizzlies NBA Point Spreads March 30th, 2011:
Golden State Warriors +10.5 (-110), Over 211 (-110), +550 (Moneyline)
Memphis Grizzlies -10.5 (-110), Under 211 (-110), -700 (Moneyline)
