Da Bum's 2014 NBA Playoff Best Bets- News,Stats-Trends !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 10

Update

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MIAMI (60 - 28) at BROOKLYN (48 - 43) - 5/10/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after allowing 85 points or less this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-5 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Game 3 - Spurs at Blazers

May 9, 2014


San Antonio (68-23) at Portland (58-32)

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 3 - San Antonio leads series 2-0
Tip-off: Saturday, 10:35 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: San Antonio -1.5, Total: 209.5

The Trail Blazers are looking to get back in the Western Conference semifinals when they host the Spurs in Saturday's Game 3.

For the second straight game, Portland could not keep up with San Antonio, falling 114-97. Defense has been a struggle all season long for the Blazers (103.6 PPG, 45.2% FG), and has been even worse in the postseason (112.7 PPG, 46.4% FG). On Thursday, they allowed the Spurs to shoot 53.3% from the field, including 12-of-20 from the three-point line (60%), and have now been outshot 52.0% FG to 40.6% FG in this series.

However, Portland has been a terrific home team this season (33-11 SU, 19-25 ATS) and role players usually play better at home than on the road, and that could be big for the Trail Blazers. They are also 51-31 ATS (62%) as a home underdog of three points or less since 1996. But San Antonio has been an excellent road team this season (31-13 SU, 25-19 ATS), and road favorites over the past five seasons coming off 2+ straight home wins are 38-11 ATS (78%) in games involving two winning teams.

This series has been very even in Portland since 1996 with the Spurs holding a slight 19-17 SU (18-17-1 ATS) advantage, but the Blazers have the 3-2 edge (SU and ATS) at home in the past three seasons.

For the second straight game, the Spurs showed once again that they are ready to make a run to the NBA Finals. After having six players score at least 10 points in Game 1, seven players reached double-digit scoring on Thursday. San Antonio has been an offensive juggernaut this season (105.4 PPG, 48.8% FG, 39.9% threes) while also being the best passing team in the league (24.7 APG). On Thursday, the Spurs were passing as well they had all season, dishing out 27 assists while turning the ball over only nine times.

PG Tony Parker did not come close to matching his 33 points in Game 1, but he was once again in control running the Spurs offense with 16 points, 10 assists and just two turnovers. He didn't need to score as much, because many of his teammates had big nights from the field.

SF Kawhi Leonard had 20 points on 8-of-9 FG (4-for-4 threes), five rebounds and two blocks in Game 2, while the bench contributed 50 points on a blistering 20-of-35 FG (57%) and 6-of-9 threes. SG Manu Ginobili (16 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, +11 rating) shined brightest off the bench, but SG Marco Belinelli (13 points, 4-of-5 FG, 2-of-3 threes, +9 rating) and C Boris Diaw (12 points on 5-of-6 FG, four rebounds) also contributed nicely.

PF Tim Duncan (10 points and six rebounds) and C Tiago Splitter (10 points and 10 rebounds) did not have big offensive games with 10 points each, but the pair pulled down 16 boards (7 offensive) and did a terrific job holding Trail Blazers superstar LaMarcus Aldridge to 16 points on 6-of-23 shooting. The only negative in the game for the Spurs was their dismal 6-of-14 shooting from the foul line. If they struggle to make free throws again in Game 3 on the road, that could be just what the Trail Blazers need, as they are the best shooting team in the league from the line at 81.5% FT.

If Portland can get back to playing well on the offensive end of the court (106.7 PPG in regular season, 4th in NBA), it has a chance to win the game. With their backs against the wall, the Trail Blazers will have to play more team basketball and share the ball like their counterparts are doing. The team had only 15 assists and 15 turnovers in Game 2, but has shown it can score with the best of them at home, averaging 108.0 PPG (45.9% FG, 36.7% threes) with 23.5 APG at Moda Center.

PF LaMarcus Aldridge had his worst game of the playoffs on Thursday with more missed shots (17) than points (16), but he did grab 10 rebounds. The Trail Blazers have been able to rely on him throughout the playoffs, but needed somebody else to step up in Game 2. SF Nicolas Batum tried to be that player with 21 points and nine boards, but turned the ball over five times and finished with a minus-11 rating.

PG Damian Lillard (19 points, five rebounds and five assists in Game 2) has been terrific all season for the Trail Blazers, but has had problems against the Spurs defense in this series with 18.0 PPG on 14-of-35 FG (40%) and 1-of-7 threes with nearly as many turnovers (seven) as assists (eight). San Antonio has done a great job defending Lillard in the pick-and-roll game, and he will have to make adjustments.

SG Wes Matthews (14 points, seven rebounds and four assists) and PG Will Barton (13 points on 5-of-5 FG) both were able to contribute in the scoring department for the Trail Blazers in Game 2, but Matthews posted a minus-20 rating, which was the second lowest on the team after C Robin Lopez (minus-23 rating, 8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks).

[StarDust Bum]

Game 3 - Heat at Nets

May 9, 2014


Miami (60-28) at Brooklyn (48-43)

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 3 - Miami leads series 2-0
Tip-off: Saturday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Miami -1.5, Total: 189

The Heat look to remain unbeaten in the 2014 playoffs on Saturday when they visit the Nets in Game 3.

After losing to Brooklyn in all four games played between the teams during the regular season, Miami has dominated this Eastern Conference Semifinals series with wins by 21 points in Game 1 and 12 points in Thursday's Game 2 where it prevailed 94-82. The Nets have had little chance of winning either contest, scoring a mere 84.0 PPG on 44.6% FG, while the Heat have pumped in 100.5 PPG on 53.1% FG.

