NBA Playoffs Betting Info

[TheGame]

NBA Finals Best Bets
By Sportsbook.ag

The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday and that means that it’s time to take a look at who could be hosting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in June:

Golden State Warriors (+220) - The Warriors and Cavaliers are the two favorites to win the NBA title this season, getting pretty favorable odds at +220. Golden State, however, was arguably deserving of being the lone favorite to win it all this season. This Warriors team won the ultra competitive Western Conference by 11 games and finished the season with a point differential of +10.1. Not only did Golden State win games, but it was absolutely dominant while doing so. The Warriors are also nearly impossible to defeat on their home floor, going 39-2 at Oracle Arena this season. PG Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG) and SG Klay Thompson (21.7 PPG, 1.1 SPG) are guys that can get so hot that they can win the Warriors a game in a quick five-minute stretch. This team is on a mission and as long as C Andrew Bogut (6.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG) can stay healthy, there isn’t much that can get in its way.

San Antonio Spurs (+400) - The Spurs are the team with the best chance to knock off the Warriors. San Antonio closed out the regular season with nine wins in its final 10 games. The defending champs always turn it on when it matters most and they will be hungry to prove that they are not over the hill. SF Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 SPG) is one of the most dangerous weapons in the entire league, capable of lighting it up offensively or locking down his opponent on the defensive end. He will do whatever he can to win this team another championship and veterans PF Tim Duncan (13.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.0 BPG), PG Tony Parker (14.4 PPG, 4.9 APG) and SG Manu Ginobili (10.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG) are still more than capable of taking over on any given night. Getting the defending champions at 4-to-1 is an excellent value.

Chicago Bulls (+1500) - The Bulls are one of the best teams in the league, but they have really suffered a ton of injuries this season. PG Derrick Rose (17.7 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.2 RPG) returned from a torn meniscus on Apr. 8, but he is dealing with soreness in his knees heading into the postseason. He is the biggest question mark for this team, as Chicago has a great chance of winning it all if he is able to stay on his feet. The Bulls would be able to stay competitive without Rose in the lineup, but they would not be able to win a championship. At +1500 this team is worth taking a chance on because Rose has played in five straight games heading into the postseason and insists that his knees are feeling fine.

Atlanta Hawks (+1600) - The Hawks finished the season with 60 wins and were dominant in the Eastern Conference throughout the year. They also played very well when facing the Western Conference powerhouses, yet this team is still getting ridiculous +1600 odds. Atlanta is a very well balanced team and played flawless basketball on both ends of the floor this season. The Hawks put up 102.5 PPG (10th in NBA) thanks to 25.7 APG (2nd in NBA) and also allowed just 97.1 PPG (5th in NBA). They went 35-6 when playing at home this season and it will not be easy for opponents to steal a game in Atlanta. This team is a very good value pick and people should not hesitate to make a small play here.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

NBA Zig Zag Theory
By Marc Lawrence
Playbook.com

In NBA handicapping circles, Zig Zags are trendy applications that have been profitable moneymakers during the playoffs. The premise is simple: ‘Play On’ a team off a playoff loss in its very next game.

The theory is that in a short series involving imminent elimination, a team in more inclined to bounce back with a good effort off a losing performance than it is to continue its losing ways.

How have these plays held up of late? You might be surprised.

Here are pointspread results of NBA Playoff Zig Zags from 1991 through 2012.

Game On, Dude

Overall: 786-693-37 • 53.1%
Game Two: 195-153-13 • 54.7%
Game Three: 195-159-6 • 55.1%
Game Four: 159-163-8 • 49.4%
Game Five: 128-121-6 • 51.4%
Game Six: 79-70-2 • 53.0%
Game Seven: 30-27-2 • 52.6%

The strength of NBA Zig Zags appears to be in Game Three where they become a better than 55% point spread play on the blind.

Burn Baby Burn

Like all things that are popular, though, they eventually burn out and revert back to the norm.

A combination of the ‘law of averages’ and an adjustment by the odds makers has seen the NBA Zig Zags go up in smoke since 2001.

