NBA Playoffs Betting: April 23
Wednesday night’s NBA playoff action features two of the leading title contenders in Miami and San Antonio looking to take 2-0 leads in their respective series. The third matchup pits the dangerous Trail Blazers against the equally threatening Rockets, with the former holding a 1-0 edge thanks to Sunday’s thrilling overtime victory. Can the upstart Bobcats make a series of it with the two-time defending champs? Can the aging Mavs draw even with the timeless Spurs? Here’s a breakdown of the slate of games, including the latest point spreads.
CHARLOTTE AT MIAMI -10.5
The ‘Cats were a feisty bunch in Game 1, but in stretches the mighty Heat appeared to be toying with their much greener opponent. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 50 points and seldom-used forward James Jones netted 12 off the bench. Despite the efforts of Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker, and Gary Neal, Charlotte couldn’t stave off Miami’s fourth quarter kill-shot. The Heat totaled just 7 turnovers and yielded only 12 free-throw attempts; if they continue to play a clean brand of basketball, they will be ending the Bobcats’ season quickly. The champs are prone to tossing up a stinker now and again, but they are now 5-0 versus Charlotte with four of the five wins coming by at least 8. Seems like a lot of points here and Miami hasn’t been very good ATS. That said, tough not to back them.
Bet Miami -10.5
DALLAS AT SAN ANTONIO -8
Give the Mavs credit for keeping Game 1 close. Dirk Nowitzki and Monte Ellis shot 8-28 from the field and netted a meager 22 points. Devin Harris and Vince Carter nearly bailed them out by combining for 29 points off the bench. Needless to say, Dirk and Monte need to wake up for Dallas to win a single game, let alone four. Stopping the tenacious trio of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili is easier said than done as witnessed by their 65 points on Sunday. Problem is, even if one of the “Big Three” has a bad night, the Spurs possess the necessary depth to overcome. Dallas lacks the size and defense to win the series, although stealing a game or two wouldn’t be shocking in the least. Expect Dirk to bounce back and keep the score tight. Home team wins, visitors cover.
Bet Dallas +8
PORTLAND AT HOUSTON -6
Game 1 in this series is what makes the NBA playoffs worth watching. For every 40-point blowout, there’s always a classic back-and-forth duel like the one executed by the Blazers and Rockets last Sunday. It took five quarters to decide a victor and it came down to the last possession. Those unaware of the skillful duo of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damon Lillard were treated to masterful performances from both; the former registered 46 points and 18 rebounds, the latter 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Houston’s James Harden and Dwight Howard were good, but the Portland twosome was unstoppable. Considering that neither team plays much defense and each has multiple players who can light up the scoreboard, the Over is a great play in Game 2 and beyond. As for ATS, six points in either direction seems risky. Rockets tie it up, Blazers cover.
Bet Portland +6
