The Bum's NBA Regular and Playoff Season's Best Bets !!

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NBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Miami
The Heat look to bounce back from their 114-104 loss in Game 5 and take advantage of a San Antonio team that is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. Miami is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

Game 711-712: San Antonio at Miami (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 126.768; Miami 135.702
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, June 18

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SAN ANTONIO (73 - 28) at MIAMI (80 - 23) - 6/18/2013, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 57-46 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 95-80 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MIAMI is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
MIAMI is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MIAMI is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 102-74 ATS (+20.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-86 ATS (+29.4 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 270-209 ATS (+40.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 65-43 ATS (+17.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 60-43 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-5 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, June 18

Heat's spread results in last 11 games are LWLWLWLWLWL; Miami is now 12-0 vs spread in game following last 12 losses. James took nine FTs in Game 5, after taking total of 10 in first four games, and Wade has 57 points in last two games, but Heat bench was combined -43 Sunday, while deeper Spurs' subs were +22 and that was with Ginobili starting for first time this season. San Antonio starters shot 64%; Spurs are first Finals team in four years to shoot 60%+ for a game. If you look at first 2:00 of all five games, Spurs have 27-12 edge, so Popovich's adjustments have been better. Question is, can San Antonio seal the deal on road?




NBA

Tuesday, June 18

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MIAMI
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of San Antonio's last 25 games when playing Miami
Miami is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
Miami is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games


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NBA

Tuesday, June 18

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Spurs at Heat: What bettors need to know
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San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat (-7, 191)

Spurs lead best-of-seven series 3-2.

The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from their fifth NBA title and the Miami Heat need a series-saving victory when Game 6 of the NBA Finals is played in South Beach on Tuesday. San Antonio took a 3-2 lead with a 114-104 victory on Sunday behind a season-best game from Manu Ginobili and another superb performance from 3-point shooter Danny Green. Miami is vying to become the fourth team to rally from a 3-2 deficit with two homecourt victories.

The Heat watched the Dallas Mavericks celebrate on their home floor two seasons ago and would like to avoid seeing another such scene involving the Spurs. Miami won 27 consecutive games during the regular series but is finding the playoffs to be much tougher, having gone 5-6 in its last 11 games with no back-to-back victories since winning Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Indiana on May 22. Ginobili had 24 points and 10 assists in Game 5 and Green made five 3-pointers to set an NBA Finals record with 25. San Antonio knows there is more work to do. “Obviously, you want to finish in the first opportunity you get,” point guard Tony Parker said. “We understand that Miami is going to come out with a lot more energy, and they’re going to play better at home.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE SPURS: Green is the clear-cut Finals MVP if San Antonio closes out the series in Game 6. The player previously cut by both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Spurs has made five or more 3-pointers in three different games while averaging 18 points. Superb ball movement by San Antonio has presented Green with numerous unguarded looks and he has answered by making 65.8 percent of his 3-point attempts. “My teammates have done a great job of finding me and getting me open,” Green said. “Luckily, it seems everything is going right for me.” Parker scored a game-high 26 points in Game 5 despite playing through a hamstring injury while power forward Tim Duncan had 17 points and 12 rebounds for his third double-double of the series.

ABOUT THE HEAT: Forward LeBron James is aware he will receive a lot of criticism if Miami falls short but he isn’t running from it on the eve of Game 6. James is averaging 21.6 points and 10.8 rebounds and has reached 20 points just twice in the series. “I have to come up big for sure in Game 6,” James said. “But I believe we all have to play at a high level in order to keep the series going. So me being one of the leaders of this team, I do put a lot of pressure on myself to force a Game 7 and I look forward to the challenge.” Guard Dwyane Wade has put together back-to-back stellar games of 32 and 25 points and veteran guard Ray Allen had his best game of the series with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting in Game 5.

TRENDS:

* Heat are 12-0 ATS in their last 12 games following a loss.
* Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
* Under is 4-0 in Heat’s last four home games.
* Under is 16-4-1 in Spurs’ last 21 road games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The three teams to rally from a 3-2 deficit with two consecutive home victories are the 1988 Los Angeles Lakers, the 1994 Houston Rockets and the 2010 Lakers.

2. San Antonio is shooting 44.2 percent from 3-point range in the series with G Gary Neal (12-for-24) joining Green in shooting superbly.

