NBA Playoffs 2012: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Game 3 Odds
The Memphis Grizzlies (1-1) and Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) will continue their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Saturday inside the Staples Center, with the opening tip scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Clippers as three-point home favorites in Game 3, while the total has held steady at its opening number of 187.
Memphis bounced back in a major way with a 105-98 win as seven-point home favorites in Game 2 on Wednesday night, as it was unable to hold onto a 27-point lead in dropping a 99-98 decision just two days earlier.
The Grizzlies are being led offensively by the play of forward Rudy Gay, who is averaging 20.0 points in the postseason, which is a point higher than his team-high average of 19.0 points during the regular season. He missed the entire 2011 NBA playoffs with a left shoulder injury.
Sports bettors will find that the Grizzlies are 0-5-1 against the spread when playing on two days rest, while the "under" is 17-7 in their 24 games as an underdog this year.
Los Angeles took control of home-court advantage by splitting the first two games in Memphis, as it registered a 24-9 record at the Staples Center during the regular season. The Clippers won three out of five home games when favored by three or fewer points, with the over going 3-2 in those contests.
Total players have been thrown for a loop after all three regular-season meetings went under the total, with the two postseason games going over by an average of 15.5 points a game.
Let's ride that wave of momentum and anticipate another higher-than-normal scoring contest between these two talented squads, especially with Clippers point guard Chris Paul averaging 21.5 points and 8.5 assists in the first two games.
Pick: Over 187
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