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The Miami Heat overcame a sluggish start to win the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, and on Tuesday they'll be looking to go up 2-0 with another victory at home. Get your NBA odds for the series at Bovada.
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The Heat only managed to score 42 points in the first half of Sunday's Game 1, and trailed 48-42 at the break. Miami, though, managed to pour it on in the second half and pick up a 95-86 win – and cover the spread on the NBA betting lines.
LeBron James had a team-high 32 points for the Heat in Sunday's win to go along with 15 rebounds and five assists, while Dwyane Wade added 29 points on the night. Chris Bosh scored 13 points in 15 minutes on the floor before leaving with his abdominal injury. Everyone else on the Heat combined to score just 21 points in the Game 1 victory.
Roy Hibbert scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Pacers in Sunday's loss, with David West adding 17 points and 12 boards, and George Hill chipping in with 10 points. Danny Granger had just seven points on the night for Indiana.
Miami has now won eight of its past 10 games against Indiana dating back to early 2010, paying off on the NBA lines at Bovada in six of those contests. For totals bettors, the OVER/UNDER went 5-5 in those 10 games.
The Heat continue to be the favorites on the NBA futures at Bovada, sitting atop the list at 11/10 odds to win the title heading into Monday night's playoff action, and at 2/9 to claim the East. The Pacers were at 60/1 to win the championship and 22/1 to win the East.
Tipoff for Tuesday's game is set for 7:00pm ET, with the Pacers then getting to play host to Games 3 and 4 of the series on Thursday and Sunday. If Indiana manages to pick up a win in any of those games the Heat would then host Game 5 next Tuesday night.
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The Heat only managed to score 42 points in the first half of Sunday's Game 1, and trailed 48-42 at the break. Miami, though, managed to pour it on in the second half and pick up a 95-86 win – and cover the spread on the NBA betting lines.
LeBron James had a team-high 32 points for the Heat in Sunday's win to go along with 15 rebounds and five assists, while Dwyane Wade added 29 points on the night. Chris Bosh scored 13 points in 15 minutes on the floor before leaving with his abdominal injury. Everyone else on the Heat combined to score just 21 points in the Game 1 victory.
Roy Hibbert scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Pacers in Sunday's loss, with David West adding 17 points and 12 boards, and George Hill chipping in with 10 points. Danny Granger had just seven points on the night for Indiana.
Miami has now won eight of its past 10 games against Indiana dating back to early 2010, paying off on the NBA lines at Bovada in six of those contests. For totals bettors, the OVER/UNDER went 5-5 in those 10 games.
The Heat continue to be the favorites on the NBA futures at Bovada, sitting atop the list at 11/10 odds to win the title heading into Monday night's playoff action, and at 2/9 to claim the East. The Pacers were at 60/1 to win the championship and 22/1 to win the East.
Tipoff for Tuesday's game is set for 7:00pm ET, with the Pacers then getting to play host to Games 3 and 4 of the series on Thursday and Sunday. If Indiana manages to pick up a win in any of those games the Heat would then host Game 5 next Tuesday night.
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The San Antonio Spurs look simply unbeatable right now and it seems a formality that the Western Conference’s top seed will beat the visiting L.A. Clippers in Game 2 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the West semis. The battered Clips are 11-point underdogs for the second game in a row on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available at the book.
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In reality, the Clippers had no chance in their Game 1 108-92 defeat on Tuesday. After all, Los Angeles had just played a grueling seven-game series that ended a little more than 48 hours prior to Tuesday’s opener. And L.A. couldn’t even fly home during the travel day Monday, instead going right to Texas. Plus four of the Clippers’ top offensive threats are all nursing injuries that probably would result in a stint on the sidelines if this were the regular season.
Starters Chris Paul, Caron Butler and Blake Griffin and top reserve Mo Williams are all hurting. Butler had a solid 15 points in Game 1, three points over his season average, despite a broken hand. But Paul, who is dealing with a hip injury, had by far his worst game of these playoffs with six points on 3-for-13 shooting. Griffin finished with a quiet 15 points – only five after halftime – and nine boards. And Williams was invisible off the bench with three points. If not for backup point guard Eric Bledsoe’s 23-point career night, Game 1 would have been more lopsided.
San Antonio is healthy and well rested after having had eight days off prior to Game 1 following a first-round sweep of Utah. The Spurs won by 16 despite star point guard Tony Parker struggling with seven points on 1-for-9 shooting. But Tim Duncan had his best game in weeks with 26 points and 10 boards and Manu Ginobili had 22 points. The Spurs also were 13-for-25 from long range to tie a franchise record for 3-point makes.
The Spurs have won 15 straight games dating to an April 11 home loss to the Lakers. San Antonio has won 11 of those by double digits and has lost against the spread just once in the 15-game run (one push). And since Duncan arrived in the NBA, San Antonio has lost just twice at home in 29 games vs. the Clippers.
The Spurs’ 18-game home winning streak in this series ended back on March 9 in a game Parker missed. And 11 points might seem like a lot to be favored by, but San Antonio is 11-0 ATS in its past 11 games as a favorite of at least that much overall.
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In reality, the Clippers had no chance in their Game 1 108-92 defeat on Tuesday. After all, Los Angeles had just played a grueling seven-game series that ended a little more than 48 hours prior to Tuesday’s opener. And L.A. couldn’t even fly home during the travel day Monday, instead going right to Texas. Plus four of the Clippers’ top offensive threats are all nursing injuries that probably would result in a stint on the sidelines if this were the regular season.
Starters Chris Paul, Caron Butler and Blake Griffin and top reserve Mo Williams are all hurting. Butler had a solid 15 points in Game 1, three points over his season average, despite a broken hand. But Paul, who is dealing with a hip injury, had by far his worst game of these playoffs with six points on 3-for-13 shooting. Griffin finished with a quiet 15 points – only five after halftime – and nine boards. And Williams was invisible off the bench with three points. If not for backup point guard Eric Bledsoe’s 23-point career night, Game 1 would have been more lopsided.
San Antonio is healthy and well rested after having had eight days off prior to Game 1 following a first-round sweep of Utah. The Spurs won by 16 despite star point guard Tony Parker struggling with seven points on 1-for-9 shooting. But Tim Duncan had his best game in weeks with 26 points and 10 boards and Manu Ginobili had 22 points. The Spurs also were 13-for-25 from long range to tie a franchise record for 3-point makes.
The Spurs have won 15 straight games dating to an April 11 home loss to the Lakers. San Antonio has won 11 of those by double digits and has lost against the spread just once in the 15-game run (one push). And since Duncan arrived in the NBA, San Antonio has lost just twice at home in 29 games vs. the Clippers.
The Spurs’ 18-game home winning streak in this series ended back on March 9 in a game Parker missed. And 11 points might seem like a lot to be favored by, but San Antonio is 11-0 ATS in its past 11 games as a favorite of at least that much overall.
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Having come through with a win in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to duplicate that effort on Wednesday night when the set returns to their home arena for Game 3. Get your NBA betting line for the game at Bovada.
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The Sixers were edged 92-91 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series in Boston on Saturday, but they turned the tables in Game 2 on the road on Monday night with a slim 82-81 victory as an underdog on the NBA odds at Bovada.
Jrue Holiday led the way for Philadelphia in Monday's win with a team-high 18 points, while Andre Iguodala was good for 13 points in the contest, and Spencer Hawes chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds on the night.