Miami is now 8-4 SU and 7-5 ATS when playing Brooklyn over the past three seasons, going 3-2 SU (2-3 ATS) at Barclays Center. For the season, the Heat are a mediocre 21-20-2 ATS on the road, but are 8-0 ATS when playing five or fewer games over the previous 14 days, and 10-2 ATS after limiting an opponent to 85 points or less.

Brooklyn has been an excellent home team this season at 30-14 SU and 25-19 ATS (57%), but is only 4-5 (SU and ATS) as a home underdog. But over the past three seasons, the Nets are 12-3 ATS after two straight double-digit losses, and 25-11 ATS after scoring 85 points or less.

There are no significant injuries for either team.

The Heat are off to an ideal start to these NBA playoffs so far, going 6-0 SU (5-1 ATS) and outscoring opponents by 12.0 PPG (101.3 to 89.3) and outshooting them by nearly five percent (49.4% FG to 44.8% FG). The series now shifts to Brooklyn, where Miami can expect a much more competitive opponent.

SF LeBron James (27.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.0 APG in playoffs) has not needed to take matters into his own hands in this series, attempting just 33 shots (19-of-33 FG, 58%) and averaging 22.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG and combined +16 rating.

One Heat player who has really stepped up is SG Ray Allen (7.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG in playoffs). Allen didn’t play too well against the Bobcats but the sharpshooter has logged 27.0 MPG in this series and is averaging 16.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG. PF Chris Bosh (15.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG in playoffs) has also flourished in this series, averaging 16.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG in the first two games.

SG Dwyane Wade (16.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 4.0 RPG in playoffs) is averaging 14.0 PPG, 6.0 APG and 5.5 RPG in just 34.0 MPG this series, and continues to look refreshed after a season in which he battled injuries and missed games in order to rest. The Heat have not needed to rely on Wade’s scoring just yet, and until they do, the superstar will continue to have fresh legs.

The Nets have been an excellent offensive team at home this season (100.0 PPG on 47.6% FG) and right now they will desperately need to pick up the pace on offense. Trailing 2-0 in the series, Brooklyn cannot afford to give up one of these next two games. But this club has virtually no chance of winning as long as PG Deron Williams (15.0 PPG, 5.3 APG in playoffs) is struggling. Williams was miserable in Game 2, failing to score a single point (0-for-9 FG) with a minus-18 rating in 37 minutes of play. The Nets will need their point guard to get back on track and start scoring, or things will only get worse.

SF Paul Pierce (12.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG in playoffs) scored 13 points in 34 minutes in Game 2, which was actually an increase from his eight points in Game 1. Brooklyn will need their veteran forward to continue being aggressive, as he is one of their only experienced shot makers on the team.

SG Joe Johnson (20.3 PPG in playoffs) also had 13 points (6-of-14 FG, 0-for-4 threes) on Thursday, but he had 17 points in Game 1 on less attempts (7-of-11 FG, 3-of-6 threes). Johnson has been the Nets’ go-to scorer all season and in the first round, he was outstanding. If Johnson can't establish himself as a presence on Saturday, the Nets will likely be heading into Game 4 on the brink of elimination.

PF Mirza Teletovic (8.6 PPG in playoffs) got hot in Game 2, finishing with 20 points (7-of-12 FG, 6-of-9 threes) in 26 minutes. The Nets may need to go to Teletovic sooner if they find themselves struggling to score early in Game 3.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Tip Sheet

May 9, 2014


**Miami at Brooklyn**

-- As of late Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Miami (60-28 straight up, 42-4-2 against the spread) installed as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 189.

-- Miami took a 2-0 advantage in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series by capturing a 94-82 win in Thursday's Game 2. The Heat covered the number as a seven-point home favorite, while the 176 combined points dipped 'under' the 191.5-point total. LeBron James led the way with a game-high 22 points, while Chris Bosh finished with 18. Dwyane Wade produced 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Ray Allen scored 13 points off the bench behind 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. Mario Chalmers was also in double figures with 11 points and he handed out five helpers.

-- Brooklyn (48-43 SU, 46-44-1 ATS) trailed by only two points with 6:54 remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 2, but a 10-2 run by the Heat created separation and got them ahead of the number to stay. Mirza Teletovic buried six treys and had a team-best 20 points in the losing effort. Shaun Livingston had 15 points, while Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce finished with 13 points apiece. The Nets might have won if they had received anything out of veteran point guard Deron Williams, who tasted a bagel in a scoreless night. Williams missed all nine of his shots from the field and didn't get to the charity stripe. He had a team-worst -18 plus/minus rating.

-- Brooklyn won the rebounding battle in Game 2 with a 43-36 edge. Kevin Garnett pulled down a team-high 12 boards in just 20 minutes of playing time.

-- Miami led by just three at intermission of Game 1 following a buzzer-beating 3-ball by Williams. However, Miami outscored Brooklyn by 18 in the second half en route to a 107-86 win as an eight-point home favorite. The 193 combined points slipped 'over' the 192.5-point total. James scored a game-high 20 points thanks to 10-of-15 shooting from the floor. James didn't settle for any attempts from downtown, relentlessly attacking the rim all night long. Bosh added 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Ray Allen scored 19 points.

-- In the Game 1 setback, Williams and Johnson shared team-high scoring honors with 17 points apiece. Williams made 7-of-10 shot from the field, while Johnson drained 7-of-11 attempts. Marcus Thornton was also in double figures with 11 points from off the bench.