3. James is shooting 43.6 percent in the series, well below his regular-season mark of 56.5.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, June 18

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Antonio - 9:00 PM ET San Antonio +6.5 500 POD # 1


Miami - Over 191 500 POD # 2

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NBA Playoffs - Game 7 Facts

June 19, 2013

Game 7 Quick Facts

-- The NBA has had 112 Game 7’s in playoff history

-- The home team is 90-23 (79%) in those games

-- The NBA Finals has featured 17 Game 7's and the road team has won just three (17.6%) of those finales.

-- Ten of the last 12 Game 7 outcomes have been decided by double digits

-- The 2013 postseason has featured two Game 7. Chicago defeated Brooklyn 99-93 on the road in the first round and Miami knocked off Indiana 99-76 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

All-Time Game 7 Road Winners

Year Road Team Home Team Round

2013 Chicago 99 Brooklyn 93 First round
2012 L.A. Clippers 82 Memphis 72 First round
2008 Orlando 101 Boston 82 Conference semifinals
2007 San Antonio 91 New Orleans 82 Conference semifinals
2007 Utah 103 Houston 99 First round
2006 *Dallas 119 San Antonio 111 Conference semifinals
2005 Detroit 88 Miami 82 Conference finals
2005 Indiana 97 Boston 70 First round
2002 *L.A. Lakers 112 Sacramento 106 Conference finals
2000 New York 83 Miami 82 Conference semifinals
1995 Indiana 97 New York 95 Conference semifinals
1995 Houston 115 Phoenix 114 Conference semifinals
1982 Philadelphia 120 Boston 106 Conference finals
1981 Kansas City 95 Phoenix 88 Conference semifinals
1981 Houston 105 San Antonio 100 Conference semifinals
1978 Washington 105 Seattle 99 NBA Finals
1976 Phoenix 94 Golden State 86 Conference finals
1974 Boston 102 Milwaukee 87 NBA Finals
1973 New York 94 Boston 78 Conference finals
1971 Baltimore 93 New York 91 Conference finals
1969 Boston 108 L.A. Lakers 106 NBA Finals
1968 Boston 100 Philadelphia 96 Division finals
1948 Philadelphia 85 St Louis 46 Semifinals
(*) Asterisk denotes overtime
Game 7 Notes - Miami vs. San Antonio

-- San Antonio has gone 3-4 in Game 7's. However, the team is 2-1 under head coach Gregg Popovich, the one loss coming in overtime.

-- The last Game 7 for the Spurs came in 2008, when they beat the Hornets 91-82 in the Western Conference semifinals.

-- Miami has gone 4-3 in Game 7's, the last instance coming in this year's Eastern Conference Finals (see above).

-- Two of the three losses for the Heat in Game 7 have come at American Airlines Arena. In the 2005 conference finals to the Pistons (88-82) and in the 2001 conference semifinals to the Knicks (83-82).


San Antonio Game 7 History

1979 Western Conference Semifinals
San Antonio Spurs 111 vs. Philadelphia 76ers 108

1979 Western Conference Finals
Washington Bullets 107 vs. San Antonio Spurs 105

1981 Western Conference Semifinals
Houston Rockets 105 at San Antonio Spurs 100

1990 Western Conference Semifinals
Portland Trail Blazers 108 vs. San Antonio Spurs 105 (OT)

2005 NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs 81 vs. Detroit Pistons 74

2006 Western Conference Semifinals
Dallas Mavericks 119 at San Antonio Spurs 111 (OT)

2008 Western Conference Semifinals
San Antonio Spurs 91 at New Orleans Hornets 82

Miami Game 7 History

1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals
Miami Heat 101 vs. New York Knicks 90

2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals
New York Knicks 83 at Miami Heat 82

2004 First Round
Miami Heat 85 vs. New Orleans Hornets 77

2005 Eastern Conference Finals
Detroit Pistons 88 at Miami Heat 82

2009 First Round
Atlanta Hawks 91 vs. Miami Heat 78

2012 Eastern Conference Finals
Miami Heat 101 vs. Boston Celtics 88

2013 Eastern Conference Finals
Miami Heat 99 vs. Indiana Pacers 76

[StarDust Bum]

Game 7 - Spurs at Heat

June 19, 2013


The NBA season will receive full closure on Thursday with Game 7 between San Antonio and Miami in the Finals. The Spurs were minutes away and even seconds away from picking up the fifth championship in franchise history, but Miami never quit in an epic 103-100 overtime triumph to force the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2010.

