Only one first-round series remains in the NBA Playoffs, and a strong trend involving referee Scott Foster favors the Memphis Grizzlies over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6 on Friday.
The Grizzlies are 1.5-point favorites on the road against Minnesota with a chance to clinch the series on Friday night. History suggests the series will end here.
According to Bet Labs going back to 2005, road favorites in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs are an astounding 31-11-1 against the spread, good for a 42.8 percent return on investment. A $100 bettor would be up $1,842 betting on them in this spot.
And in the lone game on the schedule, the NBA has rolled out head official Scott Foster, who also has a trend in this situation.
When Foster is the official, road favorites in Game 6 are a perfect 6-0. This is a small sample size, of course, and one that falls in line with the general trend. But it's another piece of information siding with the road team.
The overall trend held true on Thursday, as all three road favorites won. The Philadelphia 76ers blew out the Raptors, 132-97. The Phoenix Suns rallied in the second half to beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 115-109. Finally, the Dallas Mavericks held on late against the Utah Jazz to win 98-96 and cover as one-point favorites.
The Grizzlies won Game 5 in a close one, 111-109. Game 4 was close as well, ending in a 119-118 win for Minnesota. Every other game in this series has been decided by at least nine points.
The other two officials on Friday will be Mark Lindsay and Courtney Kirkland. Both will be making their first appearance in a Game 6.
