NBA Playoffs Betting: May 1
The seasons of three teams could end Thursday night in NBA Playoff action. The top-seeded Pacers travel to Atlanta needing a win to avoid an embarrassing ousting at the hands of the below .500 Hawks. The Thunder face a similar task in Memphis, the same team that bounced them a year ago. Finally, the renewed Clippers fresh off an impressive Game 5 victory and owner Donald Sterling’s banishment will look to send the Warriors packing once and for all. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s matchups with the latest point spreads.
INDIANA AT ATLANTA +1
Geesh, what do the Hawks have to do to be favored? To be fair, this is essentially a pick ’em, so oddsmakers seem to have come around to the idea that Indiana is playing like garbage. Taking nothing away from an inspired Atlanta team, but if Roy Hibbert and Evan Turner displayed an ounce of passion, the Pacers would already be prepping for the second round. Instead, they find themselves one more bad outing away from calling it a season. The two teams combined for 29 three-pointers in Game 5 as neither showed a desire to establish a post-up game. Atlanta wants to fire from the perimeter, but Indiana is better suited generating offense at a slower tempo in the half court. It’s foolish to trust the Pacers, but Paul George has the will to force a Game 7.
Bet Indiana -1
OKLAHOMA CITY AT MEMPHIS +2.5
Four straight overtime games? Let’s make it five. These two Western powers have exchanged uppercuts all series, but it’s the Grizzlies’ size and defense that has proved to be the difference. Kevin Durant’s shooting slump is bordering on disaster: he’s hit a ghastly 25-72 from the field in his last three starts. If he can’t ditch the funk, the Thunder will be left scratching their heads for a third consecutive offseason. A supposed MVP must deliver in these kinds of spots. Memphis has successfully quelled OK City’s fast breaks and recorded 33 steals in their last three games. With little help from the bench, the Thunder’s championship aspirations are in the hands of Durant and Russell Westbrook. It’s desperation time for the road team. Tough call here.
Bet OK City -2.5
LA CLIPPERS AT GOLDEN STATE +1.5
The Clippers played like a team on a mission in Game 5. The best way to lift the franchise from its tumultuous state is by disposing of the Warriors and making a deep run in the playoffs. DeAndre Jordan made his horrible Game 4 a distant memory by netting a game-high 25 points and grabbing 18 boards in Game 5. Jamal Crawford is also back in a nice groove, averaging 22.5 points in his last two appearances off the bench. As for Golden State, Steph Curry took only 10 shots, which has to change. When Harrison Barnes scores double-digits, the Warriors are 2-0 in the series. The Clippers are the deeper, more talented team from top to bottom, but they are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven trips to Oracle Arena. Meanwhile, Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last six at home. It’s tempting to back the Clipps, but the Warriors are dangerous in their building.
Bet Golden State +1.5
