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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at San Antonio
The Spurs look to open the series and build on their 6-2 ATS record in their last 8 games against Memphis. San Antonio is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Game 501-502: Memphis at San Antonio (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 125.643; San Antonio 132.057
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 180
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 19

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MEMPHIS (64 - 29) at SAN ANTONIO (66 - 26) - 5/19/2013, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 96-71 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 79-57 ATS (+16.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 54-40 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 139-105 ATS (+23.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 57-33 ATS (+20.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 57-36 ATS (+17.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all playoff games this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-10 ATS (+17.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MEMPHIS is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 11-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-8 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, May 19

Conference Finals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Memphis at San Antonio, 3:35 ET ABC
Memphis: 16-5 ATS after playing as an underdog
San Antonio: 26-12 Under after winning 2 of their last 3 games




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 19

Memphis was underdog in first two series, but beat Oklahoma City and Clippers, with Thunder not having Westbrook, then LA getting banged up in that series- Grizzlies won eight of their last nine games since being down 2-0 in Clipper series. Home side won all four series meetings in regular season, but intensity level is way higher here-- first two meetings this year did go OT- three of four meetings stayed under the total. Over is 7-4 in Memphis playoff games, 4-2 on road; four of Spurs' last five games stayed under. Spurs are 3-2 vs spread as playoff home favorite; Memphis covered its last ten games, half of which were on road.




NBA

Sunday, May 19

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Trend Report
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3:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing Memphis
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis


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NBA

Sunday, May 19

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Grizzlies at Spurs: What bettors need to know
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Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-4.5, 182.5)

The San Antonio Spurs haven’t been part of the NBA Finals since 2007 when they swept the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Memphis Grizzlies have never played for the title and are in the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history. The two squads begin their quest for a spot in the finals in Sunday’s opening contest in San Antonio. Memphis posted a memorable 4-2 first-round series win over the Spurs in the 2011 postseason.

The fifth-seeded Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Clippers in six games and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five to reach the conference finals. Memphis let a lead get away to fall to Oklahoma City in the opener before rolling off four straight wins. Second-seeded San Antonio swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round and defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games in the conference semifinals. The Spurs lost to the Thunder in last season’s Western Conference finals. San Antonio and Memphis split four regular-season meetings this season with the home team winning each time.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Power forward Zach Randolph had four double-doubles in the five-game series with the Thunder and is averaging 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in the postseason. Randolph played especially well over the final two games with Oklahoma City, averaging 25.5 points and 13 rebounds. Center Marc Gasol is averaging 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in the postseason and had four 20-point outings against the Thunder. Point guard Mike Conley rounds out a solid trio with playoff averages of 17.6 points and 7.6 assists. Conley has stepped up as an end-of-game shot-taker since Memphis dealt Rudy Gay to Toronto. “It has helped me out a lot, just the responsibility in itself has been big for me,” Conley said. “I’ve just tried to use this opportunity to get better and make my teammates better.”

ABOUT THE SPURS: Point guard Tony Parker still hasn’t forgotten last season’s disappointing appearance in the Western Conference finals and claims to be drawing motivation from it. “We were disappointed last year being up 2-0, having home court and not being able to go to the finals,” Parker said. “It gives us a lot of fuel for this year.” Parker has scored 20 or more points in seven of 10 postseason games this season and is averaging 22.4 points. He was a woeful 3-for-16 in the finale against Golden State but scored 10 of his 13 points over the final 3:35. Parker averaged 25.5 points against the Grizzlies in the regular season. Power forward Tim Duncan is averaging 18.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in the postseason with five double-doubles.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four Conference Finals games.
* Under is 4-1 in Spurs’ last five overall.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Spurs are 33-7 – including 4-1 in the postseason – when hosting the Grizzlies.

2. Duncan’s 143 postseason double-doubles ties with Wilt Chamberlain for second all-time and he has scored in double digits in 194 of his 200 playoff contests.

3. Grizzlies G Tony Allen has 25 steals in the postseason, including 12 over the last four games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at San Antonio
The Spurs look to open the series and build on their 6-2 ATS record in their last 8 games against Memphis. San Antonio is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Game 501-502: Memphis at San Antonio (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 125.643; San Antonio 132.057
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 180
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 19

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MEMPHIS (64 - 29) at SAN ANTONIO (66 - 26) - 5/19/2013, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 96-71 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 79-57 ATS (+16.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 54-40 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 139-105 ATS (+23.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 57-33 ATS (+20.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 57-36 ATS (+17.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all playoff games this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-10 ATS (+17.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MEMPHIS is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 11-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-8 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, May 19

Conference Finals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Memphis at San Antonio, 3:35 ET ABC
Memphis: 16-5 ATS after playing as an underdog
San Antonio: 26-12 Under after winning 2 of their last 3 games




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 19

Memphis was underdog in first two series, but beat Oklahoma City and Clippers, with Thunder not having Westbrook, then LA getting banged up in that series- Grizzlies won eight of their last nine games since being down 2-0 in Clipper series. Home side won all four series meetings in regular season, but intensity level is way higher here-- first two meetings this year did go OT- three of four meetings stayed under the total. Over is 7-4 in Memphis playoff games, 4-2 on road; four of Spurs' last five games stayed under. Spurs are 3-2 vs spread as playoff home favorite; Memphis covered its last ten games, half of which were on road.