Although San Antonio covered as seven-point underdogs, Miami improved to 13-0 straight-up the last 13 games off a loss on Tuesday. LeBron James converted only three field-goal attempts in the first three quarters before going off for 14 points in the fourth quarter. James lost his headband on a drive to the basket in the fourth, but never lost his head en route to a triple-double (32 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists), while Ray Allen's three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation sent the game to overtime.

Allen's late trey kept hope alive for the 'over' of 192, as his three tied the game at 95-95. The Spurs squandered a 10-point lead heading into the final period and even a five-point edge with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. However, James and Allen each drilled shots from downtown, while Kawhi Leonard missed one of two free throws to keep the Heat hanging around.

The 'over' obviously cashed in the extra session with 13 points scored in the final five minutes, the fourth straight 'over' in this series. From the "You won't see this again" department, Tim Duncan put up one of his best halves in his career by shooting 11-of-13 from the floor for 25 points in the first 24 minutes. However, the future Hall-of-Famer scored just five points the rest of the way, while not registering a point in the final 21:30 of the game.

Manu Ginobili couldn't continue his magic from Game 5 (24 points), as the Spurs' guard scored just nine points in Game 6, while committing a costly turnover in the final minute of overtime. Danny Green's heroics from three-point range came up short on Tuesday, hitting just one trey after converting 25 three-pointers in the first five games of the series. One of the constants for the Spurs, Tony Parker, played excellent in the first half of Game 6, while scoring five crucial points in the last minute of regulation before Miami's late rally.

One of the major questions coming into Game 7 is the health of Dwyane Wade. The Heat guard banged knees early on with Ginobili, while putting up only two points (on two free throws) in the fourth quarter and overtime. Chris Bosh didn't hit a lot of big shots in Game 6, but his assist to Allen on the game-tying three-pointer and two clutch blocks in overtime helped lift the Heat to their third Game 7 since the "Big Three" joined forces in 2011.

Chris David analyzes the success of the Heat in this decisive situation, "Since Miami created its "Big Three" of James, Wade, and Bosh, the team has faced two Game 7's. In those games, the Heat has gone 2-0 and both of the wins were by double-digits. However, Miami was trailing in both of those contests at halftime. In this year's Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana led 40-39 before getting outscored by 15 points (52-37) in the second-half. And in last year's conference finals, Boston led 53-46 at the break before Miami ran past the Celtics, 55-35 in the final two quarters, including a 28-15 fourth quarter."

The Heat cashed second-half bets in Game 6 as a seven-point favorite after trailing at the half, 50-44. David breaks down the profit opportunities so far in this series, "Betting halves in pro basketball is far from easy but based on the above trends, you could take San Antonio plus three points in the first-half of Game 7. Also, it helps to know that the Spurs have led the Heat in three of the last four games at the break and they were tied 49-49 in the other matchup (Game 4). In Game's 1 and 2, Miami led at half by three and five points respectively."

The famous Zig-Zag theory has been true from a straight-up perspective for the Heat since the start of the Eastern Conference Finals with each team alternating wins and losses the last 13 games. Will that hold up in Game 7? "Even though Miami didn't cover the number in Game 6, it did improve its record to 7-0 after a loss in the playoffs. San Antonio is also perfect off a loss in this year's postseason (4-0) and all of the wins have been by double-digits. It's hard to ignore that trend, plus it's hard to lay points against a Spurs team that is 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS on the road in the playoffs. Not to mention that two of the three losses came in overtime. Technically, the Spurs have played one bad road game in the playoffs, which came in Game 2 at Miami and that game was close late in the third quarter too," David says.

This will be the third Game 7 of this postseason after Chicago knocked off Brooklyn in the first round and Miami eliminated Indiana in the conference finals. The Spurs are playing in their first Game 7 since downing the Hornets on the road in the 2008 conference semifinals, while the Heat have won four of six home games in franchise history in Game 7. Home teams have compiled an impressive 90-23 (79%) record all-time in Game 7 playoff history in the NBA.

From the totals perspective, David provides his condolences for 'under' backers in Game 6, "As bad as I felt for bettors who had the Spurs on the money-line in Game 6, I'm going to extend my apologies for anybody who took the 'under' instead. The perfect combination of missed free throws and made 3-pointers set up the improbable extra session. Allen's late-game heroics not only help the game go 'over,' but it also cashed the second-half 'over' for bettors that we're chasing their total bets."