That’s confirmed by the fact that these plays slipped dramatically the last 14 years (2001-2014), going 475-444-27– or 51.6% - overall as opposed to a 311-249-10 mark – or 55.5% - in games played from 1991-2000.

That’s a decline of nearly 4 full percentage points. Talk about a buzz kill.

Round ‘Em Up

Here is a breakdown of how the Zig Zags have fared during each round of the NBA Playoffs since 1991:

Round One: 377-330-21 • 53.3%
Round Two: 235-205-7 • 53.4%
Round Three: 116-108-6 • 51.8%
Round Four: 58-50-3 • 53.7%

While it appears there is hold no discernable edge between rounds, it should be noted that home teams off a double-digit loss in Round Two have delivered the largest profits, as they are 80-51-3.

Planting The Seed

Here is a breakdown of how the Zig Zags have fared by seed during NBA Playoffs:

No. 1 Seeds: 110-101-5 • 52.1%
No. 2 Seeds: 107-86-4 • 55.4%
No. 3 Seeds: 91-80-9 • 53.2%
No. 4 Seeds: 79-71-1• 52.7%
No. 5 Seeds: 72-68-2 • 51.4%
No. 6 Seeds: 62-55-2 • 53.0%
No. 7 Seeds: 42-61-4 • 40.8%
No. 8 Seeds: 62-44-5 • 58.5%

Note these results are since the 1996 season, when our database first began charting seeds.

Note the disparate results that abound between No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Rocky Mountain High

So when is it we can still expect to catch the best possible result when firing up with these with NBA Zig Zags these days, you ask?

Simple. Look to back double-digit underdogs when they are off a SU and ATS loss. They’ve stood the test of time, going 33-18-2 ATS since 1991. That’s a pretty high 64.7% winning percentage when you think about it.

So instead of zigging when you should be zagging, check out the optimum roles outlined above... and enjoy the games.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Playoff Cheat Sheet - West
VegasInsider.com

(1) Golden State vs. (8) New Orleans

Series Price - Warriors (-6000) Pelicans (+2000)

Overall Record

Golden State 67-15 SU, 46-34-2 ATS
New Orleans 45-37 SU, 46-36 ATS

Home Record

Golden State 39-2 SU, 20-21 ATS
New Orleans 28-13 SU, 25-16 ATS

Road Record

Golden State 28-13 SU, 20-20-1 ATS
New Orleans 17-24 SU, 21-20 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Golden State 39-43 (22-19, 17-24)
New Orleans 42-37-3 (24-17, 18-20-3)

2014-15 Meetings

Dec 4, 2014 - New Orleans 85, Golden State 112 (Warriors -9.5, Under 206.5)
Dec 14, 2014 - Golden State 128, New Orleans 122 OT (Pelicans +6.5, Over 205.5)
Mar 20, 2015 - New Orleans 96, Golden State 112 (Warriors -14, Over 201.5)
Apr 7, 2015 - Golden State 100, New Orleans 103 (Pelicans +4.5, Under 206.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Golden State

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (L.A. Clippers, 3-4)
2012-13 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (San Antonio, 2-4)
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

New Orleans

2013-14 - No Playoffs
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (L.A. Lakers, 2-4)
2009-10 - No Playoffs

(2) Houston vs. (7) Dallas

Series Price - Rockets (-380) Mavericks (+300)

Overall Record

Houston 56-26 SU, 48-34 ATS
Dallas 50-32 SU, 35-44-3 ATS

Home Record

Houston 30-11 SU, 26-15 ATS
Dallas 27-14 SU, 15-23-3 ATS

Road Record

Houston 26-15 SU, 22-19 ATS
Dallas 23-18 SU, 20-21 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Houston 40-41-1 (19-22, 21-19-1)
Dallas 39-43 (21-20, 18-23)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 22, 2014 - Dallas 92, Houston 95 (Rockets +4, Under 205)
Jan 28, 2015 - Dallas 94, Houston 99 (Rockets -4, Under 210.5)
Feb 20, 2015 - Houston 100, Dallas 111 (Mavericks -2.5, Under 212.5)
Apr 2, 2015 - Houston 108, Dallas 101 (Rockets +2.5, Under 210.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Houston

