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NBA Playoffs 2016 Picks and Predictions For Game 3

If you had followed our three for three picks for the 2016 NBA playoff games yesterday, you’d be in the money today. That’s why we have a brand new set of picks for you today. Keep reading to get the picks and previews below. 

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San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies

  • Time: Friday, April 22, 2016 9:30 PM ET
  • Place: FedExForum
  • Betting Odds: San Antonio -11.5 
  • Total: 181.5

Bet on the Spurs

The Spurs have been surgical in cutting through the Grizzlies through the first two games. However, they’re now headed to Tennessee and Memphis’ court to see if they can take the record to 3-0.

It’s clear to everyone by this point, that the Spurs have the upper hand in this series and they’ll likely pass through without too much effort expended. In fact, it was clear even before we headed into the playoffs, as San Antonio had already beaten the Grizzlies in all four games in the regular season.

Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge will once again take it upon themselves to demolish the Grizzlies’ defense and do their thing on offense as well. Both of these players have played extremely well while on the road and we expect this trend to continue.

Bet on the Grizzlies

We’ll not continue to beat a dead horse, but the Grizzlies don’t have any offensive or defensive power to do anything to beat or stop the Spurs.

Though Zach Randolph is giving his best, he’s not a one man show and being at the tail end of his career doesn’t help him either. Even while they’re headed back home, Memphis will continue to struggle to put up points over San Antonio with no one else but Randolph driving the offense.

And, while we’d like to think the Grizzlies might pull a rabbit out of their hat, the only way that’s going to happen is if San Antonio rests Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge for the entire game.

Game Predictions: For the Grizzlies to have any hope of making it any further, game three is a must-win. In losing game three they would dig themselves into a 0-3 hole and that means only one thing: The final nail in the coffin. No NBA team has ever climbed out of the 0-3 hole before, and this Memphis team doesn’t have enough power to do so. Spurs will win game 3.

Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors

  • Time: Thursday, April 21, 2016 9:30 PM ET
  • Place: Toyota Center
  • Betting Odds: Warriors -5.5
  • Total: 215

Bet on the Rockets

Houston did all they could to try and stop the Warriors’ war path. However, not even James Harden’s 28 points and 11 dimes, could but trip up Golden State enough to win the game. And, this was without Stephen Curry.

It might however be a different story in heading to Toyota Center for the next two games. With Harden managing to put up better numbers, the Rockets might bag themselves a win or two.

Here’s the rub though, in order for Houston to win they’ll need a full team effort to contend with this Warriors team. A win will take an entire team and not just one player.

Dwight Howard will have to step up and not just shoot the 14-38 from the field through the first two games. Howard has only tried 17 shots and has been outclassed by Andrew Bogut on both ends of the court.

The Rockets will also need Michael Beasley, Clint Capela and Jason Terry to perform well if they want to win this game. These three are all capable of turning in a double-figure scoring night.

Bet on the Warriors

The Warriors are a scoring machine from the deep, even without Curry on court. When Curry is not there, Thompson is and he took it upon himself to lead the team to victory in game 2.

But if Thompson was on fire, Draymond Green was smoldering hot. Green came out with the triple double of 12 points, 14 boards and eight dimes to his name. Shaun Livingston also added 16 points.

And, though Curry absence was felt downtown, Thompson and Andre Iguodala put up seven three-pointers between them. For the Warriors, that Curry’s ankle showed no impending injury is a relief. However, Curry will be a game-time call for this game.

Game Prediction: Without Curry, and considering the Rockets are back home, there’s that much more of a chance the Rockets win. However, this Golden State team is out of this world with Curry. Regardless, we expect the Warriors to win once again, with or without Curry.

Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics

  • Time: Friday, April 22, 2016 8:00 PM ET
  • Place: TD Garden

Bet on the Hawks

The Hawks have momentum on their side in winning the first two games. Kyle Korver dusted himself off, after having had a dismal showing in game 1 and finished the second game with 17 points and 7 rebounds.

If Korver can keep things up, the Hawks might be able to take game 3 at TD Garden and set themselves up for a series sweep. However, they’ll also need Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap and Al Horford to kick it up a notch or two to accomplish this. Teague in particular can be a strong contributor in controlling the flow of the game and passing the ball around to set up scoring opportunities.

Bet on the Celtics

The Celtics fell down hard in game 2. Though Boston showed plenty of grit in the first game, which made one believe they would have bagged game 2, the story was altogether different.

From the get-go, Boston was sucking wind. In fact, they only managed to put up 7 points through the first quarter which was unheard of since back in the 50’s. Boston will have to adjust with the absences Avery Bradley as well as big man Kelly Olynyk, who remains questionable due to a shoulder injury.

Isaiah Thomas will have to find it within himself to lead this team to victory in this game. It’s due or die for Boston. This is it. There can be no excuses for not winning. Especially at Boston, where they’ll be playing in front of their home crowd.

It’s time for the Celtics to show why they’re one of the best home teams this season. Thomas and Co. (Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart and Even Turner) need to sound the trumpet and come out blazing.

Game Predictions: Boston is backed into a corner and back home as well. The Celtics will come alive and eek out a victory. This team has been too good at home all season fall down at this point. Boston wins.

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