The total will still stay relatively in the same area for Thursday, "The number on Game 7 is hovering between 189 and 190 at most books. The 'over' has cashed in four straight games and it could easily be 6-0 in this series. At the same time, you can certainly argue that the total should be 3-3. If you watch and bet the Association daily, then you understand that it's a "Make or Miss" league. Both teams have great shooters and when they're on, they'll both bust triple digits easily. Prior to Game 6, San Antonio has never given up 100-plus in three straight games this season," David points out.

The Heat opened up as six-point favorites for Game 7, as the number has stayed pat through Wednesday. The final contest on the NBA season can be seen nationally at 9:00 PM EST on ABC.

[StarDust Bum]

LeBron excited for title-deciding Game 7

June 19, 2013



MIAMI (AP) - LeBron James could not sleep after Game 6.

Imagine, then, how frayed his emotions will be going into Game 7.

So much is at stake. Legacies, for so many players, James included. The NBA championship. Whether the season was a success or a bust. How he will be portrayed over the next few months. How history will judge a Miami Heat team that won 27 straight games in one stretch, 66 games in the regular season and now 81 games overall.

Although the Heat will insist otherwise, the common belief is that it all hinges on James' shoulders. And the four-time NBA MVP wouldn't have it any other way when his Heat take on the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.

``I want to go down as one of the greatest. I want our team to go down as one of the greatest teams. And we have an opportunity to do that,'' James said. ``Hasn't been many teams to win back-to-back championships. It's so hard. It's the hardest thing. I said last year it was the hardest thing I've ever done, winning my first. Last year don't even come close to what we've gone through in this postseason and in these Finals.''

James was so weary afterward that he had trouble pulling himself up from the chair where he conducted postgame interviews. But on Wednesday, even after a night of no sleep - ``everything goes through your mind after a game,'' he said - James said he was already feeling more spry than he was the night before. More rest, more treatment, some time at home with family and friends and a scheduled 9 p.m. date to watch SpongeBob with his kids, James figured that was the right formula to get ready for Game 7.

His second ring is 48 minutes away. If it comes, it will be earned.

``First of all, I'm blessed, man. I don't even know how I got here,'' James said. ``I wasn't supposed to be in the NBA, if you go by statistics and things of me growing up where I grew up. Every time I go into my locker room and see the `James' on the back of an NBA jersey, I'm like, `Wow.' No criticism can deter me from playing this game because of that. I'm not supposed to be here.''

He means that in a more broad sense, but in simplest terms, that also applies to Thursday night.

The Heat probably aren't supposed to be there. They were down by five points with less than a half-minute to go in regulation of Game 6. The championship celebration was being readied, literally around them. The Spurs were about to get their hands on the Larry O'Brien Trophy, and the Heat were about to slink off into another offseason of utter disappointment.

Until, of course, none of that happened.

James made a 3-pointer to get Miami within two, and after the Spurs gave Miami life by missing a free throw, Ray Allen sent it to overtime with another 3-pointer. In the extra session, James and the Heat found a way to pull out a 103-100 win, one that left Miami exhausted and San Antonio devastated. They collide one last time on Thursday with all eyes on James, who struggled for much of the game and still finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

``He had an `off' triple-double,'' Heat guard Mike Miller said. ``I can't have an `on' triple-double.''

In James' lifetime, only four franchises - Chicago, the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit and Houston - have won consecutive championships.

Miami can be the fifth, and even though Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is cautioning his team to not think about the potential prize, James said ``human nature'' dictates that he has to at least daydream a little bit about what might be looming.

``I will play Game 7 in my head from now until tomorrow night,'' James said. ``It's just who I am, how I am. But I won't be too serious. I won't go into a bunker when I get back home. But I will be mentally sharp, mentally focused and mentally driven tomorrow night.''

For the most part, the Spurs have found a way in this series to keep James under some sort of control, and that's even with him dropping two triple-doubles on them in six games so far.

They won't change their approach for Game 7. And the Heat don't expect James to change his, either. In fact, some say he'll set the tone long before the opening tip.

``I expect LeBron to be LeBron,'' Heat forward Shane Battier said. ``He's going to be loose. Usually, in shootaround, he does some dunks that would win any dunk contest if they were televised. That's his way of saying, `OK, I'm ready to go.' He's going to come here, he's going to listen to his music and he's going to do what LeBron does. If there's one guy we don't have to worry about, it's LeBron.''

