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

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, May 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 3:30 PM ET Oklahoma City +5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

L.A. Clippers - Over 215 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Indiana - 8:00 PM ET Washington -4.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Washington - Under 180.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Portland
The Spurs look to follow up their 118-103 win over Portland in Game 3 and finish the sweep tonight against a Blazers team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games after allowing 100 points or more in the previous game. San Antonio is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

MONDAY, MAY 12

Game 729-730: Miami at Brooklyn (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.965; Brooklyn 126.347
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 1 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+2 1/2); Over

Game 731-732: San Antonio at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 129.699; Portland 121.501
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 206
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3 1/2; 211
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3 1/2); Under




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, May 12

All three Miami-Brooklyn games were within three points at half; Nets are 5-2 vs Miami this season, 3-0 here- they made 15-25 from arc in its Game 3 win. Nets were 18-48 from arc in first two games. Brooklyn is 26-19 vs spread at home this year. Saturday's loss was first for Miami in its seven playoff games; they're 21-21 vs spread on road. Six of last ten series games went under total, five of last seven Miami games went over.

Spurs led first three games of series 65-39/70-51/60-40 at half; Portland has to be competitive before they can even win a game. Aldridge was just 15-46 from floor last two games; Blazers are -20 in turnovers so far in series. Spurs lost seven of last ten visits to Rip City, but they've won last four games with Portland overall, and figure to get lot of rest for old roster, with win here, since Clippers-Thunder look like they're going 7.

Over is 40-24 in playoffs this season, 9-5 in this round.
Favorites are 22-42 in playoffs this season, 6-8 in this round.




NBA

Monday, May 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BROOKLYN
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
Miami is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Brooklyn
Brooklyn is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing Miami
Brooklyn is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. PORTLAND
San Antonio is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Portland
San Antonio is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing at home against San Antonio

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, May 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (60 - 29) at BROOKLYN (49 - 43) - 5/12/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-5 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN ANTONIO (69 - 23) at PORTLAND (58 - 33) - 5/12/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 152-118 ATS (+22.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-96 ATS (+18.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 67-48 ATS (+14.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
PORTLAND is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents this season.
PORTLAND is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 25-34 ATS (-12.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, May 12

Miami at Brooklyn, 8:00 ET
Miami: 25-14 ATS revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a favorite
Brooklyn: 48-68 ATS after a game where they covered the spread

San Antonio at Portland, 10:35 ET
San Antonio: 21-10 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more
Portland: 5-16 ATS in home games after a loss by 10 points or more



-------------------------------------------------------------------------


NBA

Monday, May 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Nets: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at Brooklyn Nets (+2.5, 187.5)

The Brooklyn Nets have the opportunity to turn the Eastern Conference series into a best-of-three when they host the Miami Heat in Monday’s Game 4. After being beaten handily in the first two games, Brooklyn was the superior squad in Saturday’s 104-90 victory, and following up that performance with another win would tie the series at two games apiece. Miami scored just 33 total points in the middle two quarters while suffering its first postseason loss since last year.

The Nets set a franchise record with 15 3-pointers in the double-digit victory with guard Joe Johnson (five) and backup forward Mirza Teletovic (four) combining for nine. Also of note was how Brooklyn slowed down LeBron James over the final three quarters (12 points on 2-of-8 shooting) after he erupted for 16 first-quarter points on 6-of-7 shooting. “It’s a 48-minute game,” Nets coach Jason Kidd told reporters. “I’m not counting how many times you score. I’m looking at how many shots he’s taking and he was making them in the first quarter. We didn’t lose patience and we stuck with the game plan and we found a way to win.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE HEAT: Though Miami was staggered a bit in Game 3, the two-time defending champs are good at brushing off defeats. “I’ve been part of a lot of series and understand that the series is never won in two games or in three games,” James told reporters. “And you move onto the next one and you learn from the previous one how you can get better.” The Heat have followed up each of their last eight playoff defeats with a victory as they typically kick it up into a higher gear. “We didn’t have that desperation in this game,” said center Chris Bosh after Game 3, “but usually, a loss will do that and you’ll come back with it.”

ABOUT THE NETS: Strong bench play from Teletovic (12 points) and Andray Blatche (15 points, 10 rebounds) helped fuel the impressive victory. Teletovic opened up the floor with his 3-point marksmanship and Blatche operated superbly in the paint with his first career playoff double-double. Blatche was a bit intimidated by the stage in the first two games – “I wasn’t being as aggressive as I should’ve been,” he said – but in Game 3, he provided the type of energy the team needed in the second quarter. Bench play will continue to be key with point guard Deron Williams struggling on the offensive end – 3-of-20 shooting over the last two games.

