Spurs Face Historically Big Playoff Spread

Everyone knows the San Antonio Spurs’ first-round playoff series with the Memphis Grizzlies is extremely uneven, but it’s reached historic levels of imparity.

The Spurs - currently 18-point favorites for Game 2 on Tuesday - are the biggest faves in the history of NBA playoffs, according to our database. The second-largest spread was in Game 1 when San Antonio closed as 16.5-point chalk.

The injury-ravaged Grizzlies suffered a 106-74 beat down in the Sportsbook contest, a loss that handed the club its worst deficit in postseason history. Memphis shot 39.2 percent from the field, and only Vince Carter (16) and Lance Stephenson (14) eclipsed seven points.

Considering the Grizzlies’ starting lineup features Jordan Farmar, Tony Allen, Matt Barnes, Zach Randolph and Chris Anderson, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Brandan Wright, Jordan Adams and Mario Chalmers are all out for the rest of the season. Memphis suited up 28 different players this year – the highest number ever for a playoff-bound team.

If San Antonio continues to cruise through this series like everyone expects them to, expect those spreads to keep climbing even when it shifts back to Tennessee. The Spurs are such a heavy favorite to advance to the next round that their series price is not even offered at most sportsbooks.

Tim Duncan and company have a +250 shot to win the Western Conference and are +350 to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy at Sportsbook.

Here’s a look at the biggest spreads in NBA playoffs history.