James has kept his phones off during the playoffs. He's stayed away from social media. He has tried to limit how much he hears of what the Heat call the noise, all the constant analysis of a team that has alternated wins and losses for the last month - and now needs one last two-game winning streak to wrap up their second title.

``I don't know how it is possible,'' Miller said of James turning off the outside world, as much as he can, at this time of year. ``I tell him all the time, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. It's not always fun being the greatest player on the planet. But he handles it about as good as I've ever seen anyone.''

It could be a great deal of fun for James on Thursday night.

If Miami pulls this off, a second straight Finals MVP award will likely be his, to go with the four regular-season MVPs. He'll be a two-time champion, to go along with his two Olympic gold medals. Others have won more titles and more MVPs, but poking holes in James' resume will become a considerably tougher task, even for his biggest naysayers.

``We can't worry about what the history books say. That's why it's history,'' James said. ``We have to live in the present. We have to live in the moment. And we have to do whatever it takes to bring that trophy - or to keep that trophy - here in Miami.''

[StarDust Bum]

Bosh says fans should stay until the end

June 19, 2013


MIAMI (AP) - Some people in the sold-out Miami crowd left before the finish of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, then were not allowed back into the arena for the conclusion of what became a wild comeback win for the Heat.

Chris Bosh says good riddance.

The Heat forward made no attempt on Wednesday to hide his disgust with those who left early, many of whom tried unsuccessfully to get back inside once Miami completed a rally from five points down in the final 21 seconds to force overtime.

``For all those guys who left, make sure they don't come to Game 7,'' Bosh said. ``We only want the guys who are going to stay in the building for the whole game. You never give up. People gave up on us and they can stay where they are and watch the game at home.''

Miami hosts the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the finals on Thursday night.

Heat fans have been maligned by many media outlets over the past three seasons, either for their penchant for showing up late, or leaving early, or sometimes both. During the Eastern Conference finals, the radio voice of the Indiana Pacers called Heat fans ``losers'' and said the city does not deserve an NBA team.

It bears noting that the overwhelming majority of fans stayed in the building for the full game, and that the Heat have played to sellout crowds at home for the three seasons that Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have been teammates in Miami. Also, it seemed to be unnoticed that several Spurs fans left their arena in San Antonio long before the end of Game 4, a one-sided Miami victory.

``I just know in my household, my wife was like, `Would you please stop doing that to me?''' James said Wednesday, describing the scene at his house after the drama of Game 6. ``My mother-in-law, even my sons, they were like, `Oh my God. You guys lost and won at the same time.' I know. We know. I apologize to our fans from last night. But that's why the game is played all the way to zeroes.''

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TICKET WATCH: If you want in for Game 7 of the NBA Finals, it'll cost you at least $397 per ticket, according to StubHub.

Also, for that price, wear comfortable shoes. That's just for standing-room availability.

The cheapest actual seat in Miami's building for the last game of the 2013 playoffs was listed at $458 late Monday afternoon, and that was 12 rows back from the front of the upper deck.

In the lower bowl of the arena, nothing was available for less than $995, with an average price of about $1,200 per seat.

And then for the super-high-rollers who have to be on the floor, there was product available, for huge prices. The cheapest courtside seat on Monday was going for $29,413 - with the most expensive at a whopping $58,825.

Prices, especially on the online secondary market, are expected to dip a bit as Tuesday's 9 p.m. start time draws nearer.

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POPOVICH'S SUBSTITUTIONS: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has long been considered one of the very best coaches in the NBA. He rarely has his decisions second-guessed, but that's exactly what happened on Wednesday, one day after the Spurs lost a five-point lead with 28 seconds to play.

Twice in the final 30 seconds, Popovich pulled Tim Duncan for Boris Diaw. On both possessions, the Heat grabbed offensive rebounds to get open 3-pointers that forced overtime.

``It's not that simple,'' Popovich said. ``That's not why they got the 3s.''

Popovich has stuck with the strategy of using Diaw, or another speedier player, for Duncan in those late-game situations because he prefers to switch on pick-and-rolls and give his defense a look that can cover as much ground as possible to get out to shooters on the perimeter.

``On an offensive rebound, it's one of the toughest things in the NBA, to pick up people,'' he said. ``And we had one guy who didn't pick up. LeBron shot an airball, when we were up five. They got the rebound, they got it back to him, and he knocked it down.''