Ray Allen poured in a team-high 17 points off the bench in Monday's losing cause for the Celtics, with Kevin Garnett adding 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo picking up eight points and 13 assists. Paul Pierce was held to just seven points in the loss.
For the Sixers Monday night marked their seventh ATS victory against the Celtics over their past 10 meetings, although Boston did manage to win six of those 10 contests straight up. The OVER/UNDER is 4-6 in the last 10 matchups between the Celtics and Sixers after Game 2's UNDER result.
Heading into Tuesday night's NBA playoff slate the Celtics were listed at 15/1 odds to win the NBA championship this season, and at 11/2 odds to claim the Eastern Conference title. The Sixers were at 30/1 to win the championship and 12/1 to win the East this spring.
After battling in Game 3 on Wednesday night the Celtics and Sixers will hit the hardwood again in Philadelphia in Game 4 on Friday night. Boston will then get to host Game 5 of the series next Monday night.
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The Sixers were edged 92-91 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series in Boston on Saturday, but they turned the tables in Game 2 on the road on Monday night with a slim 82-81 victory as an underdog on the NBA odds at Bovada.
Jrue Holiday led the way for Philadelphia in Monday's win with a team-high 18 points, while Andre Iguodala was good for 13 points in the contest, and Spencer Hawes chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds on the night.
Ray Allen poured in a team-high 17 points off the bench in Monday's losing cause for the Celtics, with Kevin Garnett adding 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo picking up eight points and 13 assists. Paul Pierce was held to just seven points in the loss.
For the Sixers Monday night marked their seventh ATS victory against the Celtics over their past 10 meetings, although Boston did manage to win six of those 10 contests straight up. The OVER/UNDER is 4-6 in the last 10 matchups between the Celtics and Sixers after Game 2's UNDER result.
Heading into Tuesday night's NBA playoff slate the Celtics were listed at 15/1 odds to win the NBA championship this season, and at 11/2 odds to claim the Eastern Conference title. The Sixers were at 30/1 to win the championship and 12/1 to win the East this spring.
After battling in Game 3 on Wednesday night the Celtics and Sixers will hit the hardwood again in Philadelphia in Game 4 on Friday night. Boston will then get to host Game 5 of the series next Monday night.
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There is no sugarcoating what happened to the proud Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals: They were completely embarrassed by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Just 48 hours later, the Lakers look to redeem themselves in Game 2 at OKC tonight, but the Thunder are 8-point favorites on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds with live play-by-play betting available.
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The Lakers’119-90 loss could actually have been worse as Oklahoma City stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook didn’t even play in the fourth quarter after combining for 52 points through three. It was still among the worst playoffs losses in Laker history and also their worst loss of the 2011-12 season. Kobe Bryant, who had 20 points in Game 1, now has as many 25-point playoff losses )10) as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird combined.
It was L.A.’s fifth-worst Game 1 loss in franchise history and worst since back in 1998 when L.A. lost by 35 points in the opening game of the Western Conference to the Jazz. The Lakers were swept in that series but in the 1985 NBA Finals they memorably lost Game 1 at Boston by 34 points – the Memorial Day Massacre – and ended up winning Game 2 and the series.
OKC dominated in every way in Game 1. Westbrook was simply unstoppable, even when Kobe was guarding him. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field, including 70.6 percent in the third quarter when they forged a lead of 35 points. OKC also had 13 steals, eight blocks and just four turnovers, their lowest total of the season and a franchise record. The Thunder led the NBA during the season by averaging 16.4 turnovers a game. By comparison, the Lakers shot 43.2 percent from the field, didn’t have a single bucket in transition and had 15 turnovers.
But the Lakers were unquestionably tired after playing a Game 7 vs. Denver 48 hours prior to Monday’s Game 1, while the Thunder had a week off. In addition, when the Lakers were blown out in Game 6 in Denver, they rallied to win (and cover) Game 7 – although that was in L.A. So perhaps Game 1 was just a perfect storm against Los Angeles.
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The Lakers’119-90 loss could actually have been worse as Oklahoma City stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook didn’t even play in the fourth quarter after combining for 52 points through three. It was still among the worst playoffs losses in Laker history and also their worst loss of the 2011-12 season. Kobe Bryant, who had 20 points in Game 1, now has as many 25-point playoff losses )10) as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird combined.
It was L.A.’s fifth-worst Game 1 loss in franchise history and worst since back in 1998 when L.A. lost by 35 points in the opening game of the Western Conference to the Jazz. The Lakers were swept in that series but in the 1985 NBA Finals they memorably lost Game 1 at Boston by 34 points – the Memorial Day Massacre – and ended up winning Game 2 and the series.
OKC dominated in every way in Game 1. Westbrook was simply unstoppable, even when Kobe was guarding him. The Thunder shot 53 percent from the field, including 70.6 percent in the third quarter when they forged a lead of 35 points. OKC also had 13 steals, eight blocks and just four turnovers, their lowest total of the season and a franchise record. The Thunder led the NBA during the season by averaging 16.4 turnovers a game. By comparison, the Lakers shot 43.2 percent from the field, didn’t have a single bucket in transition and had 15 turnovers.
But the Lakers were unquestionably tired after playing a Game 7 vs. Denver 48 hours prior to Monday’s Game 1, while the Thunder had a week off. In addition, when the Lakers were blown out in Game 6 in Denver, they rallied to win (and cover) Game 7 – although that was in L.A. So perhaps Game 1 was just a perfect storm against Los Angeles.
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No team in NBA playoff history has rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. But that’s exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers will be facing if they don’t bounce back from a crushing loss and win Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Friday night at Staples Center against Oklahoma City. After being sizable dogs in the first two games in OKC, L.A. is a 2.5-point favorite for Game 3 on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available.
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The Lakers were blown off the court in Game 1 but should have taken Game 2 on Wednesday. Los Angeles led 75-68 with two minutes left but the Thunder scored the final nine points, capped by Kevin Durant’s baseline runner with 18 seconds left for the winning points.
On L.A.’s final possession, everyone in the world thought Kobe Bryant would attempt the final shot, but instead Metta World Peace passed (smartly, really) to a wide open Steve Blake, who missed a 3-pointer from the corner. Kobe never touched the ball on the play. While it’s assumed Kobe should have taken the shot, he is 0-for-7 on game-tying and go-ahead shots in the final 10 seconds of playoff games since 2006-07. Meanwhile, his teammates are 4-for-7, including Blake's miss on Wednesday. Kobe looked tired in the fourth quarter as well. He turned the ball over in a critical spot with 1:45 remaining and also missed his final five shots. Bryant and Andrew Bynum led the team overall with 20 points each.
Durant led the Thunder in points (22), rebounds (7) and assists (5). Russell Westbrook was brilliant in Game 1 but whatever the Lakers changed for Game 2 worked as he was held to 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting. A game after scoring 119 points, OKC managed just 29 in the second half Wednesday. The Thunder also had nine more turnovers in Game 2 than the opener.
The Lakers better win Friday because Game 4 is just 24 hours later and the quick turnaround should hugely favor the younger Thunder. L.A. is 3-1 at home this postseason (2-2 ATS) and the Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their past seven games following a loss.
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The Lakers were blown off the court in Game 1 but should have taken Game 2 on Wednesday. Los Angeles led 75-68 with two minutes left but the Thunder scored the final nine points, capped by Kevin Durant’s baseline runner with 18 seconds left for the winning points.
