Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum

Oklahoma City is coming off an ultra-impressive 99-72 home win in Game 5 of the series and will look to close out Memphis on its home floor. "We must be focused on Game 6 and what we need to do to get better," said Thunder forward Kevin Durant. He combined with point guard Russell Westbrook for just 30 points last time out, after the pair played extraordinarily long minutes in the triple-overtime win in Game 4. If proven victorious in Friday night's contest, Oklahoma City will make its first Western final since 1996 when the the-Seattle Supersonics beat Utah. Oklahoma City is 17-11 ATS as an underdog.

The Thunder will only win this series if Westbrook continues to be aggressive and coach Scott Brooks knows how his point guard is to the success of the team. "I said it over and over, we have a very good basketball team," Brooks stated. "We have very good players that are young and developing. I think he has done a great job, as there's a lot of pressure on point guards in this league." The young superstar was recently named to the All-NBA second team after a breakout season and Durant was listed on the first team.

Memphis has lost two straight games in the playoffs for the first time this year and will try to avoid elimination on its home floor. The Grizzlies were embarrassed with their last effort, which may have been a direct result from losing Game 3's marathon and also the flood situation that has plagued the city. "We can't sit around and think what could have been different in this game," point guard Mike Conley stated. "Guys have to get up for Friday's game because it could be our last one." Memphis is 30-15 ATS at home on the year and 31-13 ATS when revenging a loss to an opponent.

The Grizzlies will need a major effort from their interior players to push this series to the limit, receiving just 24 points and 12 rebounds combined from Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in the most recent contest. Both players combined to double that effort in Monday's triple-overtime loss, scoring 60 points and grabbing 38 boards. "We're going to bounce back because we have no choice," said Gasol. Memphis shot a season low 36 percent and matched the lowest points scored during the regular season.

Bettors will likely back the Grizzlies due to their 23-6 ATS mark following a loss, while the road team is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
 

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