In the extra session, Popovich did not have playmaker Tony Parker on the court in the closing moments, when Manu Ginobili's drive to the basket came up empty while the Spurs were down by one. But nobody on the Spurs was about to question the decisions.

``I trust Pop,'' Parker said after the game. ``Whatever decision he makes, I was cramping up a little bit at the end of the game. But I'll go with whatever Pop decides.''

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JUNE 20 MEMORIES: Thursday is the seventh anniversary of one of the most memorable days in Heat history, that being the day where they topped the Dallas Mavericks for their first NBA title.

Dwyane Wade capped a Finals MVP performance with 36 points and 10 rebounds in that Game 6 at Dallas, then capped the night and the series by throwing the ball skyward as time expired.

And now, he's revealing that the oft-replayed move wasn't just in celebration. He simply didn't want to go back to the foul line.

``There was two reasons why I threw it up in 2006,'' Wade said. ``One, I always wanted to throw it up. Two, I just missed those two free throws just before that. I didn't want to get fouled again. I just hit six in a row, and then I missed two, and I was like, (forget) it. It was the perfect time.''

Wade finished that game 16 for 21 from the foul line, and had two chances to put the game out of reach in the final seconds. He missed both free throws, keeping the Heat lead at 95-92, but Dallas' Jason Terry missed a 3-pointer from the right wing in what was the Mavericks' final hope, and Miami captured the title.

The Spurs' four previous Finals appearances never included a game on June 20.

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GREEN FIZZLES: Spurs guard Danny Green had been the toast of the NBA Finals, needing just five games to break Ray Allen's record for 3-pointers in the championship round.

Every time he raised up to shoot it in the first five games, the ball was expected to splash through the hoop. Green made 25 3s in the first five games, shooting a remarkable 65.8 percent from behind the arc.

That all came to a crashing halt in Game 6, when Green went 1 for 7 from the field, 1 for 5 on 3s and scored just three points.

``We all made mistakes, (so we have to) let it go,'' Green said. ``We're not going to pick on who did what. We know what we have to do to win. We know what mistakes we have to fix. We've done this all year.''

Popovich said there will be no adjustments to try to get Green going in Game 7.

``We don't call any plays for Danny Green,'' the coach said. ``Never have.''

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THE HEADBAND RETURNS: LeBron James, who played the final 14 minutes of Game 6 without his signature accessory headband, plans to open Game 7 wearing one.

``A little superstitious,'' James said.

But if it gets knocked off, like it did in Game 6 ...

``Then me and him will have a discussion if he will return,'' James said.

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NOTES: If he plays in Game 7, and there's no reason to think otherwise, Heat G Ray Allen will finish the season with 102 overall appearances, which will be no worse than tied for the top spot in the NBA. Allen and Heat G Norris Cole (who did not play in Game 6) are currently tied with 101 games played this season. ... Spurs G Tony Parker said his team was over the disappointment of losing Game 6. ``That's life. It's basketball. And everybody will be ready'' for Game 7, he said. ... Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had his sense of humor going before his team gathered Wednesday for the final practice of the season. Asked what he would say to his team before Game 7, Spoelstra replied, ``I'll figure that out tomorrow.'' And when asked what he'll tell himself, Spoelstra said again, ``I'll figure that out tomorrow.'' ... Heat F Chris Bosh had two double-doubles in the first three rounds of the playoffs. He's had four in the finals alone.

[StarDust Bum]

Wade's knee swollen, stiff after Game 6

June 19, 2013



MIAMI (AP) - Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat says he woke up with swelling and stiffness in his left knee on Wednesday, one day after getting hit in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against San Antonio.

Wade missed the start of the second half of Game 6 while getting treatment, then returned. He has no doubt that he will play in Game 7 on Thursday, when the Heat and Spurs will decide this season's NBA champion.

Wade has been bothered by right knee soreness for about three months. In Game 6, a collision hurt his surgically repaired left knee, the one that kept him out of last summer's London Olympics.

Wade says that with just one game left, ``you muster it up, you give it. So I'll be fine.''