NBA

Sunday, May 19

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Trend Report
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3:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing Memphis
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis


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NBA

Sunday, May 19

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Grizzlies at Spurs: What bettors need to know
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Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-4.5, 182.5)

The San Antonio Spurs haven’t been part of the NBA Finals since 2007 when they swept the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Memphis Grizzlies have never played for the title and are in the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history. The two squads begin their quest for a spot in the finals in Sunday’s opening contest in San Antonio. Memphis posted a memorable 4-2 first-round series win over the Spurs in the 2011 postseason.

The fifth-seeded Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Clippers in six games and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five to reach the conference finals. Memphis let a lead get away to fall to Oklahoma City in the opener before rolling off four straight wins. Second-seeded San Antonio swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round and defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games in the conference semifinals. The Spurs lost to the Thunder in last season’s Western Conference finals. San Antonio and Memphis split four regular-season meetings this season with the home team winning each time.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Power forward Zach Randolph had four double-doubles in the five-game series with the Thunder and is averaging 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in the postseason. Randolph played especially well over the final two games with Oklahoma City, averaging 25.5 points and 13 rebounds. Center Marc Gasol is averaging 18.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in the postseason and had four 20-point outings against the Thunder. Point guard Mike Conley rounds out a solid trio with playoff averages of 17.6 points and 7.6 assists. Conley has stepped up as an end-of-game shot-taker since Memphis dealt Rudy Gay to Toronto. “It has helped me out a lot, just the responsibility in itself has been big for me,” Conley said. “I’ve just tried to use this opportunity to get better and make my teammates better.”

ABOUT THE SPURS: Point guard Tony Parker still hasn’t forgotten last season’s disappointing appearance in the Western Conference finals and claims to be drawing motivation from it. “We were disappointed last year being up 2-0, having home court and not being able to go to the finals,” Parker said. “It gives us a lot of fuel for this year.” Parker has scored 20 or more points in seven of 10 postseason games this season and is averaging 22.4 points. He was a woeful 3-for-16 in the finale against Golden State but scored 10 of his 13 points over the final 3:35. Parker averaged 25.5 points against the Grizzlies in the regular season. Power forward Tim Duncan is averaging 18.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in the postseason with five double-doubles.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last four Conference Finals games.
* Under is 4-1 in Spurs’ last five overall.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Spurs are 33-7 – including 4-1 in the postseason – when hosting the Grizzlies.

2. Duncan’s 143 postseason double-doubles ties with Wilt Chamberlain for second all-time and he has scored in double digits in 194 of his 200 playoff contests.

3. Grizzlies G Tony Allen has 25 steals in the postseason, including 12 over the last four games.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, May 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Memphis - 3:30 PM ET Memphis +5 500 POD # 1


San Antonio - Under 182.5 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Heat-Pacers Series Preview: Who are the beasts of the East?

May 20, 2013 5:48 pm ET


Much like with the Western Conference Finals, we've seen this series before and it happened recently. During last year's playoffs, the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat met in the second round. It was an incredibly competitive series that the Heat ended up winning in six games. We found out a couple of things about each team in that series that have ended up carrying them on to greater success.

With the Pacers, we found out this team is legitimately good and possibly a great team. The attack they throw at opponents with George Hill running the point and the combination of Roy Hibbert and David West controlling the paint is pretty incredible. When they can get 3-point shooting to complement that offensive identity, their defense is often too overwhelming for their opponents. However, the offensive inconsistency is something they still struggle with, especially on the road.

Last year, they had Danny Granger as their main wing scorer, but with his injuries that have kept him out the majority of this season, the Pacers turned to Paul George to be their consistent wing scorer. All he managed to do was put in an All-Star season and be named the league's Most Improved Player. The fact that the Pacers made it through the first two rounds of the current playoffs without him shooting the ball all that well is an encouraging sign for the team in this series.

With the Heat, we solidified that not only is Chris Bosh an integral part of this attack on offense, he's also one of their better team defenders and can come up big for them against great interior size. The absence of Bosh throughout most of that series caused LeBron James to consistently play a bigger position and it made the role players step up to be more involved. There was no more waiting to see if James or Dwyane Wade would create something. Erik Spoelstra got the team to play as a unit and really showed his coaching chops when going up against a much bigger team.

Once Bosh returned to the lineup, the Heat had an incredible chemistry working between all five players on the court at all times. They outlasted the Boston Celtics' one final push with their core and then took out the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games to win the 2012 title. They've used that confidence to catapult themselves this season to 66 wins and an 8-1 record through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

During this year's Eastern Conference Finals, both teams will be trying to prove very different things. The Heat will try to prove a condensed season wasn't the only reason they won the championship, while the Pacers will try to establish themselves as legitimate title contenders.

1. What happened: The Pacers won the season series 2-1 in a very interesting manner. The Heat shot the ball really well and got to the free throw line quite a bit in the three games. They made 48.1 percent of their field goals and 42.6 percent of their 3-pointers against the best defense in the NBA. The Pacers gave up the fewest points per 100 possessions, the lowest field goal percentage by an opponent, and the lowest 3-point percentage by an opponent. And yet the Heat managed to do those things really well against Indiana. They even averaged 24.3 free throw attempts against the Pacers. They attacked really well.

