NBA Playoffs Betting: May 6
The field of 16 has been reduced to 8 in the 2014 NBA Playoffs. On Monday night, the Wizards and Clippers opened up their conference semifinals series with impressive road wins over the Pacers and Thunder, respectively. Kevin Durant might be the league MVP, but Chris Paul outshined him by scoring 32 points in Game 1. Tuesday’s action features the well-rested Heat, who last played on April 28th, hosting the Nets, while the Spurs and Trail Blazers do battle after hard-fought series in the opening round. Here’s a breakdown of the matchups, including latest point spreads.
BROOKLYN AT MIAMI -7.5
Fitting that these two teams play one another, because shockingly the Nets won all four meetings against Miami during the regular season. Needless to say, Brooklyn won’t be intimidated one iota, but the two-time defending champs will have payback on their minds and are a very different team in the NBA’s second season. Three of the Nets wins were by a single point and the fourth went into double overtime. Paul Pierce was especially good versus the Heat, averaging 21.2 points in the four showdowns; his scoring and defense on LeBron James will be key to Brooklyn’s chances.
LeBron and Dwyane Wade looked like they were on cruise control against Charlotte, but the Miami bench left much to be desired, particularly Ray Allen, who was only 5-15 from beyond the arc. Chris Bosh should be able to take advantage of Brooklyn’s lack of size in the paint, although his inconsistency remains a concern. The duo of Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole will have their hands full with the much bigger Deron Williams. Brooklyn is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 trips to South Beach. The Heat could be a bit rusty after the lengthy layoff, and considering how much they have struggled against Brooklyn, this is just way too many points.
Bet Brooklyn +7.5
PORTLAND AT SAN ANTONIO -7
It took San Antonio a while, but they finally looked like the team that dominated the regular season in their Game 7 thrashing of Dallas. This will be a contrast in styles, as Portland prefers a faster pace so their younger, quicker legs can get into transition. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard were a two-man wrecking crew in disposing of the Rockets in six. The latter has been deadly from three-point range, hitting 23, including the series-clinching bomb in Game 6. Portland of late has resembled the team that started the season 13-2 and had a couple days extra rest to prepare.
How much gas do the aging Spurs have left? They weren’t fresh versus Dallas and at times appeared frustrated and confused. How they defend Aldridge will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the series. Tim Duncan is one of the savviest players in the history of the game, but Aldridge raised his game to another level against Houston. If he controls the paint and glass, San Antonio is in trouble. Danny Green snapped out of a slump in the last two games with the Mavs and his three-point shooting will be needed to counter the Blazers perimeter prowess. The Spurs are 1-8 ATS in their last nine. Portland is 6-1 ATS in their last seven road tilts. Again, too many points here.
Bet Portland +7