-- VegasInsider.com's Chris David came away from the first two games of this series with these opinions: "After watching the first two games, I wouldn’t invest any money on the Nets or Heat in Game 3. As silly as it sounds, outside of a couple of halves the Heat haven’t looked great in the postseason, yet they’re still 6-0 in the playoffs. This Miami team isn’t nearly as good as the past two championship clubs but fortunately for them, the rest of the East has regressed as well."

-- David is passing on the side but is bullish on the total. He explained, "While I’m not high on either side in Game 3, I feel the total should be given a second-look on Saturday. Oddsmakers often adjust too much in the playoffs and they did so here. The total in Games 1 and 2 closed near 192 and now we’re staring at a number close to 189. Even though the tempo hasn’t been fast so far, I’m still surprised that we’ve only seen a combined 33 free-throw attempts in Game 1 and just 32 on Thursday. I expect those numbers to increase on Saturday and the freebies should help this game go ‘over’ the number."

-- Bosh is averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in this series so far. He also had three blocked shots in Game 2.

-- Sportsbook.ag has Miami at -3500 for the updated series price, with Brooklyn at +1500 on the comeback (risk $100 to win $1,500).

-- The 'over' is 48-40 overall for Miami, 23-20 in its road assignments.

-- The 'over' is 46-41-4 overall for the Nets, 23-19-2 in their home games.

-- ABC will provide television coverage at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

**San Antonio at Portland**

-- As of late Friday afternoon, most spots had San Antonio (68-23 SU, 48-43 ATS) listed as a 1.5-point 'chalk' with a total of 209.

-- San Antonio has dealt out woodshed treatment twice to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over Portland in the West semifinals. The Spurs cruised to a 114-97 win in Thursday's Game 2 at AT&T Center. They easily cashed tickets as seven-point home 'chalk.' San Antonio outscored the Trail Blazers 41-25 in the second quarter to take a 19-point halftime lead. Seven Spurs scored in double figures led by Kawhi Leonard's 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. The San Diego St. product drained all four of his 3-point attempts. Tony Parker finished with 16 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, while Tiago Splitter added 10 points and 10 boards.

-- Gregg Popovich's squad won Game 1 by a 116-92 count as a 6.5-point home favorite. The 208 combined points slithered 'over' the 206.5-point total. Parker scored a game-high 33 points and dished out nine assists. Marco Belinelli came off the bench to contribute 19 points, while Leonard produced 16 points and nine rebounds. Tim Duncan had a double-double with 12 points, 11 boards and a pair of blocked shots.

-- In the Game 1 defeat, LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 14 rebounds. Damian Lillard finished with 17 points, but he committed six turnovers compared to three assists. He also had no answer for Parker at the defensive end.

-- In the Game 2 loss, Nicolas Batum scored a team-high 21 points for Portland. Batum knocked down 9-of-13 shots and pulled down nine rebounds. Lillard played much better with 19 points, five boards and five assists compared to only one turnover. However, Aldridge couldn't buy a bucket. He connected on just 6-of-23 shots and had 16 points and 10 boards.

-- Portland (58-32 SU, 46-44 ATS) got a game-winning trey at the buzzer from Lillard to eliminate Houston in last Friday's Game 6 at home. But Lillard has hit only 1-of-7 from deep in the first two games of this series.

-- Portland's bench is getting crushed by San Antonio's second unit. The Spurs reserves have scored 100 points compared to only 37 from the Trail Blazers' bench.

-- The Trail Blazers went 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS as home underdogs this season and the two losses came by a combined four points to the Warriors (113-112) and Thunder (98-95). One of the victories came against the Spurs, a 115-105 decision on Nov. 2.

-- VI's David leans to the Spurs in Saturday's Game 3. He said, "The Spurs have put forth back-to-back offensive clinics in this series and the bench play has been superb. The reserves scored 50 points in both Game 1 and 2 for San Antonio. If the Spurs produce efforts like this on a nightly basis, it’s hard to see anybody stopping them. I’m not strong on San Antonio for Game 3 but that would be my lean because it’s hard for me to back a Portland club that is 0-6 ATS in its last six. I’d rather press the hot team that has been great on the road (31-13) all season than play the ‘due’ factor against a club that has taken back-to-back body blows."

-- The Spurs are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games at Portland.

-- The 'over' is 51-39-1 overall for the Spurs, hitting in their last five games and seven of the last eight.

-- The 'over' is 52-37-1 overall for the Trail Blazers.

-- The 'over' is 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings between these rivals.

-- Sportsbook's updated series price: San Antonio -1800, Portland +1050.

-- Tip-off on ESPN is scheduled for 10:35 p.m. Eastern.

[StarDust Bum]

2014 Playoff Results

May 10, 2014


Betting Results

Second Round
Wager Favorites-Underdogs Home-Away
Straight Up 6-4 6-4
Against the Spread 5-5 5-5
Total
Over-Under 6-4


Eastern Conference Semifinals

(E1) Indiana vs. (E5) Washington
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Washington (+4, +155) at Indiana 102-96 Underdog Over (184)
2 Washington at Indiana (-4.5) 86-82 Underdog Under (187)
3 Indiana (+5, +180) at Washington 85-63 Underdog Under (183.5)
4 Indiana at Washington - - -
5 Washington at Indiana - - -
6 Indiana at Washington - - -
7 Washington at Indiana - - -


(E2) Miami vs. (E6) Brooklyn
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Brooklyn at Miami (-8) 107-86 Favorite Over (192)
2 Brooklyn at Miami (-6.5) 94-82 Favorite Under (192)
3 Miami at Brooklyn - - -
4 Miami at Brooklyn - - -
5 Brooklyn at Miami - - -
6 Miami at Brooklyn - - -
7 Brooklyn at Miami - - -