TRENDS:

* Over is 19-6-1 in the last 26 meetings in Brooklyn.
* Home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
* Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 5-2 in Heat last seven overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The 104 points scored by the Nets marked the first time this postseason Miami allowed 100 or more.

2. Teletovic is 11-of-19 from 3-point range in the series and 33 of his 37 points have come from behind the arc.

3. Heat G Ray Allen missed his only 3-point attempt in Game 3 after making 7-of-12 over the first two games.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NBA

Monday, May 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spurs at Trail Blazers: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers (+3.5, 210.5)

The San Antonio Spurs are making it look easy as they cruise toward the Western Conference finals. The Spurs will try to polish off a four-game sweep when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers for Game 4 of the semifinals on Monday. The Trail Blazers thought the change of scenery could change the complexion of the series but San Antonio was just as impressive on the road and ended up cruising to a 118-103 victory in Game 3.

No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series and Portland is just hoping for a better effort. “We’re going to come out and have a great effort on Monday night,” Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts told reporters. “That’s the most important thing. We’re going to show our character, we’re going to show our pride and we’re going to come out and play our (rear ends) off on Monday.” The Spurs recognize that getting the final win won’t be easy. “The close-out is always the hardest game,” San Antonio guard Tony Parker said.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE SPURS: San Antonio is the fourth team in NBA history to win four straight postseason games by 15 or more points and has rarely looked vulnerable against the Trail Blazers. The Spurs held a 60-40 lead at the half in Game 3 - the third straight time they held at least a 19-point cushion at the break - and controlled the game in the second half. Parker scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half on Saturday and is averaging 26 points in the series. “(Parker) got us out of the gates,” forward Tim Duncan told reporters. “He continues to shoot the ball really well. He’s getting to his spots. He’s making great decisions for our offense.”

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS: Portland has yet to figure out a way to slow the San Antonio offense in the first half and is struggling to get into a rhythm early with its own offense. “”It’s frustrating,” Stotts told reporters. “You’ve got to play through the frustration. It’s part of the game. It’s part of the playoffs. … But yeah, it’s frustrating to get down 20 in the first half. You look at the scoreboard and it’s a hole.” All-Stars LaMarcus Aldridge (38 percent) and Damian Lillard (37.5) are both struggling from the field in the series while Mo Williams (groin) has been a non-factor off the bench and could miss his second straight game on Monday.

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Spurs are 5-0 ATS in their last five Conference Semifinals games.
* Trail Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
* Over is 6-0 in Spurs last six overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Spurs bench is outscoring the Blazers’ reserves 140-43 in the series.

2. Lillard is just 1-of-13 from beyond the arc in the series after hitting 23-of-47 in the first round.

3. Portland has led for a total of 33 seconds in the three games.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Playoff Tips

May 12, 2014


The two most incredible comebacks of the postseason both happened in the same day, as the Clippers and Pacers erased large deficits for Game 4 victories on Sunday. Oklahoma City covered as five-point underdogs in spite of throwing away a 22-point lead in a 101-99 defeat, while Indiana overcame a 19-point hole to get past Washington as a three-point ‘dog to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Underdogs improved to 8-6 against the spread in the second round of the playoffs and an incredible 42-21-1 ATS in the postseason, hitting at an amazing 67% rate.

Tonight’s action involves San Antonio trying to put away Portland and advance to the Western Conference Finals, while Miami looks to bounce back after Brooklyn woke up from a two-game offensive slumber.

Heat (-2 ½, 187 ½) at Nets – 8:05 PM EST – TNT

Miami cruised to a 2-0 series lead over Brooklyn following a pair of blowouts at home, allowing an average of 84 points per game. However, when the venue shifted to the Barclays Center for Game 3 on Saturday, the Nets got back in the series with a 104-90 rout of the Heat as one-point underdogs to cut the series deficit down to 2-1.

After the ‘over’ luckily hit in Game 1, the ‘under’ of 191 ½ was never in doubt in Miami’s 94-82 dominating effort in Game 2. On Saturday night, the Heat and Nets shot lights out immediately, as Miami led 30-29 after one quarter to put the ‘over’ on a good pace. The following two quarters saw a 41-point spot and a 40-point effort, placing the ‘over’ in jeopardy, but a 54-point fourth quarter clinched the ‘over’ of 188.

The key for Brooklyn in Game 3 was the 26-14 third quarter spurt to put Miami away and seize a 14-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Jason Kidd’s team shot a blistering 52% from the floor and drilled 15 three-pointers, including four treys from Mirza Teletovic, who has knocked down 10 three-pointers in the last two games off the Brooklyn bench. On the flip side, Miami’s LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh accounted for 60 points, as this was the first game of the playoffs in which no other Heat player scored in double-figures besides the Big Three.

