New Orleans Hornets @ Memphis Grizzlies
United States: NBA Basketball
Sunday 27 January 2013 - Tip Off 6pm
11pm (British Time)
Preview
After struggling Offensively, the Memphis Grizzlies (28-14) have just broken out on that side of the court and that makes them a tough proposition with one of the better Defenses in the NBA. The Grizzlies are still somewhat in the running for a top three seed in the Western Conference, but that means putting away inferior opposition.
That is what the New Orleans Hornets (14-29) have to be considered as they look to get themselves out of the basement in the Western Conference. However, they will need to rediscover their form after a poor performance in the home loss against the Houston Rockets.
Memphis have a lot of momentum coming into this game as they have won 4 of their last 5 games and they won't want to drop off with the Oklahoma City Thunder an opponent in the coming week. They have based their success on a Defense that has allowed an average of 79.4 points per game over their last 5 games.
The Grizzlies have also been impressing off the bench in recent games, although they will be hoping Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay can break out of their recent slumps. Both of those could have been affected by trade rumours, although the deal Memphis struck with Cleveland last week should ensure both are here until the off-season at the very least.
New Orleans have now lost back to back games following a special run of winning 7 from 9 before that. Both Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson have been propelling the Hornets in recent games, although the team suddenly went cold in the loss to the Houston Rockets last time out.
The Hornets had been averaging almost 110 points per game in 3 previous games before being held to 82 against Houston.
Head to Head
Memphis are 6-1 in the last 7 games in the series between these teams including a 7 point win on the road earlier this season.
The Grizzlies have beaten New Orleans 3 times in a row at home, going 2-1 against the spread in those games.
Prediction
Memphis have picked up some serious form in recent games and I think they can stifle New Orleans enough on the defensive side of the court to win the game and cover the spread.
The Grizzlies have been pretty dominant in the series between the teams and I think they want to maintain momentum before the big game with Oklahoma City later this week.
The Pick :
Memphis Grizzlies 104-95 New Orleans Hornets
FIXED ODDS BETTING :
I'll back the Memphis Grizzlies - 7.5 Points @ 2.00
Source:
http://www.goonersguide.com/basketball-pick-17046-New-Orleans-Hornets-at-Memphis-Grizzlies.htm
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