Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder at Oklahoma City Arena

Memphis certainly knows what's at stake in Sunday's road contest against Oklahoma City and star forward Zach Randolph is ready. "We know what we're playing for," Randolph commented. "We know it's the last game and we know whoever wins this game goes to the next round. So it's going to be different." It's been an impressive run for him and the squad considering his teams missed the playoffs each of he seven years prior to this season, while he garnered a personal accolade of being named the first All-NBA selection in franchise history. The Grizzlies have won more Western Conference Playoff games than any other eight-seed in a single postseason in NBA history. Memphis has also completed three double-digit second half comebacks in the playoffs. The squad is 21-6 ATS in Sunday games.

The Grizzlies shook up the starting lineup a bit in Game 6, as guard O.J. Mayo was back and produced 16 points, after losing his spot in the rotation in November. "All year, I trusted the decision that Coach Hollins makes and I've got his back 120 percent," Mayo commented. He told me in Friday's film session before shoot-around that he was going to put me in the starting lineup." Memphis' defense was suffocating on the other end Friday night, holding Oklahoma City to 29 second-half points.

Oklahoma City is ready to play in the first Game 7 of the 2011 playoffs and no one is more eager for the ball to tip than All-Star forward Kevin Durant. The league's scoring champion managed just 11 points in Game 6's loss, as he made only one basket over the last 45 minutes of the game. "It was tough," Durant commented. "That's a part of this league. It's going to happen." The franchise is 4-3 all-time in Game 7, including a record of 4-1 at home. The squad showed its resolve throughout the regular season following a loss, posting a 20-6 record immediately following. Oklahoma City is 22-14 ATS revenging a loss versus an opponent.

The Thunder really let an opportunity slip away Friday night after going into the break with a 54-44 lead. Oklahoma City was unable to find an answer in stopping Randolph, who carved them up for 30 points. "Well, they just made some shots," said guard Russell Westbrook. "I don't think it's a blown opportunity, it's not like we're going home or something. We've got one more game." An important statistic to monitor in today's game is points in the paint, as the team to score more points in the block has won each game of this series.

Bettors will be interested in backing the Grizzlies due to their 51-22-1 ATS mark, while the Thunder are 7-24 ATS in their last 31 Sunday games
 

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