What they didn't do well, and the reason they ended up losing the season series, is they got destroyed on the boards and got sucked into playing a very slow brand of basketball. The three games averaged roughly 87 possessions per game. The Heat don't typically play fast basketball (averaged just under 93 possessions), but a slower, grind-it-out tempo favors the Pacers in a matchup like this. The Heat have more top talent than the Pacers, and when you have more talent, you want to maximize that talent advantage by increasing possessions. They didn't do that against the Pacers. Instead, they got killed on the boards by giving up a 33.3 percent offensive rebounding rate. With the Pacers controlling the boards and grabbing 57.8 percent of available rebounds, the Heat never got to get out in transition and only averaged 4.3 fast break points against Indiana.

The Heat don't like to play a fast game but they do like to get out and be opportunistic in transition to get quick, easy points. The Pacers didn't allow that and controlled the season series.

2. X-factor: Controlling the boards. So how do the Heat avoid getting stomped on the boards again? We know they're typically going to have a smaller lineup on the floor against the Pacers, so rebounding could be difficult for them. If they're running a lineup of James, Wade, Ray Allen, Shane Battier and Bosh (Tom Haberstroh's ideal lineup for the Heat against the Pacers) then it would seem like they'd be at a great disadvantage inside. The key could be how the Heat's defensive rotations and perimeter pressure tackle the task of keeping the Pacers away from the rim.

We've seen the Heat go smaller than their opponents in the 2011 and 2012 playoffs and survive. Against the Chicago Bulls in 2011, they were dominated on the offensive boards in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, only to adjust the rest of the series and end it in five games. Against the Pacers in 2012, they grabbed nearly an equal percentage of rebounds (49.3 percent to 50.7 percent), even though they went small. They are able to accomplish this by hounding the perimeter on defense, slowing dribble penetration against them, fronting the post with proper help to deter passing, and using a team effort to grab the boards. Having Chris Andersen as a big part of their playoff rotation gives them another energetic big man to throw into the mix against Hibbert, just to be an annoyance. We know the Pacers are bigger and stronger than the Heat and they play a more physical brand of basketball. But that was true a year ago, too, and the result was still Heat in six.

3. The Big narrative: Do the Heat actually have threats in the East? It's easy to want to overlook the Pacers and say they aren't stylish or fun enough on the court to truly knock off the Heat. They have a couple of high-flying wing players, but they don't really do a ton of Lob City-esque play in the halfcourt or in transition. But their ability to stop 3-point shooting and control the boards give them a lot of ingredients for being legitimate threats to the Heat in this series. The Heat can draw a lot of free throw attempts, but we've seen Indiana post the second-highest free throw rate in the playoffs. Miami can shoot the ball from downtown but ask the Knicks how easy it was to even come up with the 35.3 percent they shot in the second round.

The Pacers made it to the Conference Finals for a reason: They're really good. Hibbert has become the leader this team needs. West's brute strength and deft touch on offense have allowed him to be a great go-to option down the stretch. George is one of the top wing defenders in the NBA and should at least be able to funnel James into help. From there, Indiana needs to trust its defensive rotations and run the Heat off the 3-point line. If Hill can threaten to match what Wade is able to do on offense, the Pacers need to just worry about stealing a game in Miami to turn it over to their great homecourt advantage, where their offense rarely sputters.

4. Prediction: All signs point to the Heat winning the Eastern Conference and heading to the Finals to defend their title. Even with all of that talk about why the Pacers should be considered real threats to the Heat in the Finals, we still have the best player in the world with one of the most underrated coaches, one of the top players in the league (Wade is still really great when healthy), the best safety valve on offense in the league (Bosh), and a plethora of shooters to spread the floor and give Miami room to attack. If Andersen and Norris Cole can have a similar impact off the bench like they did against the Bulls' defense, there isn't a ton of reason to think the Heat won't be defending their title in the next round.

The Pacers are really good and have shown a ton of growth over the past year. They're headed in the right direction and as Hibbert continues to establish himself down low, George establishes himself on the perimeter, and if Granger can come back and be a good threat as a scorer, maybe next year the Pacers will have enough firepower to give them the edge in this series. But the Heat have homecourt advantage and the best player in the world. It's hard to go against that.

The pick: Heat in six.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at San Antonio
The Spurs look to follow up their 105-83 win in Game 1 and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. San Antonio is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Game 505-506: Memphis at San Antonio (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 124.400; San Antonio 133.525
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 178
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 182 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 21

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MEMPHIS (64 - 30) at SAN ANTONIO (67 - 26) - 5/21/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 97-71 ATS (+18.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-57 ATS (+17.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-85 ATS (+29.5 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 140-105 ATS (+24.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 57-34 ATS (+19.6 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all playoff games this season.
MEMPHIS is 64-41 ATS (+18.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 44-22 ATS (+19.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 11-8 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 11-8 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, May 21

Zach Randolph averages over 17 ppg in his 12-year career, but Game 1, Spurs held him to two points (1-8 FG) in 28 minutes (-28), so Grizzlies have lot of room to improve there. Memphis covered ten of their last 11 games, winning eight of last ten; they're 5-1 vs spread in last six games on road. Home team won last five series games, with Grizzlies losing last three here by 4-21-22 points. Over is 8-4 in Grizzlies' playoff games, 5-2 on road. Spurs are 4-2 vs spread as playoff home favorite. No Grizzly starter took a 3-pointer in Game 1 (Pondexter 5-9, others 0-3).




