Memphis can make home dominance count against the Thunder

 

There's a double bill of NBA Playoff action on Saturday with Oklahoma's visit to Memphis available on Betfair Live Video. Sumeet Paul takes a closer look at who will  prevail in Saturday night's fixtures with both series locked at 1-1...

 

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies

 

The Memphis Grizzlies are unlucky not to be leading this series 2-0 as they welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder to a sell-out FedExForum on Saturday night.

 

Having come agonizingly close in Game 1, 26 points from point guard Mike Conley and another strong effort from Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in the second meeting  ensured they split the opening two games in Oklahoma.

 

They are 17-1 at home since February, and will be confident of protecting their home court. However, to do so, they must continue to attempt to control Kevin Durant's  scoring as he is averaging 37.3 points a game in the post season, while dealing with his team-mates from beyond the arc.

 

OKC undoubtedly remain a threat, but they will face a tough time contesting inside the paint and could slip behind in this series against one of the strongest  defensive outfits in the league.

 

New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers

 

Game 3 shifts to Indiana as the Pacers look to take a 2-1 series lead over the New York Knicks, who could be boosted by the return from injury of Amar'e Stoudemire.

 

Although there are question marks over whether his return will disrupt the rhythm of the Knicks, who have found ways to win without him, Stoudemire's limited-minutes  presence will afford them an option to counter the Pacers' dominance inside the paint.

 

The Knicks will be further buoyed by their shooting display in Game 2, clinching a 26 point blow-out win with Carmelo Anthony dealing with the physical game much  better on his way to 32 points.

 

This game is tough to call, but if Anthony and the Knicks heat up they are capable of going on game-defining runs. Combined with the potential return of Stoudemire,  who will be a game-time decision, to add presence against the Indiana bigs, they will be hopeful of snatching a road win.

 

Recommended Bets

Back the Grizzlies to beat the Thunder @ 1.51

Back the Knicks to beat the Pacers @ 2.58

 

Bet HERE

Viewed 717 times