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Portland, 2-4)
2012-13 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Oklahoma City, 2-4)
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

Dallas

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (San Antonio, 3-4)
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Oklahoma City, 0-4)
2010-11 - Won NBA Championship (Miami, 4-2)
2009-10 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (San Antonio, 2-4)

(3) L.A. Clippers vs. (6) San Antonio

Series Price - Spurs (-175) Clippers (+150)

Overall Record

L.A. Clippers 56-26 SU, 38-44 ATS
San Antonio 55-27 SU, 41-39-2 ATS

Home Record

L.A. Clippers 30-11 SU, 16-25 ATS
San Antonio 33-8 SU, 21-18-2 ATS

Road Record

L.A. Clippers 26-15 SU, 22-19 ATS
San Antonio 22-19 SU, 20-21 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

L.A. Clippers 38-43-1 (15-26, 23-17-1)
San Antonio 39-42-1 (23-18, 16-24-1)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 10, 2014 - San Antonio 89, L.A. Clippers 85 (Spurs +1.5, Under 202)
Dec 22, 2014 - L.A. Clippers 118, San Antonio 125 (Spurs -1, Over 203.5)
Jan 31, 2015 - L.A. Clippers 105, San Antonio 85 (Clippers +5, Under 205)
Feb 19, 2015 - San Antonio 115, L.A. Clippers 119 (Clippers +2.5, Over 202)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

L.A. Clippers

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (Oklahoma City, 2-4)
2012-13 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Memphis, 2-4)
2011-12 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (San Antonio, 0-4)
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

San Antonio

2013-14 - Won NBA Championship (Miami, 4-1)
2012-13 - Lost NBA Championship (Miami, 4-3)
2011-12 - Lost Western Conference Finals (Oklahoma City, 2-4)
2010-11 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Memphis, 2-4)
2009-10 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (Phoenix, 0-4)

(4) Portland vs. (5) Memphis

Series Price - Grizzlies (-155) Blazers (+130)

Overall Record

Portland 51-31 SU, 40-41-1 ATS
Memphis 55-27 SU, 41-40-1 ATS

Home Record

Portland 32-9 SU, 22-18-1 ATS
Memphis 31-10 SU, 21-19-1 ATS

Road Record

Portland 19-22 SU, 18-23 ATS
Memphis 24-17 SU, 20-21 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Portland 39-41-2 (15-24-2, 24-17)
Memphis 35-44-3 (13-25-3, 22-19)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 28, 2014 - Memphis 112, Portland 99 (Grizzlies +3.5, Over 194)
Jan 17, 2015 - Portland 98, Memphis 102 (Grizzlies -2.5, Over 197.5)
Feb 22, 2015 - Memphis 98, Portland 92 (Grizzlies +1.5, Under 193)
Mar 21, 2015 - Portland 86, Memphis 97 (Grizzlies -3, Under 192.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Portland

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (San Antonio, 1-4)
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Dallas, 2-4)
2009-10 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Phoenix, 2-4)

Memphis

2013-14 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (Oklahoma City, 3-4)
2012-13 - Lost Western Conference Finals (San Antonio, 0-4)
2011-12 - Lost Western Conference 1st Round (L.A. Clippers, 3-4)
2010-11 - Lost Western Conference Semifinals (Oklahoma City, 3-4)
2009-10 - No Playoffs

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Playoff Cheat Sheet - East
VegasInsider.com

(1) Atlanta vs. (8) Brooklyn

Series Price - Hawks (-1500) Nets (+800)

