NBA Playoffs Betting: May 15
The NBA’s version of the Final Four is half complete after the Heat and Spurs punched their tickets on Wednesday. NBA Playoff action on Thursday could see the other two teams advance if the Pacers and Thunder take care of business on the road. The Wizards held off Indiana on Tuesday with a blowout victory, while the Clippers were on the wrong end of a controversial ending against Oklahoma City. If both series are extended, Game 7 will be played on Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s matchups, including the latest point spreads.
INDIANA AT WASHINGTON -4.5
Up until Tuesday, the Pacers looked like the team that gave the Heat fits in the 2013 playoffs. Bad Roy Hibbert returned and Paul George struggled to find his shot, hitting 5-15 from the field. Marcin Gortat paced Washington with 31 points and 16 rebounds, and John Wall pumped in 27. The Wizards also dominated the glass, outrebounding Indiana 62-23, including 18 offensive boards. Needless to say, it was a listless effort by the Pacers, similar to the ones put forth versus Atlanta in the opening round. Indiana remains a complete enigma; when they play smart and with energy, they are tough to beat. But trusting that Indiana team to show up is risky. The underdog is 5-0 ATS in the series. Pacers are 4-0 ATS on the road in their last four. Wizards are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 overall. This series seems to have “7 Games” written all over it. Home team wins, visitors cover.
Bet Indiana +4.5
OKLAHOMA CITY AT LA CLIPPERS -4.5
Doc Rivers and the Clippers can complain all they want about the questionable officiating in Game 5, but it doesn’t change the fact that his team fell apart in the fourth quarter, being outscored 17-3 in the final minutes. DeAndre Jordan was awful in Game 5, fouling out with zero points and four rebounds, and Chris Paul missed 10 of 16 shots. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined to hit 26-28 free throws and the Thunder’s normally non-existent bench chipped in 22 points. Both teams appear to have figured the other out; the last three games have been decided by 9 points after lopsided results in Games 1 and 2. The Clippers can ill afford to let Tuesday’s collapse carry over tonight. A charged home crowd should motivate them to get back on track. That said, this is a lot of points. OK City is 5-1 ATS in Los Angeles during their last six trips. Road team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven overall. An LA win is likely, but look for the Thunder to cover.
Bet OK City +4.5
