NBA - Memphis Grizzlies v Oklahoma

11 December 2009

Preview By Tipster Jumbo (New Zealand)

The Grizzlies are going well as are the Thunder, Interesting that one player in James Harden is making big strides for the Thunder after the Grizzlies passed him over in the draft.

Following two straight wins over division leaders, the Grizzlies finish their three-game home stand against the Thunder, they have won their last 3 matches against sides they really were given no chance against and so confidence should be high for them heading into today's game against this Thunder side, Certain players should get special mention, most notably Mayo , Conley and Randolph, Mayo is averaging 17.6 points this season alongside point guard Conley in a back court Memphis hopes to have around for a long time. But recent games have improved them greatly with Mayo averaging 22.5 points in his last four games, and Conley 14.0 in his last three. While Randolph, had his third straight double-double Tuesday with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Since ridding themselves of Iverson Memphis is 7-4 and looking strong after a 1-8 start. The Grizzlies will match their longest winning streak from all of last season— four games—if they win Tonight.

The Thunder are also going well right now and are being led well by Durant with Harden a notable mention, Harden who the Grizzlies passed over had a career-high 26 points as the Thunder beat Golden State 104-88 on Monday night. Durant added a team-high 28 points for the Thunder also Harden earlier in the season went five straight games scoring in double figures , but was held under 10 in three straight games before the game against the Warriors. He’s averaging 9.7 points, close to becoming the fourth Thunder player posting at least 10 a game. Durant, who leads Oklahoma City with 28.1 points per contest, is averaging 31.0 in his last three games against Memphis. Add in players the likes of Westbrook, Collision and Kristic and they are a handy side who will score some points, they are winning and that always brings confidence and as such I think they will go very well here today.

The Thunder are 6-4 in their last 10 against the Grizzlies and are also 6-4 ATS in those matches, As the Thunder they have won their last 2 in Memphis against this Grizzlies side but had lost the previous 2 as the old Supersonics, The Thunder/Sonics are 1-3 ATS in the last 4 matches between the two sides in Memphis…Total wise and the set total has been passed in 7 of the last 10 meetings between these two sides and has also been passed in 3 of the last 4 matches played in Memphis, In fact this total set today is the second lowest set between these two sides in 9 of the last 10 matches and has been passed in 9 of the last 10 matches between these two sides.

The Thunder have scored 100 or more in 3 of their last 5 matches while allowing 88 or more in those matches, meanwhile the Grizzlies have scored over 92 points in their last 4 matches while allowing 90 or more in 4 of their last 5 matches, Both sides are shooting at the mid 40% range on their seasons although the Grizzlies are looking the better for the two sides in that regard, Both sides average 5 or more 3 pointers made in their last 5 matches and in games where these sides have played teams similar to themselves this season they have been very high scoring games indeed.

The Grizzlies are on the rise and their last 3 wins against the Cavs, Mavs and T- Wolves were all impressive, however I reckon the Thunder will pose far more of a threat than either side would like to admit, both sides have young talented players who love to score and love to run and with both sides rested for today's game that’s what I am expecting…I think the Grizzlies will win, but I think it could be very close at the death….Good Luck.