Overall Record

Atlanta 60-22 SU, 51-31 ATS
Brooklyn 38-44 SU, 39-41-2 ATS

Home Record

Atlanta 35-6 SU, 26-15 ATS
Brooklyn 19-22 SU, 16-23-2 ATS

Road Record

Atlanta 25-16 SU, 25-16 ATS
Brooklyn 19-22 SU, 23-18 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Atlanta 42-39-1 (20-20-1, 22-19)
Brooklyn 36-45-1 (19-21-1, 17-24)

2014-15 Meetings

Dec. 5, 2014 - Atlanta 98 at Brooklyn 75 (Hawks -1, Under 201)
Jan 28, 2015 - Brooklyn 102 at Atlanta 113 (Hawks -14, Over 192)
Apr 4, 2015 - Brooklyn 99 at Atlanta 131 (Hawks -10.5, Over 206)
Apr 8, 2015 - Atlanta 114 at Brooklyn 111 (Hawks +4.5, Over 204.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Atlanta

2013-14 - Lost Eastern Conference 1st Round (Indiana, 3-4)
2012-13 - Lost Eastern Conference 1st Round (Indiana, 2-4)
2011-12 - Lost Eastern Conference 1st Round (Boston, 2-4)
2010-11 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Chicago, 2-4)
2009-10 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Orlando, 0-4)

Brooklyn

2013-14 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Miami, 1-4)
2012-13 - Lost Eastern Conference 1st Round (Chicago, 3-4)
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

(2) Cleveland vs. (7) Boston

Series Price - Cavaliers (-3500) Celtics (+1500)

Overall Record

Cleveland 53-29 SU, 39-43 ATS
Boston 40-42 SU, 49-32-1 ATS

Home Record

Cleveland 31-10 SU, 21-20 ATS
Boston 21-20 SU, 22-18-1 ATS

Road Record

Cleveland 22-19 SU, 18-23 ATS
Boston 19-22 SU, 27-14 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Cleveland 32-47-3 (14-25-2, 18-22-1)
Boston 43-39 (23-18, 20-21)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 14, 2014 - Cleveland 122 at Boston 121 (Cavaliers -6, Over 208.5)
Mar 3, 2015 - Boston 79 at Cleveland 110 (Cavaliers -11, Under 210)
Apr 10, 2015 - Boston 99 at Cleveland 90 (Celtics +6, Under 208.5)
Apr 12, 2015 - Cleveland 78 at Boston 117 (Celtics -10.5, Under 197.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Cleveland

2013-14 - No Playoffs
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Boston, 2-4)

Boston

2013-14 - No Playoffs
2012-13 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (New York, 2-4)
2011-12 - Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Miami, 3-4)
2010-11 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Miami, 1-4)
2009-10 - Lost NBA Finals (L.A. Lakers, 3-4)

(3) Chicago vs. (6) Milwaukee

Series Price - Bulls (-750) Bucks (+500)

Overall Record

Chicago 50-32 SU, 39-43 ATS
Milwaukee 41-41 SU, 45-35-2 ATS

Home Record

Chicago 27-14 SU, 19-22 ATS
Milwaukee 23-18 SU, 19-21-1 ATS

Road Record

Chicago 23-18 SU, 20-21 ATS
Milwaukee 18-23 SU, 26-14-1 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)
Chicago 41-39-2 (25-16, 16-23-2)
Milwaukee 37-45 (17-24, 20-21)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 5, 2014 - Chicago 95 at Milwaukee 86 (Bulls -5, Under 191)
Jan 10, 2015 - Milwaukee 87 at Chicago 95 (Bulls -6, Under 194)
Feb 23, 2015 - Milwaukee 71 at Chicago 87 (Bulls -7, Under 193)
Apr 1, 2015 - Chicago 91 at Milwaukee 95 (Bucks +5, Under 191.5)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Chicago

2013-14 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Washington, 1-4)
2012-13 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Miami, 1-4)
2011-12 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Philadelphia, 2-4)
2010-11 - Lost Eastern Conference Finals (Miami, 1-4)
2009-10 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Cleveland, 1-4)

Milwaukee

2013-14 - No Playoffs
2012-13 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Miami, 0-4)
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Atlanta, 3-4)