NBA

Tuesday, May 21

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Memphis is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


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NBA

Tuesday, May 21

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Grizzlies at Spurs: What bettors need to know
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Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-5, 181.5)

Spurs lead best-of-seven series 1-0.

The Memphis Grizzlies dug themselves a hole in each of their first two playoff series. And the San Antonio Spurs haven’t forgotten what happened in last season’s Western Conference finals. Memphis attempts to even the series in Tuesday’s Game 2 against the host Spurs after being blown out 105-83 in the opener. San Antonio set a franchise postseason record with 14 3-pointers and Grizzlies star Zach Randolph was a nonfactor with two points.

The Spurs had a 2-0 lead in the West finals a year ago before Oklahoma City won the next four games. That bad taste still resonates with the San Antonio veterans. “I can promise you this: Nobody’s happy in our locker room because we were up 2-0 last year and we lost,” Spurs point guard Tony Parker said. “It’s just one game. It means nothing. We still have a long way to go.” Memphis was down 0-2 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round and lost the opener against the Thunder so this isn’t new territory for the franchise. “We were soft,” Randolph said of the Game 1 showing. “We didn’t play our game. We didn’t play grit and grind basketball.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Randolph played so poorly that he apologized to his teammates. He was 1-of-8 shooting with his lone basket coming on a putback with 9:26 left in the game. “I have to come out and give them something,” Randolph told reporters on Monday. “I’ve been hard on myself. I couldn’t sleep (Sunday) night.” San Antonio placed a heavy emphasis on stopping Randolph and routinely collapsed multiple defenders on him and also fronted him so he couldn’t receive the ball in areas in which he could operate. Randolph had four double-doubles in the five games against Oklahoma City and Memphis has no shot at beating the Spurs if the two-time All-Star can’t get his game going.

ABOUT THE SPURS: A huge factor in the Game 1 win was the outstanding long-range shooting. The Spurs were 14-for-29 from 3-point range with forwards Matt Bonner and Kawhi Leonard making four apiece and Danny Green hitting three. “It’s highly improbable we’re going to shoot at the clip we did last game,” Bonner told reporters on Monday. “They’ve got the best defense in the league. They’re going to come out and make adjustments and play better on defense for sure.” Point guard Tony Parker had 20 points and nine assists in the opener and has eight 20-point outings this postseason.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 7-1 in Grizzlies’ last eight Tuesday games.
* Over is 4-0 in Spurs’ last four Conference Finals games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. San Antonio has held opponents under 90 points in five of its 11 postseason games.

2. Grizzlies reserve Quincy Pondexter scored 17 points in Game 1 and made all five of Memphis’ 3-pointers.

3. Spurs PF Tim Duncan had just six points in Game 1, marking the seventh time in 201 career postseason games that he failed to score in double digits.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, May 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Memphis - 9:00 PM ET San Antonio -5 500 POD # 1


San Antonio - Over 181.5 500 POD # 2

[CheCheBoFumbe]

Good luck and thanks for all the info.

[StarDust Bum]

Heat-Pacers Outlook

May 21, 2013


No. 1 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers

Series Price: Miami -700, Indiana +500

Series Format: Miami, 2-2-1-1-1

Game 1 - Wednesday, May 22 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 2 - Friday, May 24 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 3 - Sunday, May 26 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 4 - Tuesday, May 28 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 5* - Thursday, May 30 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 6* - Saturday, June 1 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)

Game 7* - Monday, June 3 (8:30 PM EST, TNT)


HEAD TO HEAD COMPARISONS

TEAM SU ATS HOME AWAY

OVER/UNDER PPG DPPG

Miami Heat 74-17 52-39 41-5 33-12 45-43-3 102.5 94.0

Indiana Pacers 57-36 50-43 36-11 21-25 44-47-2 94.4 90.5

2012-13 Head to Head Meetings

Date Results Total

03/10/13 Indiana 91 @ Miami 105 (-6.5) OVER 188

02/01/13 Miami 89 @ Indiana 102 (+2) OVER 184.5

01/18/13 Miami 77 @ Indiana 87 (+2) UNDER 187

Skinny: The Heat cruised through the first two series against an underachieving Bucks' squad and undermanned Bulls' roster to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight season. Miami beat Milwaukee by double-digits in each of the four games of a first round sweep, while posting a 3-1 ATS record. Following an opening game upset by Chicago in the conference semifinals, the Heat rebounded with four straight victories.

The Pacers went back and forth in the opening round against the Hawks, splitting the first four contests with the home team winning each time. Indiana routed Atlanta in both Games 5 and 6 to return to the second round for the second consecutive postseason, but this time the Pacers took care of business. Frank Vogel's club knocked out the Knicks in six games, including three home triumphs by an average of 9.6 points per game.

Four members of the Heat averaged double-digits through the first two rounds, led by LeBron James with 24 ppg. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen are averaging between 12 and 13 ppg, while Norris Cole has impressed off the bench by knocking down 68% of his three-point attempts. In last season's second round meeting, the Heat won the final three contests against Indiana after falling behind, 2-1. Bosh missed the last five games with an abdominal injury, while Wade put up one of his best performances in the series clincher by scoring 41 points.