Western Conference Semifinals

(W2) Oklahoma City vs. (W3) L.A. Clippers
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Los Angeles (+5.5, +200) at Oklahoma City 122-105 Underdog Over (213.5)
2 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (-5) 112-101 Favorite Under (215)
3 Oklahoma City (+4.5, +165) at Los Angeles 118-112 Underdog Over (215)
4 Oklahoma City at Los Angeles - - -
5 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City - - -
6 Oklahoma City at Los Angeles - - -
7 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City - - -


(W1) San Antonio vs. (W5) Portland
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Portland at San Antonio (-6.5) 116-92 Favorite Over (207)
2 Portland at San Antonio (-6.5) 114-97 Favorite Over (208.5)
3 San Antonio at Portland - - -
4 San Antonio at Portland - - -
5 Portland at San Antonio - - -
6 San Antonio at Portland - - -
7 Portland at San Antonio - - -

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, May 10

Miami Heat at Brooklyn Nets, 8:05 ET
Miami: 165-121 UNDER off a home win by 10 points or more
Brooklyn: 9-0 ATS after 2 straight losses by 10 points or more

San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers, 10:35 ET
San Antonio: 22-13 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins
Portland: 14-26 ATS after 2 or more consecutive losses

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, May 10

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Brooklyn +1 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Brooklyn - Over 188 500 TRIPLE PLAY

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET San Antonio +1 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Portland - Over 207.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Record in the playoffs as of FRIDAY Night :

22 - 12 ..............................*****

20 - 18 ..............................DOUBLE PLAY

23 - 21- 1...............................TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Record in the playoffs as of Saturday Night :

23 - 12 ..............................*****

20 - 18 ..............................DOUBLE PLAY

28 - 22- 1...............................TRIPLE PLAY

Last 3 days:

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/10/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

05/09/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail

05/08/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Indiana at Washington
The Wizards look to bounce back from their 85-63 loss in Game 3 as they host a Pacers team that is 0-7 ATS in its last 7 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. Washington is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wizards favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

Game 725-726: Oklahoma City at LA Clippers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 124.155; LA Clippers 126.813
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 5; 215 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+5); Under

Game 727-728: Indiana at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 118.004; Washington 125.324
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 7 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-4 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 11

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OKLAHOMA CITY (65 - 27) at LA CLIPPERS (62 - 30) - 5/11/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 99-82 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 159-221 ATS (-84.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 114-154 ATS (-55.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (62 - 30) at WASHINGTON (49 - 41) - 5/11/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-40 ATS (+4.0 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 57-41 ATS (+11.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 48-34 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 322-388 ATS (-104.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 77-114 ATS (-48.4 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 51-76 ATS (-32.6 Units) in home games after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 10-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 11

Washington shot 33% in awful Game 3 loss; Beal/Nene were combined nine for 33 from floor. Home team won six of last eight Wizard-Pacer games- Indiana is 6-4 in playoffs so far; they've lost two of last three visits here. Under is 23-19-3 in Pacers' away games this season. Seven of last ten Wizard games went over the total- five of six series games this season stayed under the total. Hibbert had 42 points in last two games, after going scoreless in three of previous four.

Clippers were 17-53 from arc last two games, after going 15-29 in Game 1 win; Thunder won four of last five visits to Staples. OC's starters were -76 in Game 1, +69 in Game 2; subs were +28 last game, with LA's bench -31, making 9-28 from floor. Clippers are 2-5 vs OC this season. Over is 10-4 in last 13 series games, 26-19 in Clipper home tilts. Seven of last nine Thunder games went over total. Ibaka was 9-10 in last game; Jackson/Butler gave good bench support, going 9-18.

Over is 39-23 in playoffs this season, 8-4 in this round.
Favorites are 22-40 in playoffs this season, 6-6 in this round.




NBA

Sunday, May 11

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Trend Report
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3:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games at home

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. WASHINGTON
Indiana is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana


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NBA

Sunday, May 11

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Game of the Day: Pacers at Wizards
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Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards (-4.5, 180.5)

Pacers lead series 2-1.

Whatever it was the Indiana Pacers lost in the second half of the regular season and through the first eight games of the playoffs, they appear to have found it again. The Washington Wizards are now back on their heels and will try to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals when they host the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday. Roy Hibbert came out of his funk in Game 2 and is leading a suffocating defense for Indiana.

The Wizards controlled the pace in Game 1 and looked like they would cruise to a series win before Hibbert, who had been scoreless in three of the previous four playoff games, went for a season-high 28 points to guide the Pacers to a win in Game 2. The All-Star center kept that form in Game 3 and put his stamp on the game on the defensive end as Washington was held to 32.9 percent shooting in an 85-63 loss. The Wizards scored a regular season-low 66 points in a loss to Indiana on Jan. 10 and set the franchise low for points in the Game 3 loss.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: The Wizards opened as 4.5-point faves, were bet to -5 and are back to -4.5. The total opened at 180 and is up a half-point to 180.5.

INJURY REPORT: N/A.

ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana made its mark in the first half of the regular season as a defensive juggernaut, running up the best record in the league on the strength of that defense before slumping badly over the final two months. The Pacers wanted to get back to that rugged style in the postseason and finally accomplished that over the last two games. “This was probably the ugliest game of the postseason thus far,” Paul George told reporters of Game 3. “This is our style of basketball. Every now and then this team is fortunate to get hot offensively, but what we do is play defense.” George carried the team offensively with 23 points in Game 3 while Hibbert added 14 - his second-highest mark of the playoffs.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Washington’s front line of Nene and Marcin Gortat was a big advantage in Game 1 with Hibbert going scoreless but the two combined for only 12 points on 5-of-21 shooting in Game 3. “(Game 3) was the worst offensive night we’ve had,” Nene told reporters. “Looked like we tried to miss shots.” The backcourt struggled to make up the difference as Bradley Beal posted his lowest scoring total of the series and John Wall committed seven of the team’s 18 turnovers. “This really was a clunker for us,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. “It was our first one (of the playoffs). We’ve got to let it go. We can play better.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
* Wizards are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-nine percent of wagers are on the Pacers -4.5.