On L.A.’s final possession, everyone in the world thought Kobe Bryant would attempt the final shot, but instead Metta World Peace passed (smartly, really) to a wide open Steve Blake, who missed a 3-pointer from the corner. Kobe never touched the ball on the play. While it’s assumed Kobe should have taken the shot, he is 0-for-7 on game-tying and go-ahead shots in the final 10 seconds of playoff games since 2006-07. Meanwhile, his teammates are 4-for-7, including Blake's miss on Wednesday. Kobe looked tired in the fourth quarter as well. He turned the ball over in a critical spot with 1:45 remaining and also missed his final five shots. Bryant and Andrew Bynum led the team overall with 20 points each.
Durant led the Thunder in points (22), rebounds (7) and assists (5). Russell Westbrook was brilliant in Game 1 but whatever the Lakers changed for Game 2 worked as he was held to 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting. A game after scoring 119 points, OKC managed just 29 in the second half Wednesday. The Thunder also had nine more turnovers in Game 2 than the opener.
The Lakers better win Friday because Game 4 is just 24 hours later and the quick turnaround should hugely favor the younger Thunder. L.A. is 3-1 at home this postseason (2-2 ATS) and the Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their past seven games following a loss.
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The Miami Heat's second-round NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers isn't going to be a cakewalk after all; the teams find themselves tied at 1-1 heading into Game 3 of the best-of-seven set in Indiana on Thursday night. Get your NBA odds for the postseason at Bovada.
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The Heat rolled to a 95-86 home victory over the Pacers in Game 1 of the series on Sunday, but Indiana turned the tables in Game 2 on Tuesday night with a 78-75 upset win on the NBA odds at Bovada in Miami.
David West scored a team-high 16 points for the Pacers in Tuesday night's win to go along with 10 rebounds, while George Hill was good for 15 points, and Paul George had 10 points and 11 boards. Danny Granger scored 11 points in the contest.
LeBron James had a game-high 28 points in the losing cause for the Heat on Tuesday, with Dwyane Wade adding 24 points, but no one else on the roster managing to score more than five points. Chris Bosh (abdominal injury) remains out indefinitely for Miami.
The Heat have now been tagged with an ATS loss in three of their past four games against the Pacers, going 5-5 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the teams. The UNDER has paid out for totals bettors in four of the last five Heat/Pacers matchups.
Heading into Wednesday's playoff action the Heat remained the favorite on the NBA futures at Bovada at 3/2 to win the championship this season, and they were also set at 1/3 to win the East. The Pacers had 22/1 odds to win the title, and 9/1 odds to win the East.
Game 3 is set to get underway at 7:00pm ET in Indiana on Thursday, with the teams then getting two days off before meeting again on Sunday afternoon. The series then shifts back to Miami for Game 5 of the set next Tuesday night.
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The Heat rolled to a 95-86 home victory over the Pacers in Game 1 of the series on Sunday, but Indiana turned the tables in Game 2 on Tuesday night with a 78-75 upset win on the NBA odds at Bovada in Miami.
David West scored a team-high 16 points for the Pacers in Tuesday night's win to go along with 10 rebounds, while George Hill was good for 15 points, and Paul George had 10 points and 11 boards. Danny Granger scored 11 points in the contest.
LeBron James had a game-high 28 points in the losing cause for the Heat on Tuesday, with Dwyane Wade adding 24 points, but no one else on the roster managing to score more than five points. Chris Bosh (abdominal injury) remains out indefinitely for Miami.
The Heat have now been tagged with an ATS loss in three of their past four games against the Pacers, going 5-5 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the teams. The UNDER has paid out for totals bettors in four of the last five Heat/Pacers matchups.
Heading into Wednesday's playoff action the Heat remained the favorite on the NBA futures at Bovada at 3/2 to win the championship this season, and they were also set at 1/3 to win the East. The Pacers had 22/1 odds to win the title, and 9/1 odds to win the East.
Game 3 is set to get underway at 7:00pm ET in Indiana on Thursday, with the teams then getting two days off before meeting again on Sunday afternoon. The series then shifts back to Miami for Game 5 of the set next Tuesday night.
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Will the San Antonio Spurs ever lose again? The new Bovada NBA championship favorites are on a 16-game winning streak heading into Saturday afternoon’s Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at the Los Angeles Clippers. San Antonio is a 5-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available.
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The Clippers are simply worn down and completely beaten up and aren’t putting up much of a fight after advancing to the second round for only the third time in franchise history. After a 16-point Game 1 win, San Antonio cruised 105-88 in Game 2 Thursday. Tony Parker bounced back from one of his worst playoff games ever with 22 points, five assists and five rebounds, while Tim Duncan had another strong game with 18 points.
The Spurs have won 13 games in this run by double digits and are winning by an average of right on the 17 points they won by in Game 2. Only two other teams have sustained a longer winning streak in the playoffs: the 2004 Spurs (17) and the 2001 Lakers (19). San Antonio has covered in 14 of the 16 games. Despite the Spurs scoring at least 102 points in every playoff game but one so far, the under is 5-1 in those games.
Saturday’s game will be the eighth in 15 days for Los Angeles and Game 4 follows 24 hours later on Sunday. Star point guard Chris Paul, who carried L.A. past Memphis in Round 1, is clearly very bothered by his hip injury. After just 6 points in Game 1, he was held to 10 points and turned the ball over eight times Thursday. Paul has nearly as many turnovers (13) as points (16) in this series and has a plus/minus of minus-40 in the 72 minutes he’s been on the court.
The Clippers are 0-4 this season against the Spurs in games Parker played – L.A. won the one he missed – and Paul has shot 16-of-51 (31 percent) from the floor and averaged fewer than 12 points in those four.
L.A. covered 16 of 33 games at home during the season and is 1-0-1 ATS there in the playoffs. San Antonio has covered 14 of its past 18 games after a win by double digits. And it is 6-1 ATS in its past seven at the Clippers.
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The Clippers are simply worn down and completely beaten up and aren’t putting up much of a fight after advancing to the second round for only the third time in franchise history. After a 16-point Game 1 win, San Antonio cruised 105-88 in Game 2 Thursday. Tony Parker bounced back from one of his worst playoff games ever with 22 points, five assists and five rebounds, while Tim Duncan had another strong game with 18 points.
The Spurs have won 13 games in this run by double digits and are winning by an average of right on the 17 points they won by in Game 2. Only two other teams have sustained a longer winning streak in the playoffs: the 2004 Spurs (17) and the 2001 Lakers (19). San Antonio has covered in 14 of the 16 games. Despite the Spurs scoring at least 102 points in every playoff game but one so far, the under is 5-1 in those games.
Saturday’s game will be the eighth in 15 days for Los Angeles and Game 4 follows 24 hours later on Sunday. Star point guard Chris Paul, who carried L.A. past Memphis in Round 1, is clearly very bothered by his hip injury. After just 6 points in Game 1, he was held to 10 points and turned the ball over eight times Thursday. Paul has nearly as many turnovers (13) as points (16) in this series and has a plus/minus of minus-40 in the 72 minutes he’s been on the court.
The Clippers are 0-4 this season against the Spurs in games Parker played – L.A. won the one he missed – and Paul has shot 16-of-51 (31 percent) from the floor and averaged fewer than 12 points in those four.
L.A. covered 16 of 33 games at home during the season and is 1-0-1 ATS there in the playoffs. San Antonio has covered 14 of its past 18 games after a win by double digits. And it is 6-1 ATS in its past seven at the Clippers.
