The NBA playoffs for 2022 are really heating up now as we enter an exciting Game 6 between Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Let's have a look at the NBA betting picks.
The Warriors currently lead the series 3-2 but were absolutely dominated in Game 5 when they had the chance to seal the series in Memphis, getting blown out in a big way on the road.
Now they look to close the series out and avoid a Game 7 by maintaining their 100% record at home in the series so far, and we'll look to break down the game and provide you with the best free betting picks to earn you some extra cash.
Learn more about how to bet on the NBA playoffs here.
Game 6 information
- May 13th, 2022
- 10 pm ET
- Chase Centre, San Francisco
- Live on ESPN
How did the series go so far?
What a series it's been so far between two of the most entertaining teams in the entire NBA, as they battle for a place in the Western Conference finals.
Game 1 was a super close and intense game throughout as the two teams stayed neck-and-neck the whole way through the four quarters. In the end, though, it was Steph Curry's side that got the job done in the FedEx Forum as they emerged victorious with a 117-116 score. It was Jordan Poole who led the way in scoring for his team with 31pts, while Curry himself chipped in with 24. Klay Thompson got 15 and Andrew Wiggins 17 as they managed to overcome a Grizzlies side that saw Ja Morant score 34 and Jaren Jackson Jr claim 33 himself as the game leaders.
Game 2 was close once again, but this time it was the home side who came out victorious with a 106-101 win to tie the series. Morant had an astonishing game as he scored 47 points, hit eight assists, and got eight rebounds to blast the Warriors out of the arena. Curry went 27-8-9 on the night for a decent showing, but Morant would not be denied and ensure his side took the win.
Game 3 was a totally different game, however, as the Warriors turned it on and blew the Grizzlies out of the water with a 30-point win at the Chase Centre, 142-112. Six players recorded double-figure scoring totals for Golden State, with Curry earning a team-leading 30 points. Poole hit 27, Thompson 21, and Wiggins 17 but it was the performances of Jonathan Kuminga with 18 in 18 minutes and Otto Porter Jr grabbing 13-4-3 with limited action that took them over the line. Morant continued his impressive series on the other side, scoring a game-leading 34 points but it wasn't enough.
Take a look at our page on how to bet on the Golden State Warriors here.
Game 4 was tight once again and saw the home side put up a huge fourth quarter to come from behind and claim a narrow three-point win, much in part thanks to Curry's 32-point haul when they needed him most. The Grizzlies put on a good showing without their man, as Morant missed the game with a knee injury, but Jackson Jr's 21 points alongside 19 from Tyus Jones and 17 from Kyle Anderson weren't enough.
Game 5, however really turned everyone's eyes as the Grizzlies turned in a stunning performance that saw them claim a 39-point win in a win-or-go-home situation, winning 134-95 without star man Morant. Jackson Jr, Jones, and Desmond Bane all scored 21 points each, while Dillon Brooks (12), Zlaire Williams (11), Brandon Clarke (11), and De'Anthony Melton (10) all racked up double figures too. It was a shocking night for the Warriors, with Curry restricted to just 14 points while Thompson top-scored with 19.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies betting trends
This is all set to be a really exciting game of NBA basketball, and that means there is definitely money to be made with the betting markets on offer.
Golden State are the favorites coming into this one, having won both of the home games in the series so far. The spread is currently set at 8.5 points, and the Warriors have covered the spread on 46 occasions out of 95 games so far this season. There have been 26 games where they were favored the same or more than that so far this season, and they have gone 12-12-2 against the spread.
Alternatively, Memphis is 60-35 against the spread this season, and when they have been pitched as at least 8.5-point underdogs, they have managed to go 2-1 against the spread.
49 of their 96 games this season have gone over the current overs total for this game (219 points), and they look a good shout to do that once again here.
Prediction
The performance that Memphis turned in Game 5 was something truly remarkable, especially without Morant available to them. But the Warriors now know what awaits them stylistically when he doesn't play and what their capabilities are, and that is a big deal.
Curry will be out for revenge, while Wiggins will want to have way more of an impact in Game 6 than he did last time out.
Defensively they will be more aware and ready, while offensively, they will be ruthless with the fans egging them on to close this series out early and not force a game 7.
It will be entertaining and with plenty of points, but I expect Golden State to win emphatically and cover the spread in a big win to move on to the NBA Western Conference finals.
Check out the latest odds with BetOnline Sports betting here.