Indiana has played a majority of this season without last year's leading scorer Danny Granger, as Paul George stepped into the star role. George is averaging 19 ppg and eight rebounds a game in the postseason, while George Hill, David West, and Roy Hibbert are each putting up double-figures on the scoring sheet. The Pacers and the Grizzlies are the two teams left that haven't lost at home in the postseason, as Indiana has won all six contests at Bankers Life Fieldhouse by at least nine points.

Head-to-Head Matchups: The home club captured all three meetings this season, including two victories by the Pacers in Indianapolis. The two teams didn't hook up until early January when the Pacers cruised past the Heat as two-point underdogs, 87-77. The game was tied at halftime, but Indiana used a 25-15 third quarter spurt, while opening up a lead as high as 17 points in the second half. Past 66 points combined from James, Wade, and Bosh, the rest of the Heat squad put up just 11 points.

The Heat's final loss prior to their 27-game winning streak came at Indiana on February 1, a 102-89 defeat as two-point road favorites. The Pacers shot a blistering 55% from the field, led by West's 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting. Lance Stephenson scored 15 points against the Heat, nine months after making zero impact in the playoff defeat to Miami, which included a choking gesture towards James in a Game 3 blowout of the Heat last May.

Miami picked up a modicum of revenge in the midst of its long hot streak by blowing out Indiana in South Florida, 105-91 on March 10 as 6 ½-point favorites. Mario Chalmers paced the Heat with a terrific showing from downtown, hitting 5-of-6 attempts from three-point range, while scoring a game-high 26 points. Miami's offense finally figured out Indiana's stingy defense by hitting 55% of its shots, while Bosh missed just four of 15 field goal attempts en route to a 24-point effort.

Betting Notes: VegasInsider.com's Chris David breaks down the key numbers in this series, "When Indiana wins, its covers. The Pacers have gone 8-4 both straight up and against the spread in the playoffs and that includes a perfect 6-0 mark at home. Plus five of those six wins came by double digits. Meanwhile, the Heat has covered seven of their eight victories and they won all seven of those games by double digits. Miami has been favored in all nine of its playoffs games and the team should be giving up points in every battle during this series and most likely the NBA Finals as well."

David believes the best look in the series is when the Pacers play at the friendly confines, "You have to look at Indiana as underdogs, in particular as a home 'dog. That situation happened four times this season, twice against Miami and ironically the other two instances came against the two other teams still fighting, Memphis and San Antonio. The Pacers went 3-1 in those games, the lone loss to the Spurs."

From the totals perspective, David analyzes the fluctuation of the numbers between these teams, "Game 1's 'over/under' is hovering between 182 and 183 points. In last year's postseason, the number was as low as 179 and as high 186. The 'under' cashed in the first three games before the 'over' closed out the series on a 3-0 run. During this year's regular season meetings, the numbers were between 184 ½ and 188 points. The 'over' went 2-1 in those affairs and the lone 'under' occurred when Miami scored 77 points."

Series Outlook: The Pacers have won three series the last postseasons, which included two overwhelming victories over the Magic and Hawks. Indiana pulled the slight upset over New York, but won just once on the road in the last series. The Heat owns an impressive 9-1 series record since James, Wade, and Bosh have played together, while knocking out this Pacers' squad last season. Miami will advance to the NBA Finals in five games.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pacers (49-32) at Heat (66-16)

Date: May 22, 2013 8:30 PM EDT


MIAMI (AP) - Dwyane Wade's rookie season ended with a playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. The next year, the Miami Heat were headed to the Eastern Conference finals and certain that an NBA championship was in their sights.

That's when Wade learned a valuable lesson: Never take playoff chances for granted.

Wade hurt his rib cage on a simple crossover dribble during that 2005 East title series, and the Heat season ended with a Game 7 home loss to Detroit. He's been to the East finals three times since, prevailing in them all, and on Wednesday will look to take a first step toward a fourth conference championship when the Heat play host to the Pacers in Game 1 of their playoff rematch from a year ago.

``I know I'm blessed to be going to the Eastern Conference finals for my fifth time,' Wade said. ``But I would like a lot more in my career. It's a good thing. We've been very successful in my tenure here. But I want more.'

For Wade and Udonis Haslem, this marks five East finals appearances in nine years. For LeBron James, it's a fifth trip to this round in the past seven years, now three straight with Miami after a pair of trips to the East finals with Cleveland. For Ray Allen, it's a fourth East title-round trip in six years, the first three of those coming with Boston.

Experience, it all favors Miami.

For the Pacers, this is pretty much uncharted waters. Only one current Pacers player has ever appeared in a conference-final game, and that was backup big man Ian Mahinmi, who played exactly 71 seconds in one game of the 2011 West title series without so much as taking a shot. Nonetheless, the Pacers seem far from bothered by the fact that this stage is a new place for them.

``There's four teams left playing basketball in the NBA and this is something we've been looking forward to all year,' Pacers forward David West said. ``We lost to this team in the second round last year, so we've already gotten a step farther this season.'

Indiana took Miami to six games last season, leading the series 2-1 at one point, and left an impact on the Heat with words, actions and play. The series was always physical, at times bloody, and it took some superb efforts by Wade and James for Miami - which was without Chris Bosh for 5 1/2 of those six games - to put the Pacers away.