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NBA

Sunday, May 11

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Pacers/Wizards: The Game Inside the Game
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How much fun is it to be able to talk about a team named Wizards with a reference back to Oz? But that really may be the starting point as Game #4 approaches – a young team is dealing head-on with the notion that they “are not in Kansas anymore”. And dealing with that notion is tantamount as you build your handicap.

Earlier in this series there was a take on how under-rated the Washington defense has been by the betting markets (http://www.***********/articles/arti...?theArt=371887), and so far in this matchup they are holding the Pacers to 89 ppg on 42.3 percent shooting. But that has only been good enough to win one of the three games. The defense has held up well as the playoff pressure increases because that part of the game is largely about intensity and effort. But offense requires poise, precision and proper decision-making, which for the Wizards has been an entirely different matter.

The Washington offense was a disaster in Game #3 on Friday, failing to top 18 points in any quarter, on 32.9 percent shooting, with an alarming count of 17 turnovers vs. only 10 assists. Even when unguarded it was dismal, with an 11-21 from the FT line. But instead of isolating that as a single game, was it a continuation of a “Kansas” moment from Wednesday at Indianapolis?

The Wizards led the Pacers 77-74 with 5:00 remaining in that game. It was a chance to go up 2-0 by sweeping the road set, and to psychologically take control of the series. That created a heady moment for a young team that did not even harbor significant playoff aspirations when the season began. And they did not handle it well.

Washington made two baskets over the final 5:00, one of them an easy alley-up finish by Marcin Gortat. Outside of that it was 1-8 from the field, with six of the shots coming from 3-point range. A couple of them were hideous, with John Wall twice forcing triples early in the shot clock after offensive rebounds had extended a possession. If someone called that a meltdown, you should not argue the point.

That carried over into Friday, and now creates a crisis of confidence on offense for a team that has produced counts of 18-17-16-12-18 over the last five quarters. It is a crisis that becomes magnified by the fact that the Pacers were #1 in the league in defensive efficiency this season, by more than a full point per 100 possessions better than anyone else, and are a full 3.1 points lower than anyone else in the post-season. Of course we negate the latter somewhat because of the weak competition, but Washington now represents 144 minutes of that competition.

Your starting point to properly attack Game #4 is not about Zig Zag trends involving beaten home favorites, or any lingering anti-Indiana notions that are still in the air. It is whether or not the Wizards can be trusted to play with poise on the offensive end, and show the mental toughness to work deep into a shot clock to make something good happen. You need not fear their ability to guard; that will be there. But even with five playoff wins under their belts already, the offense remains an open issue. In this game, it may be “the” open issue.


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NBA

Sunday, May 11

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Thunder at Clippers: What bettors need to know
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Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 214.5)

The Los Angeles Clippers are in must-win mode while the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder are in position to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series in Sunday’s Game 4. After the Clippers cruised to a 17-point road win in the opener, Oklahoma City has bounced back with two solid victories as Los Angeles struggles to slow the Thunder attack. Oklahoma City has averaged 115 points in its two victories and shot 55.7 percent from the field in Friday’s 118-112 triumph.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers says the defensive play needs to improve and point guard Chris Paul is gearing up for a battle to knot the series. “We definitely have got to play with a sense of urgency,” Paul told reporters. “We understand that it’s not over. It’s not time to hang our heads.” Oklahoma City stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have played solid back-to-back games while power forward Serge Ibaka stepped up with 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting in Game 3. “He plays with every ounce of fiber he has for his team,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Ibaka. “He’s really developed a nice midrange shot.”

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

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Remember all that silliness about Durant being “Mr. Unreliable” at the beginning of the month? His play is certainly again superior to the headline writers in Oklahoma City after a superb 36-point, eight-rebounds, six-assist outing in Game 3. Durant is averaging 31 points, eight rebounds and 6.3 assists in the series while Westbrook is averaging 27.7 points, nine assists and 7.3 rebounds. Just as important in Game 3 was the play of Ibaka and backups like Caron Butler, Reggie Jackson and Steven Adams. Butler and Jackson scored 14 points apiece and Adams collected nine rebounds.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Los Angeles typically excels in transition but that has been an ingredient missing in this series due to substandard defense and poor rebounding. The Clippers have just 37 fast-break points and it is hard to get out and run the floor when you have been outrebounded by an average of 14.3 boards. “In this series so far, we really haven’t gotten in transition at all,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters on Saturday. “They have taken that away from us because they’re scoring on us. We’ve got to do a better job of getting stops in a row so we can get some kind of offensive rhythm in transition.”

TRENDS:

* Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings.
* Over is 7-0 in Clippers last seven home games.
* Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Westbrook is shooting 58 percent from the field in the series after an accuracy rate of just 38.2 percent in the first round against Memphis.

2. Los Angeles PF Blake Griffin had his best outing of the series with 34 points and eight rebounds in Game 3.

3. Butler is 6-of-22 shooting in the series – 5-of-12 from 3-point range but only 1-of-10 from inside the arc.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, May 11


Underdogs cash in for hoops bettors Saturday

The underdog had a 2-0 night against the spread for bettors in NBA Playoff matchups Saturday.

