Three integral fixtures are on the cards for the BetDeluxe NBA Playoffs Preview on Friday.
The Grizzlies and Timberwolves, the Jazz and the Mavericks, and the Nuggets and Warriors all take to the court.
memphis @ minnesota
april 22nd 9:30am
It is game three of this hot playoffs series between Minnesota and Memphis as we move to Timberwolves territory locked away a 1-1.
The Timberwolves gained the advantage in the series after an upset victory in game one, but the Grizzlies rebounded with an emphatic win in game two.
Ja Morant led his Grizzlies to a 124-96 flogging of Minnesota after almost posting a triple double worth 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
The win was a true reflection of the gulf in class between these two franchises on the court.
There was a tangible lift in the pressure and hustle on the Grizzlies end.
Nine steals and 60 points in the paint highlighted a huge shift in physicality from game one.
The Timberwolves will need to take more care of the ball on their home court after they committed 19 turnovers in game two.
You cannot give a team like the Grizzlies that many free looks and expect to get away with it.
The margin posted in game two will be thinned up in this contest, but the Grizzlies should cover the spread again.
Suggested Bet: Memphis Grizzlies -1.5 at $1.91
dallas @ utah
april 22nd 11:00am
Utah and Dallas find themselves locked away at 1-1 heading into game three at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday morning.
The Mavericks found a way to win without Luka Doncic on the back of a jaw-dropping display from Jalen Brunson who managed to rip the Jazz defence with 41 points in the 110-104 game two victory.
There is still some doubt as to whether Doncic will line up in this game as he continues his recovery from a calf strain.
A return home for Utah still sees them hold the aces in this series having posted the all-important road victory in game one.
With the Mavericks having revealed Brunson as a genuine playoffs match-winner, the Jazz defence will be much more wary of his danger.
Keep an eye on the squads closer to tip off, if Donic misses again, we expect the Jazz to cover spread.
Suggested Bet: Utah -6.5 at $1.93 (If Doncic does not play)
golden state @ denver
april 22nd 12:00pm
The Golden State Warriors visit the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference first round with a 2-0 lead in the series.
The Warriors won the last matchup 126-106 on April 19 led by 34 points from Stephen Curry, while Nuggets MVP candidate Nikola Jokic scored 26 points.
Golden State’s defence really held firm and quelled the influence of Jokic throughout the first two games and it needs to do the same on the road.
Jokic is so important to this Nuggets team and the moment his output is limited, the Nuggets struggle.
The form of Curry will have Steve Kerr smiling yet again and a massive four-point play during game-two was a huge sign he is back in championship mode.
With Klay Thompson also hitting his peak after returning from a serious achilles injury this season, the Splash Brothers look ready to turn out the lights in Denver.
Suggested Bet: Golden State -1.5 at $1.90