It's not in the nature of either of these teams to back down from physicality, and tough play will almost certainly be a theme in this series. But if there's one thing the Pacers and Heat agree upon, it's that this series will be decided by execution, not intimidation.

``I think this will be about substance,' Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ``This series has plenty to offer without hard fouls and trash-talking. It's going to be about basketball.'

The Heat are overwhelming favorites, at least according to the Las Vegas oddsmakers, who apparently aren't putting much stock in that it was the Pacers who prevailed in two of the three meetings between the teams this season.

In turn, the Heat aren't putting much stock in expectations. Even though it's starting to seem like an annual event, getting to the conference final round, Heat players insist that it's still as big a deal now as it ever was.

``It's an opportunity for me to continue my dream and that's to compete for a championship,' said James, the league's reigning MVP for the second straight year and fourth time overall. ``I'm happy that I'm in the position I'm in, with great teammates and a great organization. I've just got to do my part.'

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was an assistant on that team - Shaquille O'Neal's initial season in Miami - that fully expected to be Finals-bound in 2005.

Then Wade got hurt, and everything changed.

``I let myself get too far ahead,' Wade said. ``I was thinking, `Championship, we're on our way.' I was riding the wave. It was awesome. Then it smacked me - Pow! - and it just takes one moment to change. Stupid. All I did was crossover. Did a stupid crossover pullup, I don't know what happened and it changed everything for us. That's when you learn, you don't know what's going to happen.'

Wade isn't 100 percent this time around either, though has said in recent days that his bruised right knee is good enough for him to play. He doesn't even plan on missing any more practice time this season.

The Pacers have some mild injury concerns as well, with West dealing with an injury to his lower right leg and 7-foot-2 center Roy Hibbert needing a tape job on his right thumb after a hit in practice earlier this week. They're both expected to play Wednesday.

``I think it will be a good series,' Pacers forward Paul George said. ``Obviously, we remember what happened last year and it will be on our mind when we face this team. We're not just happy to get to this stage, we want to get past this one, too.'

George has deservedly earned high marks this season for his offensive growth. The Pacers' hopes in this series might hinge upon his defense.

He went from guarding Carmelo Anthony in the second round to knowing that he'll be facing off plenty in this series against James - who Vogel called ``the best player, the best offensive player in the world.'

``He has to do the same kind of thing he did on Carmelo,' Vogel said of George. ``He has to come out and compete the best he can and do it without fouling.'

James told teammates on Tuesday that he's raring to go, especially so since the Heat haven't played in about a week. He was working after practice on his floating jumpers, something he employed against the massiveness of Hibbert last season and a trick he won't be afraid to pull out and use again in this series.

``It's been go time,' James said. ``Since the playoffs started, it's been go time. And I love the way we've been playing so far.'

[StarDust Bum]

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pacers at Heat
Wed, May 22 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 2
Pacers at Heat
Fri, May 24 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 3
Heat at Pacers
Sun, May 26 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 4
Heat at Pacers
Tue, May 28 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 5
Pacers at Heat
Thu, May 30 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 6
Heat at Pacers
Sat, Jun 1 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 7
Pacers at Heat
Mon, Jun 3 - 8:30PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Playoff Results - 3rd Round

May 22, 2013


Overall Game Results:

-- Home teams are 2-0
-- Favorites are 2-0 straight up
-- Favorites are 1-1 against the spread
-- The Over is 2-0

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Sunday May 19, 2013

Memphis San Antonio (-4.5) 105-83 Favorite Over (181.5)


Tuesday May 21, 2013

Memphis San Antonio (-5) 93-89 Underdog Over (181)


Wednesday May 22, 2013
Indiana Miami - - -

Friday May 24, 2013
Indiana Miami - - -

Saturday May 25, 2013
San Antonio Memphis - - -

Sunday May 26, 2013
Miami Indiana - - -

Monday May 27, 2013
San Antonio Memphis - - -

Tuesday May 28, 2013
Miami Indiana - - -

Wednesday May 29, 2013
*Memphis San Antonio - - -

Thursday May 30, 2013
*Indiana Miami - - -

Friday May 31, 2013
*San Antonio Memphis - - -

Saturday June 1, 2013
*Miami Indiana - - -

Sunday June 2, 2013
*Memphis San Antonio - - -

Monday June 3, 2013
*Indiana Miami - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Indiana at Miami
The Heat look to open up the series and take advantage of an Indiana team that is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 road games. Miami is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Game 503-504: Indiana at Miami (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 119.214; Miami 129.705
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 10 1/2; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 182 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, May 22

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INDIANA (57 - 36) at MIAMI (74 - 17) - 5/22/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 52-39 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 46-38 ATS (+4.2 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-8 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 10-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, May 22

Conference Finals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Indiana at Miami, 8:05 ET TNT
Indiana: 8-19 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points
Miami: 31-14 ATS off a home game




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 22

Miami is 9-1 in playoffs, with only loss in Game 1 to Bulls, would look for Heat to be anxious to get off to good start vs defensively-stout Pacer squad that beat New York in six games. Heat is 2-3 as home favorite in playoffs; over is 2-2-1 in their home games. Indiana beat Miami twice in three meetings this season, with home team winning all three. Heat won last meeting 105-91 (-6.5), only one played here- wouldn't put whole lot of stock in that, but its my job to tell you. Pacers are 2-4 on road during playoffs, with all four losses by 10+ points (2-4 as road underdogs).




