Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – 2011 NBA Western Conference Semifinals Betting

2011 NBA Western Conference Playoffs – Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview: It has been a history-making postseason for both Memphis and Oklahoma City this far, and for one of these teams, a trip to the conference finals will be added to the record books. This matchup has the potential to be one of the most exciting playoff series in recent memory. Both teams are loaded with talented, athletic young players, and not a single starter on either side is over the age of 30. The Thunder have been installed as a -345 favorite(odds at SBG Global Sportsbook) to win the series.

The Thunder got past the Denver Nuggets in five games for the first playoff series win in franchise history. The Grizzlies also scored the first playoff series win in franchise history, but they did in more dramatic fashion. Memphis knocked off the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs, becoming just the second No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a best-of-seven format. For both teams, they were clearly the dominant team on the court in the opening round.

Before anyone assumes that Memphis’ magical playoff run will come to an end, it is worth mentioning that they held a 3-1 advantage against the Thunder during the regular season. The Grizzlies won both games at home and split with the Thunder in Oklahoma City. If anything, it should be the No. 4-seeded Thunder that should be worried heading into this contest.

The problem with basing this series on the regular season results is that the Thunder never faced the Grizzlies with their current starting five. A midseason trade brought Kendrick Perkins into the mix and completely transformed the OKC defense. With Perkins manning the middle and Serge Ibaka moving to power forward, the Thunder are giving up 10.5 fewer points per game and five fewer points in the paint. Oklahoma City has been playing their best basketball of the season since the trade, and the Grizzlies will have a harder time handling the new-look Thunder.

Breaking down the matchups, the Thunder certainly have the edge in star power. Russell Westbrook is one of the premier point guards in the league, and he is too strong and fast for Mike Conley Jr. to handle. OKC also has the NBA’s leading scorer Kevin Durant at their disposal. Memphis will likely attempt to defend him with a combination of Shane Battier and Tony Allen, but Durant has scored nearly 30 points a game all season against a variety of defenders, and he isn’t going to stop now.

Memphis had an advantage all season in the paint thanks to Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The two combine for roughly 40 points and 25 rebounds on a regular basis, and they were a big reason why the Grizzlies handled the Thunder during the regular season. However, the two big men won’t find things quite as easy now that OKC’s new frontcourt is around. Randolph and Gasol will continue to be productive, but they won’t be able to take over the game like they did in the pre-Perkins era.

Two of the league’s most exciting teams are facing off in this one, and it is a shame that one of them is going to get sent packing. While the Grizzlies’ upset has been a great story, the surprises end in this round. Look for Durant to close out the games when it counts, while Perkins and Ibaka make life rough for the Memphis offense. The Grizzlies won’t get blown out, but they don’t have quite enough to beat a surging Thunder squad.  

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder Win in 6 Games

NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies
Oklahoma City Thunder -345
Memphis Grizzlies +285