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Miami
The Heat look to follow up their 103-100 win in Game 6 and take advantage of a San Antonio team that is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. Miami is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-6). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Game 713-714: San Antonio at Miami (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.679; Miami 133.742
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 8; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 6; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-6); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 20

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SAN ANTONIO (73 - 29) at MIAMI (81 - 23) - 6/20/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 57-47 ATS (+5.3 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 95-81 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MIAMI is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 76-57 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 271-209 ATS (+41.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all playoff games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) when tied in a playoff series since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 61-43 ATS (+13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-5 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 7-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, June 20

Spurs had a 5-point lead with 0:23 left in Game 6, couldn't close series out, how do they react 46 hours after OT loss? In their three series wins, Ginobili's plus/minus was +3/+6/+19.......in three losses, -23/-22/-21. If Ginobili dribble penetrates, James is playing free safety at foul line for steals that start Heat fast breaks. Miami is now 0-8 vs spread in game following its last eight wins- they're 5-7 vs spread as home favorite in playoffs. If you add up first 2:00 of all six games, it is Spurs with 31-19 edge. San Antonio is 8-2 vs spread on road for this playoff season (7-3 SU). Miami held Green to 1-7 in Game 6; who will step up and make a big shot in last minute, like Allen did in Game 6? 12 of Miami's 15 wins in playoffs have been by 10+ points.




NBA

Thursday, June 20

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Miami
San Antonio is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Miami is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio


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NBA

Thursday, June 20

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Spurs at Heat: What bettors need to know
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San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat (-6, 189.5)

Best-of-seven series tied 3-3.

After losing a late lead in Game 6 in devastating fashion, the San Antonio Spurs attempt to become the first road team in 35 years to win Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Thursday’s decisive matchup with the Miami Heat. San Antonio had a five-point lead with 28.1 seconds left in regulation on Tuesday before Miami rallied to force overtime and eventually claim a 103-100 victory. The Heat haven’t won back-to-back games in four weeks.

Miami trailed by 13 points late in the third quarter of Game 6 and the home fans were scurrying to the exits when the Heat trailed by five points in the final half-minute. But Ray Allen drained the game-tying 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left and Miami outplayed San Antonio over the second half of overtime to keep alive its hopes of winning back-to-back titles. “It’s so hard. It’s the hardest thing,” forward LeBron James said Wednesday of repeating as champions. “I said last year was the hardest thing I’ve ever done – winning my first. Last year don’t even come close to what we’ve gone through in this postseason and in these finals.” The 1978 Washington Bullets were the last team to win a road Game 7 in the NBA Finals, beating the Seattle SuperSonics.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE SPURS: Veteran guard Manu Ginobili said after Game 6 that he couldn’t see how his team could recover from the demoralizing loss. The mental side will be an important factor in Game 7 as will bouncing back physically, especially for 37-year-old power forward Tim Duncan. The first half of Game 6 was vintage Duncan as he scored 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting. But the future Hall of Famer had just five points after halftime. “There’s no being tired at this point,” Duncan said in his Wednesday media session. “We’ve got one more game to win, and that’s all that matters.” Forward Kawhi Leonard had a monster 22-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 6 but 3-point shooter Danny Green had his first poor game of the series, going 1-of-5 from behind the arc. Green has made an NBA Finals record 26 3-pointers.

ABOUT THE HEAT: James rebounded from a slow start to notch his fourth career NBA Finals triple-double with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter and made a key 3-pointer in the late rally that was punctuated by Allen’s tying 3-pointer. The health of guard Dwyane Wade is a major concern after he injured his surgically repaired left knee in the first half of Game 6. Wade has been ineffective for much of the postseason due to an injured right knee. “There’s one game left,” Wade said Wednesday. “Whatever you have inside of you, you muster it up. So I’ll be fine.” Center Chris Bosh rejected Green’s tying 3-point attempt at the end of overtime and has posted four double-doubles in five games after underachieving for most of the postseason.

TRENDS:

* The Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
* The Heat are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games following a S.U. win.
* The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* The over is 15-5-1 in the Heat's last 21 games playing on one days rest.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Miami is looking to become the fourth team to rally from a 3-2 deficit with two consecutive home victories. The others are the 1988 Los Angeles Lakers, the 1994 Houston Rockets and the 2010 Lakers.

2. Home teams have a 14-3 record in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

3. San Antonio is 4-0 in NBA Finals and only one of its previous series required a Game 7 – when the Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons in 2005.

[StarDust Bum]

My NBA PLAYOFF GAME & TOTAL OF THE YEAR !!


Thursday, June 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Antonio - 9:00 PM ET San Antonio +6 500 GOY


Miami - Over 188 500 TOTAL OF THE YEAR