NBA

Wednesday, May 22

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. MIAMI
Indiana is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Miami's last 24 games at home
Miami is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home


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NBA

Wednesday, May 22

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Pacers at Heat: What bettors need to know
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Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat (-7.5, 182.5)

The last time the Miami Heat had a long layoff between series, they came out rusty and dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Indiana Pacers, who visit the Heat for Game 1 of the conference finals Wednesday, are hoping that same rust allows them to get a quick leg up on the defending champs. The Pacers battled Miami for six games in the semifinals last spring before falling short and are determined for a different outcome this time.

Indiana held a 2-1 lead in the series last spring before LeBron James asserted himself with 40 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists in Game 4 as the Heat cruised through the final three games. James is already in attack mode for the series this season, taking offense at a rather benign comment by Pacers coach Frank Vogel and turning it into a two-day news story. “We’re not just another team,” James said. “I don’t understand what he’s saying. But we’re not just another team. That’s not true. He said we’re just another team in their way. We’re a great team.” Of course, Vogel never said the Heat were “just another team,” and simply referred to them as the team that happened to be next on the schedule.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana’s great advantage over Miami is on the interior, where Roy Hibbert, David West and Paul George form a frontline bigger than anything the Heat have seen. The Pacers led the NBA in rebounding average during the regular season while Miami finished last. George did a fine job of locking up Carmelo Anthony and forcing him to take bad or contested shot in the semifinals, and will be tasked with doing the same thing to James in the finals. George’s maturation is a big reason the Pacers feel they are better prepared to face the Heat this spring. The All-Star forward averaged 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in the 2012 postseason but has lifted those numbers to 19.1 and 8.3, respectively, this postseason while assuming more of the ball handling responsibilities and guarding the oppositions best player. “It’ll be fun,” George told the Indianapolis Star about the chance to guard James. “I always embrace challenges.”

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami did not have Chris Bosh for much of the series against the Pacers last spring due to an abdominal injury. Bosh is now a key to what the Heat like to do offensively and will operate as the center in an offense that spreads the floor. Miami is counting on Bosh’s ability to hit jumpers from 15 feet and further out to pull Hibbert away from the basket and open up driving lanes for James and Dwyane Wade. The Heat lost to the Pacers twice during the regular season, and James was held to a season-low 13 points in the lone win against Indiana, a 105-91 triumph that marked win No.18 during their 27-game streak. Miami has won 45 of its last 48 games overall. “It only gets more difficult and more challenging,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after closing out the semifinal win over the Chicago Bulls. “That’s what competitors want.”

TRENDS:

* Pacers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Heat are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Indiana has only one player with experience in the conference finals in backup C Ian Mahimni. James will be making his fifth trip to the conference finals in the last seven years while Wade and Udonis Haslem have helped lead the Heat to five of the last nine including 2013.

2. Wade (knee) has been practicing and does not expect to miss any time.

3. West (right calf) has been limited in practice but is expected to go in Game 1


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NBA

Wednesday, May 22

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NBA Eastern Conference finals preview: Heat vs. Pacers
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The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers duke it out in the Eastern Conference championship with a ticket to the NBA Finals on the line.

Here’s a look at how these teams stack up and their odds to win the series heading into Game 1 Wednesday:

No. 1 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers

Season series: Pacers 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 over/under
Series prices: Heat -700, Pacers +500

Why bet the Heat: Miami has victories in 45 of its last 48 games and an 8-1 record this postseason, with seven of those wins by double figures. Dwyane Wade will have had a week off to rest his ailing knee before Game 1 Wednesday, and Chris Bosh is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Bosh had nearly three times as many blocks as Chicago big man Joakim Noah (11 to 4) in the last round and held his own in the rebounding department against the much bigger Noah. Bosh appears poised to handle the Pacers’ intimidating frontcourt of Roy Hibbert and David West and no Heat player was betting in the clutch than CB4 this season. Bosh shot 77 percent from the field (24 for 31) in the final five minutes of games with a margin of five points or fewer this season.

Why bet the Pacers: The Pacers have a distinct size advantage over the Heat. Indiana has four players that are six-foot-nine or taller, while Miami has only two. The Pacers took two of three by double digits from the Heat during the regular season, outrebounding Miami by 11 boards per game over the three-game stretch. Indiana has been very impressive when it comes to defending the 3-point line. Opposing teams shot just 32.7 percent against the Pacers from beyond the arc this season – tops in the Association. The Pacers were one of two teams (Knicks were the other) to win their season series against Miami this year.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, May 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 8:30 PM ET Miami -8 500 POD # 2


Miami - Under 182 500 POD # 1

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, May 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 8:30 PM ET Indiana +7 500 POD # 1


Miami - Over 180.5 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Game 2 - Pacers at Heat

May 24, 2013


Game 2 Picks – Miami vs. Indiana

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals watched Miami outlast Indiana 103-102 in overtime on Wednesday. The NBA’s Most Valuable Player, LeBron James, lived up to his billing and hit a game-winning layup as time expired in the extra session. Prior to James’ heroics, Indiana built a 102-101 lead with 2.2 second left after Paul George hit three consecutive free throws. After George converted the freebies, most believed the Pacers were about to steal Game 1 and home-court from the Heat.

