April 25 – The Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers play the third game of their playoff series on Saturday night.
The big question in the Portland dressing room has to be can they stop the Grizzlies from tap dancing all over them every time they bump into each other.
Memphis has had their way with the Blazers for a while now. Let’s just say if these two were cellmates at Leavenworth, the Grizzlies would have most of the Blazers’ cigarettes.
Will everything come up roses in the City of Roses this Saturday
After sweeping the four-game season series, they kept rolling right along, winning the first two playoff games. Memphis boasts an 11-1 record (straight up and ATS) the last 12 times these two have met.
The Trail Blazers can usually count on homecourt to even things out vs. a tough opponent, as Portland has been a tough place to play (they were one of the best home teams in the league this past season with a 32-9 mark), but the Grizzlies haven’t been fazed by this hoemcourt advantage, going 5-1 straight up and ATS the last six visits to the Rose City (I think Portland’s called that).
Down 2-0, facing a team that has owned them, both at home and on the road, it doesn’t look to “rosy” for the Blazers (see what I did there).
The line at Pinnacle is currently Portland -3.
Past history aside, I’m up for taking a shot that the Trail Blazers elevate their game in this spot. They’re clearly better than they showed in Memphis and despite being nicked up, can matchup with the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers: NBA Playoff Picks
In this situation – at home, down 2-0 in the series, I like the set-up for the home side to exorcise some demons and push back on the bully.
Look for the Blazers to dial their game up Saturday night, booking a win and a cover.
Portland -3
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