(4) Toronto vs. (5) Washington

Series Price - Raptors (-200) Wizards (+165)

Overall Record

Toronto 49-33 SU, 37-44-1 ATS
Washington 46-36 SU, 34-47-1 ATS

Home Record

Toronto 27-14 SU, 17-24 ATS
Washington 29-12 SU, 17-23-1 ATS

Road Record

Toronto 22-19 SU, 20-20-1 ATS
Washington 17-24 SU, 17-24 ATS

Total Record (Home-Away)

Toronto 44-37-1 (18-23, 26-14)
Washington 38-41-3 (21-19-1, 17-22-2)

2014-15 Meetings

Nov 7, 2014 Washington 84 at Toronto 103 (Raptors -4, Under 195.5)
Jan 31, 2015 Toronto 120 at Washington 116 (Raptors +5, Over 203.5)
Feb 11, 2015 Washington 93 at Toronto 95 (Raptors -5, Under 196)

Recent Playoff Results (2009-2014)

Toronto

2013-14 - Lost Eastern Conference First Round (Brooklyn, 3-4)
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

Washington

2013-14 - Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals (Indiana, 2-4)
2012-13 - No Playoffs
2011-12 - No Playoffs
2010-11 - No Playoffs
2009-10 - No Playoffs

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Monday's NBA Playoffs Matchups
By Covers.com

Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls (-7.5, 187.5)

The Golden State Warriors spent most of Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series showing why they earned the top record in the regular season. The Warriors will try to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series when they host the New Orleans Pelicans for Game 2 on Monday.

MVP candidate Stephen Curry was phenomenal en route to 34 points in Game 1, but Golden State let a 25-point lead slip down to four before putting the finishing touches on Saturday’s 106-99 triumph. “We didn’t finish it off right,” Warriors center Andrew Bogut told the San Francisco Chronicle. “We know they’re young; they haven’t been in the playoffs in a number of years. They’re going to come out hungry, so we’ve got to finish teams off while we can.” Pelicans star Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter but the gap proved to be too large. Davis could need to do even more in Game 2 if Tyreke Evans (knee) can’t take the court.

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
*Over is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 overall.
*Bulls are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games following a ATS win.
*Bucks are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.


New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors (-11, 205)

Derrick Rose made his initial postseason appearance in three years a memorable one and aims to help Chicago open a 2-0 lead when the Bulls host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the first-round Eastern Conference series on Monday. Rose had 23 points and seven assists in his first playoff game since tearing the ACL in his left knee in the 2012 postseason.

Jimmy Butler aided Rose by scoring 25 points as Chicago posted a 103-91 win in Saturday’s series opener while Rose battled to keep his mind from thinking about his past injury setbacks. “You can’t think that way when you’re on the floor and you’re in a battle,” Rose told reporters. “When you step on the floor, all those thoughts have to be in the back of your mind. You have to have a clear mind.” The Bucks haven’t advanced past the first round since the 2000-01 campaign and would like to gain a split before the series shifts to Milwaukee. “There were a lot of nerves and whatnot, but we got rid of it and have a great opportunity on Monday,” Bucks guard Jerryd Bayless told reporters after Game 1.

TRENDS:

*Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
*Under is 6-2-1 in Pelicans last 9 overall.
*Pelicans are 3-7-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
*Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Tuesday's NBA Playoffs Matchups
By Covers.com

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11, 207)

Boston came out strong early in Game 1 and held a lead after first quarter before the Cavaliers took control and cruised the rest of the way. "They make you pick your poison," Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "We have to pay attention to LeBron. We have to pay attention to Love and Irving. We’re going to have to do a better job of rotating.” Stevens stressed that Boston needs to tighten its defense and clean up some mistakes on the other end that led to 13 turnovers in the final three quarters.

Cleveland is counting on contributions from the reserves and role players to take some of the pressure off James, Love and Irving, and Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert each logged big minutes off the bench in Game 1. “You’re going to get better days from some and maybe less outstanding days from others, but the important thing is that guys can come in and give a team a lift or play major minutes when necessary,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. Shumpert and Thompson grabbed six rebounds apiece to help Cleveland build up a 46-34 advantage on the glass.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Cleveland.
* Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games playing on one days rest.


Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors (-5, 191.5)

Washington won the opener despite shaky efforts by the backcourt tandem of Bradley Beal and John Wall. Beal was just 6-of-23 shooting and hoisted up several poor shots while scoring 16 points and Wall tallied 10 points on 5-of-18 shooting while recording eight assists. “If you shoot the ball well, there really is hardly anything wrong with your mechanics,” Beal told reporters after extensively working on his jumper during Sunday’s voluntary workout. “It’s really all mental.”

Toronto also experienced substandard performances from its backcourt as starters DeMar DeRozan (6-of-20) and Kyle Lowry (2-of-10) and sixth man Lou Williams (4-of-16) were a combined 12-of-46 from the field. DeRozan had 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists as the only Raptors’ starter to score in double digits while Lowry’s play was particularly disappointing as he had just seven points before fouling out. Power forward Amir Johnson was by far the top Toronto player in the opener as he came off the bench to produce 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting and grab eight rebounds.

TRENDS:

* Road team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Toronto.
* Under is 5-1 in Raptors last six overall.


Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets (-5.5, 215)

Dallas fell behind 32-19 after the first quarter and spent too much energy playing catchup. “We’ve got to come out and be the aggressor,” Mavericks center Tyson Chandler told reporters. “I mean, we’ve got to pick up fullcourt and deny the wings, making things more difficult for them. I think they were way too comfortable bringing the ball up the floor and way too comfortable getting into their offense.” Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting in Game 1 but also committed six turnovers.

Howard spent the final few weeks of the regular season slowly working his way back from a knee injury and only managed 17 minutes in Game 1 while dealing with foul trouble. “It was a little frustrating, but my biggest thing was, when I'm out there on the floor, just play as hard as I can despite the fouls and not allow that to take me out of the game,” Howard told reporters. “I'm going to get called for some fouls sometimes. I just got to play through it, continue to block shots, continue to run the floor and continue to control the paint.” Howard made the most of his limited time with 11 points, five rebounds and five blocks.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Houston.
* Mavericks are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Wednesday's NBA Playoff Matchups
By Covers.com

Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta Hawks (-9.5, 202)

Hawks lead series 1-0.

The Brooklyn Nets dropped Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks but have plenty of time to correct some mistakes. The Nets will try to even the series when they visit the Hawks for Game 2 on Wednesday.

The series got a long break after beginning with Atlanta’s 99-92 win on Sunday, and Brooklyn is working on small fixes. “We played hard,” Nets coach Lionel Hollins told reporters of Game 1. “I had no fault with the effort of our guys. We just have to be smarter and execute better.” Atlanta went 21-of-22 from the free-throw line in the win to help survive a subpar effort from Paul Millsap but could have a tougher challenge in Game 2. Center Al Horford is questionable for the contest after suffering a dislocated finger in the opener.

TRENDS:

* Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Atlanta.
* Road team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.


Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies (-6, 189)

Grizzlies lead series 1-0.

The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a series-opening blow and hope to return with an uppercut when they host the Portland Trail Blazers in Wednesday’s Game 2 of the first-round Western Conference series. Memphis led by as many as 29 points while cruising to a 100-84 victory in Game 1 to defeat Portland for the fifth straight time this season.

The aftermath wasn’t much better for the Trail Blazers as their locker room motivation card became public and included the phrase “We don’t lose to Spanish players,” and Grizzlies star Marc Gasol, who is from Barcelona, Spain, was miffed about the meaning. “I don’t know where it comes from and I don’t know what it means,” Gasol told reporters. “I have better things to think about than what they’re writing on the wall.” Memphis’ domination in the opener marked its third double-digit victory over Portland this season and also handed the Trail Blazers their fifth straight loss overall dating back to the regular season. “Nobody is giving us a shot,” Portland point guard Damian Lillard told reporters. “Nobody is saying, ‘Portland is going to come in here and win the series.’ If anything, they’re doubting us.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Memphis.
* Trail Blazers are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings in Memphis.