After suffering such a heart-breaking loss, it makes you wonder how Indiana will respond. Pacers coach Frank Vogel took the setback in stride. "Two great teams just throwing punch for punch," he said." Our spirit is very high, very confident. We know we can play with this basketball team."

Vogel took a lot of heat after the game when he didn’t have All-Star center Roy Hibbert on the floor to protect the rim. He explained that he left the big man on the bench because he was concerned with Miami taking advantage of Chris Bosh’s matchup against Hibbert.

We asked VegasInsider.com handicapper Kevin Rogers if the Heat took Indiana’s best shot?

He answered, “The Pacers will definitely be kicking themselves for the way they handled the final seconds of the Game 1 loss with Roy Hibbert on the bench. However, Indiana needed a desperation three-pointer at the end of regulation, then a questionable foul on a three-pointer towards the conclusion of overtime to still have a chance. I would be surprised if the Pacers grabbed Game 2, but it’s hard to think that Indiana will lay down heading home for Games 3 and 4.”

Rogers is right and anybody watching the game understands that Miami could’ve finished off this game in regulation and probably should’ve. Ray Allen missed a free throw that would’ve extended the lead to four and Miami could’ve put George on the line instead of giving up the game-tying 3-pointer.

Despite losing in Game 1, the Pacers easily covered as eight-point road underdogs. Indiana also covered in both the first-half (+4.5) and second-half (+8.5) as well. For Game 2, oddsmakers opened the Heat as seven-point favorites. Are the guys behind the betting counter respecting Indiana here or are we about to see a run of underdogs in the playoffs?

“The underdogs have cashed in the last two playoff games (including Memphis in Game 2 at San Antonio), as bettors believe Indiana’s defensive prowess can keep them hanging around in Game 2. Looking back at the last round, the Bulls beat the Heat outright as 13-point underdogs in the series opener, but Miami blew out Chicago in the following game as 13 ½ point ‘chalk.’ Maybe the line drop is saying something here, but the Pacers have won just two of seven road playoff games, while cashing only three times,” answered Rogers.

As Rogers mentioned, the Pacers are now 2-5 on the road in the playoffs and the one-point setback in Game 1 against Miami was the smallest margin while all four of the other setbacks were by double digits. Looking at those numbers makes you believe that Indiana’s effort in Game 1 was an anomaly.

Miami has gone 5-1 at home in the playoffs but it’s just 2-4 against the number. The two games they covered so far, the offense put up 110 and 115 points against the Bucks and Bulls respectively. If you believe the Heat can cover Friday, leaning ‘over’ 93 ½-points on their team total presents value.

Even though LeBron finished with a triple-double (30-10-10) in Game 1, it was bench player Chris Andersen that provided the much-needed energy for Miami. The “Birdman” led the reserves with 16 points, which was huge considering Ray Allen (4) and Shane Battier (3) combined for seven points off the bench.

It’s hard to imagine Andersen’s production going up in Game 2 after he exceeded expectations in the opener. At the same time, most would believe Allen and Battier will get back on track.

Rogers believes the pair will have a better effort Friday. He said, “It’s a safer bet to believe Allen and Battier shooting better in Game 2 than Andersen putting up another 7-of-7 effort from the floor. Allen didn’t look solid from the floor, while missing a key free throw late in regulation that would have put the Heat up by four. Most of Miami’s success from last season’s title run came from the contributions off the bench, as the Heat can depend on at least five guys that can aid the Big Three in the scoring department.”

As a team, Miami was 16-of-25 (64%) from the free throw stripe and just 27 percent (5-of-18) from 3-point land. Indiana wasn’t much better than Miami, connecting on 28 percent (4-of-14) from downtown and 24-of-32 (67%) free throws.

Indiana wasn’t alone in suffering a tough loss on Wednesday. The other loser was bettors who took the ‘under’ in Game 1. The number closed at 182 and the pair combined for 78 points in the first-half. After watching 50 points posted in the third, you could still give up 54 in the fourth and win. As if it was scripted, they combined for 55 and three of those points came on George’s 3-pointer, which forced overtime. Oddsmakers sent out 181 for Game 2 and the line has already dropped to 180 at most betting shops.

Make a note that the ‘over’ has gone 4-3 in Indiana’s seven playoff games on the road. Bettors watched the ‘under’ go 3-0 in Miami’s first three postseason affairs at home but the ‘over’ has cashed in the last three games from American Airlines Arena.

If you’re looking at an overtime angle, you could lean Miami in Game 2. The Pacers went 1-4 during the regular season off an overtime game while the Heat produced a 5-1 record in the same situation.

Miami was listed a heavy 1/7 favorite (Bet $700 to win $100) to win the best-of-seven series and after taking Game 1, the price on the Heat has been pushed up to 1/9 (Bet $900 to win $100) odds. If you believe Miami will lose the series, you can now grab Indiana at 7/1 odds (Bet $100 to win $700).

Some of you might laugh at that notion but don’t forget that Miami beat Indiana 95-86 in Game 1 of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals. After that loss, the Pacers responded with victories in Game 2 and 3. Miami still won the series but you the wins by the Pacers set up great hedge opportunities.

Friday’s second installment will start at 8:35 p.m. ET, with TNT providing national coverage.

Game 3 will take place Sunday night from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.