The Brooklyn Nets won outright in their Game 3 meeting with the Miami Heat, covering as 1-point home dogs in a 104-90 victory to get back into their series.

In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs continued their basketball clinic versus the Portland Trail Blazers, winning 118-103 on Portland's floor as a 1-point road dog.

The dog is now 4-0 ATS in the past two nights.

On Sunday's board, the Oklahoma City Thunder is a 5-point underdog at the Los Angeles Clippers and the Indiana Pacers is a 4.5-point dog at the Washington Wizards.

[StarDust Bum]

Game 4 - Thunder at Clippers

May 10, 2014


Oklahoma City (65-27) at L.A. Clippers (62-30)

Western Conference Semifinals
Game 4 - Oklahoma City leads series 2-1
Tip-off: Sunday, 3:35 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Los Angeles -4.5, Total: 215

The Thunder look to take a commanding series lead on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Clippers in Game 4 at Staples Center.

Another barn-burner ensued in this Western Conference Semifinal series on Friday night as Oklahoma City defeated Los Angeles 118-112 as four-point underdogs, marking the third straight game that the two teams have each broken the 100-point barrier. The difference in the Game 3 matchup was quality over quantity, as the Clippers took 93 shots, making just 42 of them (45% FG), while the Thunder were an efficient 44-for-79 (56% FG) from the field. Amazingly, L.A. had just six turnovers in the game, its lowest total in the past 15 games. The leader for Oklahoma City was once again SF Kevin Durant, as he put up a game-high 36 points and was helped out by another near triple-double by PG Russell Westbrook (23 points, 13 points, 8 rebounds). PF Blake Griffin had a huge game in the loss, scoring 34 points to go with eight rebounds and three blocks. With the victory, the Thunder pushed their road record to 28-17 SU this season, while going just 22-22-1 ATS.

Meanwhile, the Clippers still have just nine SU losses at home (37-9) this season and are 23-23 ATS. Before Game 3, the teams had flip-flopped SU and ATS wins over the previous seven meetings, a trend that was broken by Oklahoma City in Game 3 to improve the club to 4-3 (SU and ATS) against its opponent this season. Over the past three seasons, the Thunder hold an 8-6 edge (SU and ATS) against L.A. with the Over going 10-4. Both teams have positive betting trends for Sunday's Game 4, as Oklahoma City is now 11-1 ATS versus very good teams (6+ PPG margin) this season, but the Clippers don't fall victim to many losing streaks, going 20-9 ATS after an SU loss this season. SF Hedo Turkoglu (back) of the Clippers continues to be the only significant injury in this series and he is out indefinitely.

The Thunder’s offense was great all season long on the road, averaging 104.4 PPG (46% FG) there, and they are putting up 105.0 PPG (46% FG) overall this postseason. SF Kevin Durant (30.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 BPG in playoffs) has built off his regular season MVP performance with 30+ points in 7-of-10 postseason games, including 34.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG and 7.5 APG over the team’s past two wins. PG Russell Westbrook (26.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.4 SPG in playoffs) nearly had his fourth triple-double in six games on Friday night while scoring 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting, dishing out 13 assists and grabbing eight rebounds. He has been much more selective with his shots in this series, shooting an incredible 58% from the field after posting a mark of 38% FG in the first round against the Grizzlies.

PF Serge Ibaka (13.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.2 BPG in playoffs) had his highest scoring total of the playoffs in Friday’s win, scoring 20 points on a blistering 9-of-10 shooting from the field. The only shot that he missed came from three-point range. He has also stayed fresh with only 29.7 MPG in this series after being on the court for 37.6 MPG in the opening round. PG Reggie Jackson (10.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG in playoffs) had his best game of the series on Friday with 14 points, but added just one assist and one rebound.

The Clippers are known for their offense after leading the league in points scored over the regular season (107.9 PPG), and have tallied 111.0 PPG (47% FG) in the postseason. Their defense has really struggled though, allowing opponents to drop a hefty 108.0 PPG (47% FG) in the playoffs, including 111.7 PPG surrendered to the Thunder in this series. PG Chris Paul (19.2 PPG, 10.0 APG, 2.8 SPG in playoffs) has averaged 12.3 APG over the first three games of the second round and had 21 points and 16 assists in Friday’s loss. He has been a nuisance on the defensive end as well, and has 3+ steals in three of the past four contests. PF Blake Griffin (23.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG in playoffs) was huge in Game 3 with his third 30-point performance of the playoffs has he went for 34 points while adding eight rebounds and three blocks. It was easily his best performance of this series so far, and he is shooting a solid 82% from the free-throw line over these three games compared to the 69% FT that he shot against the Warriors in the first round.

C DeAndre Jordan (10.9 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 3.1 BPG in playoffs) has not been the dominant force that he was in the first round, and is averaging just 8.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG and 1.0 BPG in this series. He did have his best game of this round on Friday though, going for 10 points and 11 rebounds while adding three blocks. SG Jamal Crawford (16.1 PPG in playoffs) had 20 points (6-of-18 FG, 1-of-5 threes) in Game 3, but is shooting just 33% from the field in this series; including just eight made baskets in his past 31 attempts (26% FG). SG J.J. Redick (13.5 PPG in playoffs) had just five points on 1-of-6 shooting on Friday after scoring 15.0 PPG over the first two contests of the series.

[StarDust Bum]

Game 4 - Pacers at Wizards

May 10, 2014


Indiana (62-30) at Washington (49-41)

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 4 - Indiana leads series 2-1
Tip-off: Sunday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Washington -4.5, Total: 180

After scoring a franchise-low 63 points in Friday's Game 3 blowout loss, the Wizards try to regroup quickly on Sunday night when they attempt to tie up their Eastern Conference Semifinals with the Pacers.

Washington has gone ice-cold since scoring 102 points in Game 1, averaging only 72.5 PPG on 39% FG and 24% threes over two straight defeats. Indiana's first-half offense was also pretty bad on Friday (34 points), but the club scored 51 points after halftime and finished 7-of-15 from three-point range during its 85-63 rout. The Pacers improved to 24-21 SU (20-25 ATS) on the road this season, but are still a weak 28-41 ATS (41%) with less than two days' rest. Despite two straight defeats, the Wizards are still 10-2 ATS (9-3 SU) in their past 12 games, including 6-2 ATS in the postseason. Although they have been a subpar home team this season at 23-21 SU and 17-25-2 ATS, they are an excellent 40-28-1 ATS (59%) with 0-to-1 day of rest, and are a strong 22-17-1 ATS (56%) after an SU loss.

Over the past three seasons, Indiana is 10-3 SU in the nation's capital, but Washington holds the 8-5 ATS advantage in these 13 meetings. Although the Pacers are 4-15 ATS (21%) when facing a winning team in the second half of this season, they are also 20-11 ATS (65%) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points in the past three seasons. Washington is mildly concerned with PF Nene Hilario's ankle injury, but he is expected to start on Sunday, while Indiana remains without backup C Andrew Bynum (knee).

Indiana's offense wasn't very effective during the regular season (96.7 PPG on 44.9% FG and 35.7% threes), and it has been even worse in the playoffs with 92.1 PPG on 44.2% FG (37.8% threes). Turnovers have also caused problems in the postseason (13.5 TO per game), but it as seemingly corrected this problem with only 8.0 TOPG during the past two wins. The defense continues to carry the club by holding opponents to a meager 89.4 PPG on 39.0% FG during the playoffs. SF Paul George (21.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.3 SPG in playoffs) shot very well in the first round of the playoffs (46% FG, 40% threes), but he has made just 33% FG and 25% threes versus the Wizards this series. However, he was the only player for either team to eclipse 16 points on Friday, pouring in 23 points (6-of-15 FG, 2-of-4 threes, 9-of-10 FG) with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a +21 rating.

C Roy Hibbert (7.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.6 BPG in playoffs) began this series with a Game 1 dud (0 points, 0 rebounds, minus-17 rating), but has been much better in the past two games with 21.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 BPG and +31 rating. He was also vital to helping hold the Wizards starting frontcourt to a combined 24 points on 9-of-29 FG in Game 3. PF David West (13.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 BPG in playoffs) continues to give his team consistent production in all areas, and has posted a stellar +48 rating in this series, including a +27 on Friday when he scored 12 points with four assists, but only three rebounds. PG George Hill (13.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG in playoffs) didn't score as much in Game 3 (9 points), as he did in the first two games of the series (16.0 PPG). But he took only six shots, going 3-of-5 from three-point range and dishing out five assists to contribute to a +23 rating. SG Lance Stephenson (14.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.3 APG in playoffs) had another poor shooting night on Wednesday (4-of-13 FG), and is now 11-of-38 FG (29%) in this series. However, he's contributing in other areas with 6.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.4 SPG and a +38 rating. PF Luis Scola (7.7 PPG on 46% FG in playoffs) was the only Game 3 reserve for either team with at least five points, as he contributed 11 points (4-of-8 FG) in just 15 minutes off the bench.

The Wizards have shot just 43.9% on two-point FG tries and 66.7% FT in the postseason, including a horrendous 16-of-33 FT in the past two losses. They have also misfired from long range (9-of-37 threes) during the two-game skid, but are still knocking down 37.3% three-pointers during the playoffs. This strong long-range shooting is a product of great teamwork, with the club dishing out 19.4 APG and turning the ball over only 12.1 times per game. Washington's team defense has also been excellent in the playoffs, where it has limited opponents to just 89.6 PPG on 42.3% FG, while also compiling 7.4 SPG and 6.1 BPG. SG Bradley Beal (19.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.6 SPG in playoffs) opened this series on fire, scoring 21.0 PPG on 15-of-33 FG (46%) in the first two games, but made just 6-of-19 FG (1-of-5 threes) with just three boards, two assists and two turnovers in the Game 3 loss. Backcourt mate PG John Wall (16.0 PPG, 7.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG in playoffs) had done an excellent job of controlling the offense with 17 assists and only two turnovers in the first two games, but he committed seven turnovers with just six assists on Friday. But after shooting horribly in the two road games in this series (6-for-27 FG, 22%), Wall hit 6-of-13 FG in Game 3.

SF Trevor Ariza (14.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG in playoffs) had a nice bounce-back performance from a dismal Game 2 (6 points on 2-of-8 FG) with 12 points (4-of-8 FG), 15 rebounds and three steals in Game 3. The rest of Washington's frontcourt underachieved though, as C Marcin Gortat (11.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG in playoffs) and PF Nene Hilario (15.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG in playoffs) combined for only 12 points (5-of-21 FG) and 13 rebounds, which was a huge drop-off from their 35 points (17-of-29 FG) and 16 boards in Game 2. No Wizards reserve contributed more than three points or six rebounds on Friday, as the bench combined for only eight points on 3-of-12 shooting with a minus-19 rating.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Playoff Tips

May 11, 2014


After the home teams went 6-2 straight-up and 5-3 against the spread the first eight games of the second round, the road underdogs bounced back on Friday night with outright victories by Indiana and Oklahoma City. Those two clubs took 2-1 series leads, as the Wizards and Clippers try to seize the opportunity on Sunday to even their respective series at 2-2 with Game 4 of the conference semifinals.

