By #1 Sports
Oklahoma City: The Thunder (11-9) are coming off a victory, 104-88 over the Warriors, Monday night at the FedEx Center in which SG James Harden (9.7p, 3.2r, 2.5a) racked up 26 points, 9 boards, and 5 assists off the bench while his team held the NBA’s highest scoring franchise to just 43% shooting. Scott Bank’s squad boasts plenty of size with 6′9″ 235 SF Kevin Durant (28.1p, 7.1r, 3.1a), 7′0″ 240 C Nenad Krystic (8.3p, 4.8r), and 6′9″ 235 PF Jeff Green (14.7p, 6.2r, 1.8a) up front while 6′7″ SG Thabo Sefolosha (6.3p, 5.7r, 1.9a) provides some interesting mismatches. Green especially has developed (21 points, 13 boards against the Warriors) while 6′10″ 235 rookie Serge Ibaka’s (3.9p, 3.8r) athleticism indicates a huge upside.
Memphis: The Grizzlies (9-12) are 7-4 since dumping Iverson and the relief, due to his departure, of Lionel Hollis’s team is apparent to all observers. Tuesday night Memphis tallied their 3rd consecutive victory, a 111-109 home overtime tilt over Cleveland, in which this crew forced 18 turnovers and topped the Cavs 17-4 in fast break points following halftime. Over the 3-game run, the Grizz have shot over 40% from behind the arc led by 6′4″ SG OJ Mayo (17.6p, 3.8r, 2.9a) who has nailed 30 for 79 this season. PG Jamaal Tinsley has been battling back stiffness and has lost his minutes to Mike Conley (8.9p, 2.0r, 4.7a) who scored the game-winner Tuesday. On the blocks, 6′8″ 230 Rudy Gay (20.6p, 6.5r), 6′9″ 260 Zach Randolph (18.9p, 9.9r), and 7′1″ 265 Marc Gasol (14.4p, 9.6r) have the size to match up the Thunder.
FREE SELECTION: The youthful Thunder have come a long way since opening up last campaign 2-18 but the Grizzlies are playing their best ball in years with recent wins over not just the Cavs but also the Mavs. Both strong inside but Hollis’s bigs handle the ball better. Take Memphis – 1 1/2 and pick up your Free Daily Selections at Freeplays.com
- The Champs at #1 Sports