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After losing in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday night the Philadelphia 76ers will be desperate to get back into the win column on Friday when they host the Boston Celtics once again in Game 4 of the best-of-seven set. Bet on the NBA with Bovada.
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The Celtics won and paid off on the NBA betting lines at Bovada in a 107-91 result on Wednesday, giving them a 2-1 lead in the series. Boston won Game 1 at home by a 92-91 score, then fell 82-81 on their own court in Game 2 on Monday night.
Kevin Garnett led the way on offense in Wednesday's win for the Celtics, pouring in 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the contest. Rajon Rondo scored 23 points and added 14 assists in that game for Boston, while Paul Pierce pitched in with 24 points on the night.
Jrue Holiday had 15 points to go along with nine assists in the Sixers' losing cause in Game 3, with Thaddeus Young tossing in 22 points off the bench on the night. Starters Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, Andre Iguodala, and Elton Brand combined for 21 points.
The Sixers had been 2-0 ATS in this series prior to Wednesday's loss; overall they're 7-3 ATS in their past 10 games against Boston, winning just four of those contests straight up. The OVER/UNDER is now 2-1 for totals bettors at Bovada through three games of this set.
On the updated NBA futures heading into Thursday night's action the Celtics were listed at 9/1 on the odds to win the championship, putting them behind the Heat (3/2), Thunder (9/4), and Spurs (12/5), but well ahead of the Sixers (60/1).
Boston also trailed the 1/3 Heat at 7/2 odds to win the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers sitting at 20/1 on those NBA futures at Bovada.
Friday's Game 4 will get underway at 8:00pm ET in Philadelphia, with the two teams then not returning to the hardwood until Monday's Game 5 in Boston.
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The Celtics won and paid off on the NBA betting lines at Bovada in a 107-91 result on Wednesday, giving them a 2-1 lead in the series. Boston won Game 1 at home by a 92-91 score, then fell 82-81 on their own court in Game 2 on Monday night.
Kevin Garnett led the way on offense in Wednesday's win for the Celtics, pouring in 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the contest. Rajon Rondo scored 23 points and added 14 assists in that game for Boston, while Paul Pierce pitched in with 24 points on the night.
Jrue Holiday had 15 points to go along with nine assists in the Sixers' losing cause in Game 3, with Thaddeus Young tossing in 22 points off the bench on the night. Starters Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, Andre Iguodala, and Elton Brand combined for 21 points.
The Sixers had been 2-0 ATS in this series prior to Wednesday's loss; overall they're 7-3 ATS in their past 10 games against Boston, winning just four of those contests straight up. The OVER/UNDER is now 2-1 for totals bettors at Bovada through three games of this set.
On the updated NBA futures heading into Thursday night's action the Celtics were listed at 9/1 on the odds to win the championship, putting them behind the Heat (3/2), Thunder (9/4), and Spurs (12/5), but well ahead of the Sixers (60/1).
Boston also trailed the 1/3 Heat at 7/2 odds to win the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers sitting at 20/1 on those NBA futures at Bovada.
Friday's Game 4 will get underway at 8:00pm ET in Philadelphia, with the two teams then not returning to the hardwood until Monday's Game 5 in Boston.
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It’s fair to say it’s panic time for the Miami Heat as the former NBA title favorites have dropped back-to-back games in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Pacers since All-Star Chris Bosh went down with an injury. Sunday afternoon’s game at Indiana is thus for all intents and purposes a must-win for Miami and it is a 2-point betting favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds. There will be live play-by-play betting available.
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The story of Miami’s shocking 94-75 Game 3 loss was the ineffectiveness of Dwyane Wade, who was scoreless in the first half – first time in his playoff career – and finished with just five points on 2-for-13 shooting while turning the ball over five times. Wade also got into a confrontation with coach Erik Spoelstra during a third-quarter timeout as the Pacers were putting the game away.
Reports are that Wade is playing through injuries that caused him to miss several games during the season – Miami was 14-3 this year without Wade but not having Bosh as well is apparently too much to overcome. Even LeBron James struggled in Game 3 with 22 points but only six after halftime when Indiana outscored Miami 51-32. LeBron has mostly played power forward the past two games and admits its taxing on his body because he has to rebound more and guard bigger players.
Mario Chalmers actually led the Heat in Game 3 with 25 points. He injured his wrist but will play Sunday. But he’s the only player other than LeBron and Wade doing much. For example, Shane Battier and Dexter Pittman moved into the starting lineup in Game 3 and were scoreless, shooting 0-for-9 from the field. And top reserves Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem combined for only six points.
The Heat shot 37.2 percent from the field for the second game in a row and are 5-for-42 from 3-pont range in the series. Miami was outrebounded 52-36 in Game 3 and Pacers center Roy Hibbert completely dominated the paint with 19 points, 18 rebound and five blocks. George Hill had 20 points and Danny Granger contributed 17. The Pacers have won their past three home playoff games by a combined 52 points.
Miami has dropped to 10/3 on Bovada to win the NBA title, now behind San Antonio (7/4) and Oklahoma City (2/1). The Heat remain Eastern Conference favorites at 5/4 but Boston is now right behind at 2/1. Indiana has jumped to 3/1.
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The story of Miami’s shocking 94-75 Game 3 loss was the ineffectiveness of Dwyane Wade, who was scoreless in the first half – first time in his playoff career – and finished with just five points on 2-for-13 shooting while turning the ball over five times. Wade also got into a confrontation with coach Erik Spoelstra during a third-quarter timeout as the Pacers were putting the game away.
Reports are that Wade is playing through injuries that caused him to miss several games during the season – Miami was 14-3 this year without Wade but not having Bosh as well is apparently too much to overcome. Even LeBron James struggled in Game 3 with 22 points but only six after halftime when Indiana outscored Miami 51-32. LeBron has mostly played power forward the past two games and admits its taxing on his body because he has to rebound more and guard bigger players.
Mario Chalmers actually led the Heat in Game 3 with 25 points. He injured his wrist but will play Sunday. But he’s the only player other than LeBron and Wade doing much. For example, Shane Battier and Dexter Pittman moved into the starting lineup in Game 3 and were scoreless, shooting 0-for-9 from the field. And top reserves Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem combined for only six points.
The Heat shot 37.2 percent from the field for the second game in a row and are 5-for-42 from 3-pont range in the series. Miami was outrebounded 52-36 in Game 3 and Pacers center Roy Hibbert completely dominated the paint with 19 points, 18 rebound and five blocks. George Hill had 20 points and Danny Granger contributed 17. The Pacers have won their past three home playoff games by a combined 52 points.
Miami has dropped to 10/3 on Bovada to win the NBA title, now behind San Antonio (7/4) and Oklahoma City (2/1). The Heat remain Eastern Conference favorites at 5/4 but Boston is now right behind at 2/1. Indiana has jumped to 3/1.
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If you ever doubted that the Orlando Magic are Dwight Howard’s team, doubt no longer. On Monday, the team not only fired head coach Stan Van Gundy, whom Howard didn’t get along with, but also let go of general manager Otis Smith.
Van Gundy was 259-135 (.657) in five seasons in Orlando. He led the Magic to five postseason berths, three Southeast Division titles and the 2009 Eastern Conference championship. Prior to coming to Orlando he served as head coach of the Miami Heat for two-plus seasons. This past season, Orlando finished 37-29 but was bounced out of the first round of the playoffs by Indiana.