San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5, 207.5)

Clippers lead series 1-0.

The San Antonio Spurs were thrashed by the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 and look to even up the Western Conference series when the teams clash in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Clippers have won 15 of their last 16 games counting the regular season and controlled the flow in the opener.

Sixth-seeded San Antonio was outclassed by third-seed Los Angeles and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was surprised at the level in which his club was dominated. “The game was their defense was better than our offense; that’s the bottom line,” Popovich told reporters. “Their aggressiveness, their physicality, their athleticism really hurt us offensively.” Point guard Chris Paul (32 points) and power forward Blake Griffin (26) combined for 58 points in the 107-92 victory but Clippers coach Doc Rivers expects a tougher challenge from the Spurs in Game 2. “They’re still the defending champs, and they’re going to be the defending champs every night,” Rivers told reporters. “We have a lot of confidence in our team but you just have to stay humble and respect who you’re playing.”

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 1-7 ATS in their last eight Western Conference quarterfinal games.
* Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 6-1 in the Clippers last seven games overall.

[TheGame]

Re: NBA Playoffs Betting Info

Thursday's NBA Playoff Action
By Covers.com

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (+4, 203.5)

Cavaliers lead the series 2-0

The Cleveland Cavaliers are two wins away from a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals and appear to have the Boston Celtics on the ropes. The Celtics will try to steal a game in the best-of-seven series when they host the Cavaliers in Game 3 on Thursday.

Boston showed flashes of being able to keep up with No. 2 seed Cleveland in the first two games but has had no answer for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving down the stretch. “I’ve been in this moment before and a lot of our guys haven’t, so I felt like it was important for me to just try to put a staple on the game the best way I know how and that’s by being aggressive,” James told reporters. “I was able to make a few plays to help our team get the win and that’s what’s very important for me – just to be there for my team when they need it.” James and Irving combined to score all of the Cavaliers’ 24 fourth-quarter points in Game 2. The Celtics were 21-20 at home during the regular season, including a 117-78 win over Cleveland on Apr. 12 in which the Cavaliers rested their starters.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
*Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.
*Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
*Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.


Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+2.5, 187)

Bulls lead series 2-0

Jimmy Butler is terrorizing Milwaukee and looks for a third consecutive strong game when the Chicago Bulls visit the Bucks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Thursday. Butler is averaging 28 points while lifting Chicago to a 2-0 lead and he set a personal playoff high with 31 points in Monday’s 91-82 win.

Butler was at his best in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game as he scored 14 points in the final stanza. Milwaukee knows it faces a near must-win situation but remains confident it can get back into the series. “We lose these two but we are going to fight to get his series back,” shooting guard Khris Middleton told reporters. “We are going to defend our home court Thursday.” Middleton averaged 20 points in the first two games but the Bucks averaged just 86.5 as a team.

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Under is 8-2 in Bulls last 10 vs. NBA Central
*Under is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record


Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans (+5, 203)

Warriors lead series 2-0

The Golden State Warriors put up the best road record in the NBA this season at 28-13, but the most recent of those 13 setbacks came at New Orleans on Apr. 7. The Pelicans will try to turn that trick again and climb back in the series when they host the top-seeded Warriors in Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference series on Thursday.

New Orleans was surprisingly pesky in the first two games of the series but did not have quite enough to get over the hump in the fourth quarter of either contest and heads home in an 0-2 hole. “Hopefully for the fans watching (Game 2), our crowd can be like (the boisterous Warriors home crowd),” Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans told reporters. “When we’ve got our crowd behind us, we’re going to perform, play hard and do a good job.” New Orleans went 28-13 in its own arena during the regular season but Golden State won’t be intimidated. Warriors star Stephen Curry poured in 56 points in the first two games and averaged 25.5 points on the road in the regular season.

TRENDS:

*Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
*Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
*Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 road games.
*Under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings.