NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies hold a 2-1 lead in their playoff series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but this is a very familiar position for them.

In 2011, they held a 2-1 lead in the series when the Thunder suddenly stormed back to beat them in triple overtime to split the series.  The Thunder, of course, would go on to take the series.  The Grizzles now find themselves in position for redemption and the chance to go even deeper into the playoffs.

The Grizzlies will hold home-court advantage and the Thunder are still without Russell Westbrook, given the Thunder the opportunity to go up 3-1, which drastically decreases the Thunders odds to make a comeback.

“We in the same position now, so it’s time for us to conquer that moment and take advantage of these games that’s ahead of us and try to win two games,”

-Tony Allen

The Grizzlies also have last year’s playoff run on their minds when they got knocked out by the Los Angeles Clippers in a seven game series.

The Grizzlies are undefeated this post season when they are playing in Memphis increasing their odds of going up 3-1 in this series.

The Thunder also have a past of heartbreaking playoff losses and are struggling offensively, seemingly completely relying on the game of Kevin Durant.  The last game they only shot for 36 percent, with Durant also missing many shots.  It is clear that this whole team is going to have to step up in order to get past the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies defense simply stifled the Thunders offense this last game.  Holding both Kevin Martin and Serge Ibaka, who were big factors in the Thunders Game 1 win over the grizzlies, to just 13 points a piece.

“I have to put them in better position.  I have to make shots to free them up. I have to continue to help their confidence grow every time down. I got to do a better job. That’s how I look at it.”

-Kevin Durant

Game 4 will be tonight (Monday, May 13) at 9:30 p.m. ET.   The Grizzlies are favored with a -4.5 point spread.