The 51-year-old Van Gundy is the winningest coach in franchise history. He’s likely to land another job although he occasionally annoyed veteran players with his demanding expectations, his demonstrative sideline demeanor and his blunt assessments of their play during press conferences.
Van Gundy’s fate was likely sealed on April 5. With rumors circulating that Howard had asked Magic executives to fire Van Gundy, after the Magic completed a shootaround that morning to prepare for a game that night, a reporter asked Van Gundy whether he believed Howard wanted him fired. "I know he has," Van Gundy answered. Howard was standing out of earshot, approached Van Gundy, put his arm around the coach and ridiculed the television reporter who had reported the story. Then Van Gundy walked away and Howard was peppered with questions and the player was furious. After the Magic were eliminated by the Pacers in five games earlier this month, Van Gundy said that he wanted to return as coach of the Magic.
Smith, a former Magic player, was promoted to president of basketball operations on July 28, 2010 and was named general manager on May 3, 2006. It was Smith’s decision not to trade Howard at this year’s deadline. Howard instead chose to sign an opt-in clause in his contract that runs through next season, but the club is expected to again shop him if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal. Certainly dumping Van Gundy and Smith is Orlando’s attempt to placate Howard and get him to sign a contract.
Van Gundy was 259-135 (.657) in five seasons in Orlando. He led the Magic to five postseason berths, three Southeast Division titles and the 2009 Eastern Conference championship. Prior to coming to Orlando he served as head coach of the Miami Heat for two-plus seasons. This past season, Orlando finished 37-29 but was bounced out of the first round of the playoffs by Indiana.
The 51-year-old Van Gundy is the winningest coach in franchise history. He’s likely to land another job although he occasionally annoyed veteran players with his demanding expectations, his demonstrative sideline demeanor and his blunt assessments of their play during press conferences.
Van Gundy’s fate was likely sealed on April 5. With rumors circulating that Howard had asked Magic executives to fire Van Gundy, after the Magic completed a shootaround that morning to prepare for a game that night, a reporter asked Van Gundy whether he believed Howard wanted him fired. "I know he has," Van Gundy answered. Howard was standing out of earshot, approached Van Gundy, put his arm around the coach and ridiculed the television reporter who had reported the story. Then Van Gundy walked away and Howard was peppered with questions and the player was furious. After the Magic were eliminated by the Pacers in five games earlier this month, Van Gundy said that he wanted to return as coach of the Magic.
Smith, a former Magic player, was promoted to president of basketball operations on July 28, 2010 and was named general manager on May 3, 2006. It was Smith’s decision not to trade Howard at this year’s deadline. Howard instead chose to sign an opt-in clause in his contract that runs through next season, but the club is expected to again shop him if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal. Certainly dumping Van Gundy and Smith is Orlando’s attempt to placate Howard and get him to sign a contract.
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It’s a crucial Game 5 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series between Indiana and Miami on Tuesday night as the Heat look to win their second straight game in the series and take a 3-2 lead back to Indianapolis on Thursday. Miami is a 6.5-point home favorite tonight on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available.
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After falling behind 2-1 in the series and dropping from the favorite to second-favorite on NBA title futures odds, the Heat’s LeBron James and Dwayne Wade made a statement on Sunday in a 101-93 victory. LeBron had arguably his best game as a member of the Heat with 40 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists while Wade bounced back from a five-point outing in Game 4 with 30 points.
The Pacers had built a 10-point lead in the third quarter and were threatening to put the game away. But then LeBron and Wade 38 consecutive points in one stretch bridging the second and third quarters and combined to score 28 of Miami's 30 in the third. Overall that duo outscored the entire Pacers team 43-39 on the second half. It was the highest-scoring total for Wade and James in their playoff careers together. The Heat even got a lift off their bench as Udonis Haslem had 14 points after totaling six in the first three games.
Danny Granger scored 20 to lead Indiana. But All-Star center Roy Hibbert, who dominated Game 3, had just 10 points and was in foul trouble in the second half. David West had eight points and also was in foul trouble.
Miami outrebounded the Pacers by nine after being outrebounded by a combined 26 in Games 2 and 3. The team that has won the rebounding battle has won all four games. The Heat also shot 5 for 12 on three-pointers after shooting 5 for 42 in the first three games of the series.
Chris Bosh, who injured his abdominal muscle in Game 1, has officially again been ruled out of Games 5 and 6 but the Heat are holding out hope he might be able to play in Saturday’s Game 7 if the series goes that long. Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a series tied at 2-2 has gone on to win 83 percent of the series. The good news for Indiana is that it has covered in its past six Tuesday games, while Miami is 0-6 ATS in its past seven on Tuesday.
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After falling behind 2-1 in the series and dropping from the favorite to second-favorite on NBA title futures odds, the Heat’s LeBron James and Dwayne Wade made a statement on Sunday in a 101-93 victory. LeBron had arguably his best game as a member of the Heat with 40 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists while Wade bounced back from a five-point outing in Game 4 with 30 points.
The Pacers had built a 10-point lead in the third quarter and were threatening to put the game away. But then LeBron and Wade 38 consecutive points in one stretch bridging the second and third quarters and combined to score 28 of Miami's 30 in the third. Overall that duo outscored the entire Pacers team 43-39 on the second half. It was the highest-scoring total for Wade and James in their playoff careers together. The Heat even got a lift off their bench as Udonis Haslem had 14 points after totaling six in the first three games.
Danny Granger scored 20 to lead Indiana. But All-Star center Roy Hibbert, who dominated Game 3, had just 10 points and was in foul trouble in the second half. David West had eight points and also was in foul trouble.
Miami outrebounded the Pacers by nine after being outrebounded by a combined 26 in Games 2 and 3. The team that has won the rebounding battle has won all four games. The Heat also shot 5 for 12 on three-pointers after shooting 5 for 42 in the first three games of the series.
Chris Bosh, who injured his abdominal muscle in Game 1, has officially again been ruled out of Games 5 and 6 but the Heat are holding out hope he might be able to play in Saturday’s Game 7 if the series goes that long. Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a series tied at 2-2 has gone on to win 83 percent of the series. The good news for Indiana is that it has covered in its past six Tuesday games, while Miami is 0-6 ATS in its past seven on Tuesday.
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It would likely behoove the Boston Celtics to finish off the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night, but Philly is a 2-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available.
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With Boston up 3-2, a victory gets the Celtics back to the Eastern Conference Finals. There are many reasons why the C’s would like to do the job tonight. But the two main ones: 1) Obviously they don’t want to have a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Boston on Saturday; 2) it sure looks like the Miami Heat are going to finish off Indiana on Thursday. If so, the East Finals would start Saturday in Miami and the Celtics would get an extra day of rest than Miami. Plus the Heat won’t have Chris Bosh back from injury by Saturday. If Philadelphia wins tonight, the East Finals are guaranteed to start Monday, and it’s possible the Heat could have Bosh back then.
Boston was dominant for the second game in a row Monday, winning Game 5 101-85. Brandon Bass tied a career high with a shocking 27 points (by far a playoff career high; he hadn’t scored more than 22 points in a game this season overall), including 18 in the decisive third quarter when Boston turned a 3-point deficit into a 9-point lead. That’s the most points by any NBA player in one playoff quarter this year. Rajon Rondo had another brilliant game with 13 points and 14 assists for Boston. Really that should have been the end of the series, but the Celtics choked away an 18-point second-half lead in a stunning Game 4 loss.