Thunder at Clippers (-5, 215 ½) – 3:30 PM EST – ABC

After splitting a pair of games in Oklahoma City, the Clippers were primed to return home and grab a 2-1 series lead over the Thunder. However, OKC shot lights out (56%) from the floor in a 118-112 triumph in Friday’s Game 3 to cash outright as 4 ½-point underdogs and +170 on the money-line. League MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined to score 59 points for the Thunder, while Serge Ibaka connected on 9-of-10 shots from the floor for 20 points to help Oklahoma City cover for the fourth time in five games.

The Clippers received solid efforts from their top two players as Blake Griffin led the way with 34 points, while Chris Paul scored 21 points and dished out 16 assists. However, Los Angeles missed 19 three-pointers and was outrebounded by Oklahoma City, 44-33, the third straight game the Clippers have fallen short in the rebounding department. Doc Rivers’ club dropped consecutive games for the second time since the All-Star break, while hitting the ‘over’ for the fifth time in five tries at Staples Center in the playoffs.

Oklahoma City has been an extremely profitable team as an underdog since mid-January, covering six of the last seven times when receiving points, including each of the last two visits to Staples Center. Through 10 playoff games, the Thunder has hit the ‘over’ seven times, including three of four ‘overs’ on the road.

Scott Brooks’ team is listed as a -250 favorite to win this series (Bet $250 to win $100), while the Clippers are +215 to win three of the four games (Bet $100 to win $215). Los Angeles hasn’t lost consecutive contests at Staples Center this season, going 5-0 SU/ATS at home coming off a home defeat.

Pacers at Wizards (-4 ½, 180) – 8:00 PM EST – TNT

Washington knocked out Chicago in five games of the first round, then followed up that effort with a 102-96 triumph in Game 1 of the semifinals at Indiana. However, the Wizards’ offense has disappeared the last two contests, as they sit in a 2-1 hole with Game 4 tonight at the Verizon Center looking to figure out the tough Indiana defense.

In Friday’s Game 3 at the Verizon Center, the Wizards were blown out by the Pacers, 85-63, as Indiana easily covered as five-point underdogs to improve to 3-1 SU/ATS on the road in the playoffs. Indiana and Washington combined for just 67 points in the first half as the Pacers led, 34-33 at halftime. Frank Vogel’s team opened things up in the third quarter by outscoring the Wizards, 26-12, while Washington’s John Wall and Bradley Beal shot just 12-of-32 between them from the floor.

The Pacers have broken the 100-point mark only once in 10 playoff games, but have cashed the ‘under’ seven times, including all four road contests. Indiana is looking to win consecutive road contests for the third time since Thanksgiving, while going 2-5 SU/ATS the last seven road games following a road victory.

In the last 21 games as home favorite since January 1, the Wizards own a dreadful 6-15 ATS record, but Washington has lost back-to-back games at home just once since the middle of January. Randy Wittman’s club has limited its opponents to below 100 points in seven of eight postseason games, but the ‘over’ has cashed five times. In all four opportunities this season with a total of 180 ½ or below, the ‘over’ hit each time, which includes three times in the first round against the Bulls.

The Pacers opened the series at -200 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, but have been pushed up to -240 (Bet $240 to win $100) to win two of the next four games. Meanwhile, the Wizards sit at +200 (Bet $100 to win $200) to come back and capture this series as Washington may be playing its final home game today if its offense continues to struggle.

[StarDust Bum]

2014 Playoff Results

May 11, 2014


Betting Results

Second Round
Wager Favorites-Underdogs Home-Away
Straight Up 7-5 7-5
Against the Spread 6-6 6-6
Total
Over-Under 8-4


Eastern Conference Semifinals

(E1) Indiana vs. (E5) Washington
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Washington (+4, +155) at Indiana 102-96 Underdog Over (184)
2 Washington at Indiana (-4.5) 86-82 Underdog Under (187)
3 Indiana (+5, +180) at Washington 85-63 Underdog Under (183.5)
4 Indiana at Washington - - -
5 Washington at Indiana - - -
6 Indiana at Washington - - -
7 Washington at Indiana - - -


(E2) Miami vs. (E6) Brooklyn
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Brooklyn at Miami (-8) 107-86 Favorite Over (192)
2 Brooklyn at Miami (-6.5) 94-82 Favorite Under (192)
3 Miami at Brooklyn (+1, +100) 104-90 Underdog Over (188)
4 Miami at Brooklyn - - -
5 Brooklyn at Miami - - -
6 Miami at Brooklyn - - -
7 Brooklyn at Miami - - -



Western Conference Semifinals

(W2) Oklahoma City vs. (W3) L.A. Clippers
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Los Angeles (+5.5, +200) at Oklahoma City 122-105 Underdog Over (213.5)
2 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (-5) 112-101 Favorite Under (215)
3 Oklahoma City (+4.5, +165) at Los Angeles 118-112 Underdog Over (215)
4 Oklahoma City at Los Angeles - - -
5 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City - - -
6 Oklahoma City at Los Angeles - - -
7 Los Angeles at Oklahoma City - - -


(W1) San Antonio vs. (W5) Portland
Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under
1 Portland at San Antonio (-6.5) 116-92 Favorite Over (207)
2 Portland at San Antonio (-6.5) 114-97 Favorite Over (208.5)
3 San Antonio (PK, -110) at Portland 118-103 Favorite Over (208)
4 San Antonio at Portland - - -
5 Portland at San Antonio - - -
6 San Antonio at Portland - - -
7 Portland at San Antonio - - -