Friday, March 28, 10:30 PM on SPSO, CSBy

ORACLE Arena, Oakland, California

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Memphis needs to be careful as they start a five game road trip at Golden State Friday night, because their playoff hopes are anything but set in stone. Phoenix is coming hard and are only ½ a game behind the Grizzlies as we enter single-digit games left in the season. Likewise, the Warriors are only two games up on Memphis for the 6th seed but should be well rested by the time the Grizzlies get to town.

Memphis has been nothing if not solid the entire second half of the season, losing back to back games only once since December. They've been a respectable two games above .500 as they start to wind down the season. Surprisingly, that success hasn't transferred to a higher potential seeding as the Grizzlies find themselves only in the 7th spot with a late season skid possibly leaving the Western Conference finalists from a year ago, on the outside looking in.

Golden State has essentially sealed their playoff fate. They'll likely be on the road in round one unless they have a catastrophic finish and give up a 2 game lead with just 11 to go (6 at home). The Warriors will have six of their seven final games against non-playoff teams but it's still better to clinch early and head into the postseason rested and ready. Golden State has followed that model, winning seven of their last 10 even though they're a paltry 2-6 against the spread in their last 8.

The Warriors will have 5 days of rest by the time they try to defend their 108-82 win from December 7th. Steph Curry, Klay Thomson, and David Lee combined for 75 points to blow away the -2 road favorite line in Memphis.

ATS Trends

Memphis is 18-14-1 ATS on the road this season

Memphis is 12-21-0 against the over/under on the road this season

Golden State is 15-18-2 ATS at home this season

Golden State is 14-21-0against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Memphis 

12/09/13 F Quincy Pondexter Foot out for season
03/25/14 G Tony Allen Stomach probable

Golden State 

11/02/13 C Festus Ezeli Knee out indefinitely
03/21/14 C Jermaine O'Neal Wrist questionable
03/18/14 F Andre Iguodala Knee out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take Memphis

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