Boston played Game 5 without starting guard Avery Bradley, who has a shoulder injury. Bradley, who is a defensive stopper, did travel to Philly for Game 6 but is still questionable. Ray Allen started for Bradley in Game 5 and was quiet with five points.
Ironically, the team leading at the end of the first quarter has lost every time in this series. And boding well for Philly is that it is 4-0 after losses in these playoffs. In addition, Boston is just 2-10 in the past five seasons in potential close out road playoff games.
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With Boston up 3-2, a victory gets the Celtics back to the Eastern Conference Finals. There are many reasons why the C’s would like to do the job tonight. But the two main ones: 1) Obviously they don’t want to have a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Boston on Saturday; 2) it sure looks like the Miami Heat are going to finish off Indiana on Thursday. If so, the East Finals would start Saturday in Miami and the Celtics would get an extra day of rest than Miami. Plus the Heat won’t have Chris Bosh back from injury by Saturday. If Philadelphia wins tonight, the East Finals are guaranteed to start Monday, and it’s possible the Heat could have Bosh back then.
Boston was dominant for the second game in a row Monday, winning Game 5 101-85. Brandon Bass tied a career high with a shocking 27 points (by far a playoff career high; he hadn’t scored more than 22 points in a game this season overall), including 18 in the decisive third quarter when Boston turned a 3-point deficit into a 9-point lead. That’s the most points by any NBA player in one playoff quarter this year. Rajon Rondo had another brilliant game with 13 points and 14 assists for Boston. Really that should have been the end of the series, but the Celtics choked away an 18-point second-half lead in a stunning Game 4 loss.
Boston played Game 5 without starting guard Avery Bradley, who has a shoulder injury. Bradley, who is a defensive stopper, did travel to Philly for Game 6 but is still questionable. Ray Allen started for Bradley in Game 5 and was quiet with five points.
Ironically, the team leading at the end of the first quarter has lost every time in this series. And boding well for Philly is that it is 4-0 after losses in these playoffs. In addition, Boston is just 2-10 in the past five seasons in potential close out road playoff games.
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Thirty years ago the Boston Celtics made an improbable run and forced Game 7 versus the Philadelphia 76ers. This time NBA odds made Philly underdogs in the series and just -1 favorites at home in Game 6; a 82-75 win in Game 6 pushed the series back to Boston.
"Game 7," 76ers coach Doug Collins said. "That's all we wanted was to win tonight and give ourselves a chance to go into Boston and see what happens on Saturday."
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In an ugly game point guard Jrue Holiday was the bright spot for the 76ers. He finished up with 20 points and six assists, while four other Sixers chipped in with double-digit performences. Point guard Rajon Rondo seems to be the key to Celtics wins and losses, unfortunately he had another sub-par performance, going 4-14 from the field and finishing with just nine points.
"We never really established Kevin [Garnett]," coach Doc Rivers said. "Even though Kevin had points, it wasn't the type of points we needed."
Larry Bird and Julius Irving were the stars 30 years ago, this game is lacking in that type of hall-of-fame talent, but Philly great Allen Iverson did make a return to the 76ers crowd. No, he didn't play.
"It's been a tough series. It's down to a Game 7," Garnett said. "We've played well at times, they've played well at times. But now, we'll take it home and see what we can do."
"Game 7," 76ers coach Doug Collins said. "That's all we wanted was to win tonight and give ourselves a chance to go into Boston and see what happens on Saturday."
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In an ugly game point guard Jrue Holiday was the bright spot for the 76ers. He finished up with 20 points and six assists, while four other Sixers chipped in with double-digit performences. Point guard Rajon Rondo seems to be the key to Celtics wins and losses, unfortunately he had another sub-par performance, going 4-14 from the field and finishing with just nine points.
"We never really established Kevin [Garnett]," coach Doc Rivers said. "Even though Kevin had points, it wasn't the type of points we needed."
Larry Bird and Julius Irving were the stars 30 years ago, this game is lacking in that type of hall-of-fame talent, but Philly great Allen Iverson did make a return to the 76ers crowd. No, he didn't play.
"It's been a tough series. It's down to a Game 7," Garnett said. "We've played well at times, they've played well at times. But now, we'll take it home and see what we can do."
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The Miami Heat will be shorthanded tonight in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, yet the Heat are still 3.5-point favorites on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available.
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After a very physical Game 5 Miami 32-point win (the worst playoff loss in Pacer history), which gave the Heat a 3-2 lead in the series, the NBA suspended Heat forward Udonis Haslem one game for his flagrant foul in that game and backup center Dexter Pittman three games for his mugging of Lance Stephenson at the end of Game 5. Somehow, neither player was even thrown out of that game. Pittman isn’t much of a loss as he barely plays, but Haslem is arguably the Heat’s best frontcourt player with Chris Bosh out injured. Bosh hasn’t played since injuring his abdominal muscle in Game 1 and is officially out for Game 6. Haslem has 24 points in the past two games after totaling just six in the first three. He’s also a good defender and rebounder.
With Haslem out, Ronny Turiaf's 13.0 minutes per game this series will likely increase. The Heat have outscored the Pacers by 13 points in the 65 minutes Turiaf has been on the floor this series -- Turiaf is averaging 2.8 points in those five games.
The Pacers, however, also could be without a key player. Regular-season leading scorer Danny Granger hurt his ankle twice in Game 5 and is considered a game-time decision tonight. He missed practice Wednesday and was seen wearing flip-flops but claims he will play. David West hurt his knee on Tuesday but should play after practicing Wednesday. The team that has won the rebounding battle in this series has won each game.
Pacers president Larry Bird called his team “soft” after Game 5 so it should be interesting to see how the players respond. Indiana has no chance if it doesn’t slow LeBron James, who has 70 points, 28 rebounds and 17 assists in the past two games.
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After a very physical Game 5 Miami 32-point win (the worst playoff loss in Pacer history), which gave the Heat a 3-2 lead in the series, the NBA suspended Heat forward Udonis Haslem one game for his flagrant foul in that game and backup center Dexter Pittman three games for his mugging of Lance Stephenson at the end of Game 5. Somehow, neither player was even thrown out of that game. Pittman isn’t much of a loss as he barely plays, but Haslem is arguably the Heat’s best frontcourt player with Chris Bosh out injured. Bosh hasn’t played since injuring his abdominal muscle in Game 1 and is officially out for Game 6. Haslem has 24 points in the past two games after totaling just six in the first three. He’s also a good defender and rebounder.
With Haslem out, Ronny Turiaf's 13.0 minutes per game this series will likely increase. The Heat have outscored the Pacers by 13 points in the 65 minutes Turiaf has been on the floor this series -- Turiaf is averaging 2.8 points in those five games.
The Pacers, however, also could be without a key player. Regular-season leading scorer Danny Granger hurt his ankle twice in Game 5 and is considered a game-time decision tonight. He missed practice Wednesday and was seen wearing flip-flops but claims he will play. David West hurt his knee on Tuesday but should play after practicing Wednesday. The team that has won the rebounding battle in this series has won each game.
Pacers president Larry Bird called his team “soft” after Game 5 so it should be interesting to see how the players respond. Indiana has no chance if it doesn’t slow LeBron James, who has 70 points, 28 rebounds and 17 assists in the past two games.
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For the sixth time in the storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, the clubs will meet in a Game 7 of a playoff series. Boston is a 5.5-point home favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds and there will be live play-by-play betting available. The Miami Heat await the winner in the Eastern Conference Finals starting Monday.
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Since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined the Celtics, the team seems to lack a killer instinct in elimination games that aren’t at home. And that was on display big time in Wednesday’s 82-75 defeat in Philadelphia that dropped Boston to 2-11 in potential road close out games in the past five seasons. Two nights after the Celtics shot 52.2 percent from the floor and routed Philly, Boston shot just 33.3 percent overall in Game 6.
Rajon Rondo had his worst game of the series by far on Wednesday. Heading into that game, Rondo had 72 points and 73 assists against the Sixers. But in Game 6, he had just nine points on 4-for-14 shooting, six assists and four turnovers. Rondo had had at least 13 assists in each of his previous five playoff games, only the second player in NBA history to accomplish that feat in the playoffs.
The Celtics played Game 6 again without starting shooting guard Avery Bradley, and he’s been ruled out of the playoffs with a shoulder injury. Allen got the start again, but he’s showing his age. Allen is battling a very bad ankle and was only 4-for-11 (including 1-for-5 from three) from the floor Wednesday for nine quiet points.
While the Sixers were terrific defensively in Game 6, they weren’t very good on offense, either. Jrue Holliday led four players in double figures with 20 points, but Philly was 1-for-9 from 3-point range and hit just 60.7 percent of its 28 free-throw attempts. Where the Sixers were good was in outscoring Boston 42-16 in the paint.
The Celtics are 4-0 in these playoffs following a loss. Boston has covered eight of its past 11 after a loss.
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Since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined the Celtics, the team seems to lack a killer instinct in elimination games that aren’t at home. And that was on display big time in Wednesday’s 82-75 defeat in Philadelphia that dropped Boston to 2-11 in potential road close out games in the past five seasons. Two nights after the Celtics shot 52.2 percent from the floor and routed Philly, Boston shot just 33.3 percent overall in Game 6.
Rajon Rondo had his worst game of the series by far on Wednesday. Heading into that game, Rondo had 72 points and 73 assists against the Sixers. But in Game 6, he had just nine points on 4-for-14 shooting, six assists and four turnovers. Rondo had had at least 13 assists in each of his previous five playoff games, only the second player in NBA history to accomplish that feat in the playoffs.
The Celtics played Game 6 again without starting shooting guard Avery Bradley, and he’s been ruled out of the playoffs with a shoulder injury. Allen got the start again, but he’s showing his age. Allen is battling a very bad ankle and was only 4-for-11 (including 1-for-5 from three) from the floor Wednesday for nine quiet points.
While the Sixers were terrific defensively in Game 6, they weren’t very good on offense, either. Jrue Holliday led four players in double figures with 20 points, but Philly was 1-for-9 from 3-point range and hit just 60.7 percent of its 28 free-throw attempts. Where the Sixers were good was in outscoring Boston 42-16 in the paint.
The Celtics are 4-0 in these playoffs following a loss. Boston has covered eight of its past 11 after a loss.
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By far the two most impressive teams in this season’s NBA playoffs have been the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, so it’s only fitting the top two seeds face off in the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs are 5.5-point home favorites on Bovada’s NBA odds for Sunday’s Game 1 as well as -210 series favorites vs. OKC.
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San Antonio has barely been tested in the playoffs, sweeping the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers and winning six of those eight games by double figures. The Spurs enter Game 1 on a ridiculous 18-game winning streak. Their average margin of victory in that run is 14 points and the Spurs have covered in 15 of the games. That streak is on the top 10 list for longest winning streaks in NBA history. Six of those teams eventually claimed titles.
The Spurs are just the fourth team to sweep their way through the first two rounds of the postseason under the current NBA playoff format. But each of the previous three lost in the conference finals.
Oklahoma City has lost just once in these playoffs, sweeping the reigning NBA champion Mavericks and then rather easily dispatching the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. It’s the second conference finals in a row for the Thunder, who lost to those Mavericks in five games a season ago. The only other time the franchise made consecutive conference finals was from 1978-80, including Seattle's only NBA title in 1979.
The OKC franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 1996 when it was based in Seattle. The Spurs are going for their fifth Finals appearance and first since 2007.
The Spurs and Thunder faced off three times during the season, with San Antonio winning two of them. Oklahoma City’s lone win came in the first meeting, 108-96 on Jan. 8. The Spurs then won 107-96 at home on Feb. 4 – Spurs tied Heat for NBA’s best home record during season -- and 114-105 at OKC on March 16. Tim Duncan averaged 14.5 points and 17 rebounds in San Antonio’s victories. Kevin Durant scored 22.7 per game for the Thunder.
Duncan’s over/under scoring average total in this series is 15.5 points, while Durant’s is 27.5 points. The favored series result at 12/5 is Spurs winning the series in seven games. The over/under games in series is 5.5, with the over a big -190 favorite.
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San Antonio has barely been tested in the playoffs, sweeping the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers and winning six of those eight games by double figures. The Spurs enter Game 1 on a ridiculous 18-game winning streak. Their average margin of victory in that run is 14 points and the Spurs have covered in 15 of the games. That streak is on the top 10 list for longest winning streaks in NBA history. Six of those teams eventually claimed titles.
The Spurs are just the fourth team to sweep their way through the first two rounds of the postseason under the current NBA playoff format. But each of the previous three lost in the conference finals.
Oklahoma City has lost just once in these playoffs, sweeping the reigning NBA champion Mavericks and then rather easily dispatching the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. It’s the second conference finals in a row for the Thunder, who lost to those Mavericks in five games a season ago. The only other time the franchise made consecutive conference finals was from 1978-80, including Seattle's only NBA title in 1979.
The OKC franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 1996 when it was based in Seattle. The Spurs are going for their fifth Finals appearance and first since 2007.
The Spurs and Thunder faced off three times during the season, with San Antonio winning two of them. Oklahoma City’s lone win came in the first meeting, 108-96 on Jan. 8. The Spurs then won 107-96 at home on Feb. 4 – Spurs tied Heat for NBA’s best home record during season -- and 114-105 at OKC on March 16. Tim Duncan averaged 14.5 points and 17 rebounds in San Antonio’s victories. Kevin Durant scored 22.7 per game for the Thunder.
Duncan’s over/under scoring average total in this series is 15.5 points, while Durant’s is 27.5 points. The favored series result at 12/5 is Spurs winning the series in seven games. The over/under games in series is 5.5, with the over a big -190 favorite.
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The San Antonio Spurs weren’t able to beat the -5.5 NBA odds, but they put their playoff winning streak up to 19 with a 101-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Manu Ginobili was the star for the Spurs Sunday night, pouring in 26 points and leading the charge in a 39-point 4th quarter that erased a nine-point deficit, leading to the Game 1 victory.
"They got us on our heels. We were not aggressive," Ginobili said. "And in the second half, we did have it."
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Tim Duncan finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Tony Parker finished with 18. For the Thunder Kevin Durant led the team with 27 points while Russell Westbrook struggled with 17 off 7-21 shooting. James Harden had 19 off the bench.
Though the Spurs have been on fire since the playoffs began, they haven’t been consistent against the spread overall. Though they have covered six out of their last 10 games they failed to cover in their last two playoff games.
The 2001 Lakers are the only other team to carry a winning streak this long in the playoffs - and they did so on their way to a championship. Yeah, the Spurs are legit.
Despite the Spurs winning 19-straight the odds of them sweeping the talented Thunder are slim, the Thunder were leading this game at one point and were doing it with only one of their three stars playing high-percentage basketball.
Game 2 is also in San Antonio and expect the Spurs to be the favorites again.
Manu Ginobili was the star for the Spurs Sunday night, pouring in 26 points and leading the charge in a 39-point 4th quarter that erased a nine-point deficit, leading to the Game 1 victory.
"They got us on our heels. We were not aggressive," Ginobili said. "And in the second half, we did have it."
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Tim Duncan finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Tony Parker finished with 18. For the Thunder Kevin Durant led the team with 27 points while Russell Westbrook struggled with 17 off 7-21 shooting. James Harden had 19 off the bench.
Though the Spurs have been on fire since the playoffs began, they haven’t been consistent against the spread overall. Though they have covered six out of their last 10 games they failed to cover in their last two playoff games.
The 2001 Lakers are the only other team to carry a winning streak this long in the playoffs - and they did so on their way to a championship. Yeah, the Spurs are legit.
Despite the Spurs winning 19-straight the odds of them sweeping the talented Thunder are slim, the Thunder were leading this game at one point and were doing it with only one of their three stars playing high-percentage basketball.
Game 2 is also in San Antonio and expect the Spurs to be the favorites again.
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Even though the Boston Celtics had the Miami Heat’s number during the regular season and the fact the Heat star Chris Bosh has been ruled out again, Miami is still a big 8.5-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA basketball odds tonight for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. There will be live play-by-play betting available at the book.
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The Heat finished off the Indiana Pacers in six games on Thursday, while Boston had to go to a seventh game to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. On the injury front, Bosh remains out indefinitely with an abdominal muscle injury suffered in Game 1 of that Indiana series. Boston is without starting guard Avery Bradley for the rest of these playoffs with a shoulder injury. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who is back starting with Bradley out, are also playing through injuries.
Miami and Boston played four times this season. The Heat won the first matchup 115-107 at home way back on Dec. 27. But Boston won the final three, by a combined 39 points. In the most recent meeting, on April 24, it was pretty much all reserves as neither team had anything to play for.
This is the third postseason meeting all-time between the Celtics and Heat. Boston defeated Miami, 4-1, in the 2010 first round and the Heat beat the Celtics in the conference semifinals last season, 4-1.
The winner of Game 1 in the conference finals has gone on to win the series 80 percent (88-22) of the time in NBA history. The Celtics are 2-4 on the road this postseason. The Heat are 5-1 at home this postseason and 8-3 all-time at home in conference finals games, winning their past five.
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The Heat finished off the Indiana Pacers in six games on Thursday, while Boston had to go to a seventh game to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. On the injury front, Bosh remains out indefinitely with an abdominal muscle injury suffered in Game 1 of that Indiana series. Boston is without starting guard Avery Bradley for the rest of these playoffs with a shoulder injury. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who is back starting with Bradley out, are also playing through injuries.
Miami and Boston played four times this season. The Heat won the first matchup 115-107 at home way back on Dec. 27. But Boston won the final three, by a combined 39 points. In the most recent meeting, on April 24, it was pretty much all reserves as neither team had anything to play for.
This is the third postseason meeting all-time between the Celtics and Heat. Boston defeated Miami, 4-1, in the 2010 first round and the Heat beat the Celtics in the conference semifinals last season, 4-1.
The winner of Game 1 in the conference finals has gone on to win the series 80 percent (88-22) of the time in NBA history. The Celtics are 2-4 on the road this postseason. The Heat are 5-1 at home this postseason and 8-3 all-time at home in conference finals games, winning their past five.
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The scorching-hot San Antonio Spurs are approaching uncharted territory as they look for their 20th straight win tonight in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And host San Antonio is a 4.5-point favorite on Bovada’s NBA odds with live play-by-play betting available at the book.
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The Thunder should be feeling quite good about themselves as they had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter on Sunday (and did end up covering). That’s when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told his players he wanted some “nasty” during a time out and soon enough San Antonio had a 10-point lead and the game was over. San Antonio scored 39 points in the fourth quarter, 11 by Manu Ginobili, who finished with a team-high 26. It was the most points the Spurs had scored in the fourth quarter since a 2008 regular-season game and only the second time all season the Thunder had allowed that many.
None of the Thunder’s Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook or James Harden shot better than 50 percent from the field and combined they were 22-for-57. Oklahoma City head coach Scott Brooks did not play Serge Ibaka, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, in the final 16 minutes of Game 1 against San Antonio and he said he regrets that decision. The Spurs dominated in the paint in the fourth, outscoring OKC 16-2 there without Ibaka in the game. Brooks wanted to go with a small lineup that was successful against the Lakers.
A win tonight would set the NBA record for longest winning streak kept alive in the playoffs. The Spurs joined the 2001 Lakers as the only other team to carry a winning streak this long in the playoffs -- and that Los Angeles team did so on its way to a championship. And a victory would move San Antonio one win shy of the mark of 11 consecutive wins to open a playoffs, last tied by that ’01 Lakers team. The Spurs haven’t lost since April 11 and have covered in 15 of the 19 victories.
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The Thunder should be feeling quite good about themselves as they had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter on Sunday (and did end up covering). That’s when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told his players he wanted some “nasty” during a time out and soon enough San Antonio had a 10-point lead and the game was over. San Antonio scored 39 points in the fourth quarter, 11 by Manu Ginobili, who finished with a team-high 26. It was the most points the Spurs had scored in the fourth quarter since a 2008 regular-season game and only the second time all season the Thunder had allowed that many.
None of the Thunder’s Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook or James Harden shot better than 50 percent from the field and combined they were 22-for-57. Oklahoma City head coach Scott Brooks did not play Serge Ibaka, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, in the final 16 minutes of Game 1 against San Antonio and he said he regrets that decision. The Spurs dominated in the paint in the fourth, outscoring OKC 16-2 there without Ibaka in the game. Brooks wanted to go with a small lineup that was successful against the Lakers.
A win tonight would set the NBA record for longest winning streak kept alive in the playoffs. The Spurs joined the 2001 Lakers as the only other team to carry a winning streak this long in the playoffs -- and that Los Angeles team did so on its way to a championship. And a victory would move San Antonio one win shy of the mark of 11 consecutive wins to open a playoffs, last tied by that ’01 Lakers team. The Spurs haven’t lost since April 11 and have covered in 15 of the 19 victories.
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The Clippers avoided becoming the ninth team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 series lead with their surprising Game 7 victory at Memphis on Sunday. It was the first Game 7 playoff win in Clipper franchise history and only the second time since the franchise moved to California that it won a series.
L.A. won Game 7 despite star point guard Chris Paul and power forward Blake Griffin playing through injuries. Paul (hip) says there’s no doubt he plays tonight. Griffin’s sprained knee likely would sideline him for two weeks if this were the regular season but he expects to play in Game 1 as well. Coach Vinny Del Negro didn’t guarantee that, however, calling him a game-time decision (he will play). A third L.A. starter, Caron Butler, has a broken hand but is expected to start.
The Clippers are battered and tired as this will be their sixth game in 11 days. San Antonio hasn’t played in eight days after sweeping Utah in the first round by an average of 16 points per game. The Spurs also haven’t lost a game in more than a month and enter on a 14-game winning streak. San Antonio tied for the best record in the NBA at 50-16, scored the second-most points during the regular season and led the league in field-goal percentage (47.8) and three-point percentage (39.3).
The Spurs won two of three meetings with the Clippers this season, their only loss coming when star point guard Tony Parker sat out with a sore thigh.