Brooklyn improved to 3-0 SU/ATS in three home games this season against Miami, as the Nets have won 19 of their last 22 contests at the Barclays Center (15-7 ATS). The loss was the first for the Heat in the postseason, but this team has proven it can bounce back following a defeat in the playoffs. Last postseason, Miami put together a 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS record after a loss, with the lone ATS setback coming in the dramatic Game 6 comeback against San Antonio in the NBA Finals. In fact, the Heat has won their past nine games in the playoffs off a defeat, with the last losing streak in the postseason coming against the Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.

Spurs (-3 ½, 211) at Blazers – 10:35 PM EST – TNT

It’s amazing to think that San Antonio was on the verge of elimination in the opening round of the playoffs against Dallas. The Spurs destroyed the Mavericks in Game 7 to advance to the second round, as the defending Western Conference champions are playing like the team that won 19 straight games at one point this season by building a 3-0 series edge over the Blazers.

All three victories by the Spurs in this series have come by at least 15 points, including a 118-103 triumph in Game 3 to easily cash as a one-point underdog. San Antonio jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead, while the Spurs nailed all 25 free throw attempts. Portland’s bench scored just six points, while Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge missed a combined 28 shots from the floor as the Blazers dropped to 0-7 ATS the last seven games since covering in the first two contests against Houston in the opening round.

San Antonio is riding a six-game streak to the ‘over,’ while cashing tickets in each of the last four games following an 0-8 ATS stretch at the end of the regular season and the first six contests against Dallas. The Spurs close the door when they have to in the playoffs, pulling off sweeps in their last four playoff series after building a 3-0 lead, including sweeps last postseason over the Lakers and Grizzlies.

Portland is looking to avoid just its second losing streak of four games this season, while the Blazers haven’t dropped consecutive contests at the Moda Center. Terry Stotts’ club put together a perfect 7-0 record at home off a home loss, while going 3-1 ATS this season in the role of a home underdog, which includes a victory over the Spurs back in November.

[StarDust Bum]

2014 Playoff Results

May 12, 2014


Betting Results

Second Round
Wager Favorites-Underdogs Home-Away
Straight Up 8-6 8-6
Against the Spread 6-8 6-8
Total
Over-Under 9-5


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 (+3.5, +145) at Washington 95-92 Underdog Over (179.5)
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) 101-99 Underdog Under (214)
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 - - -

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Heat (54-28) at Nets (44-38)

Date: May 12, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


NEW YORK (AP) - Paul Pierce called the Miami Heat a juggernaut. He insisted they are still the team to beat.

So yes, the Brooklyn Nets have plenty of respect for the two-time defending NBA champions - and no fear.

Pierce made that clear again Sunday, a day after the Nets' Game 3 rout that cut Miami's lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brooklyn will try to even the series at home Monday night.

'You've got to have that type of mental ego against a juggernaut. You go against the best, a lot of series are won on fear factor, like, or non-belief. When you have that non-belief, then you have no chance,' Pierce said after practice.


'What I try to do in this locker room, or with my teammates, is just try to give them belief that we can beat this team. They're not unbeatable.'

The Heat had been in these playoffs until the Nets' 104-90 victory on Saturday night. Miami hadn't even faced a fourth-quarter deficit, but was out of the game long before then after Brooklyn dominated the third quarter to build a huge lead.

'The defeat was complete,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'It was both sides of the basketball.

'It was like trying to plug in holes in a leaking dam. There was so many things that were not in our favor really on both ends of the court.'

The Nets made 15 of 25 3-point attempts, outrebounded Miami 43-27, and limited LeBron James to two baskets over the final three quarters after he had 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first.

Brooklyn swept the regular-season series, though none of the games was anywhere near as easy as Game 3. Yet the four victories gave the Nets a confidence against the Heat that some other opponents may not have.

'We just had a little success against them during the regular season. We played them well and we feel like we match up well with them,' Nets guard Deron Williams said. 'And if we're on top of our game, we're playing defense the way we're capable of playing, like we did the last game, we put ourselves in a good position to win.'

Pierce did his part after the Nets were routed in Game 1, asking coach Jason Kidd to switch up the defense so he could guard James. And after he and the Nets did such a good job of it over the final three quarters of Game 3, Pierce said the Nets wanted to show the Heat that they weren't scared of them.

'Why should it be a fear factor?' James said. 'It's just basketball. We're not trying to win a war here, it's just basketball. That's all it is. We're all grown men, who cares about who's fearing who?

'We've never been a team that talks. We don't get into that, and we've never been a bulletin board team. We just want to play the game the right way and we give ourselves a good chance to win if we play our type of basketball and last night we didn't do that.'

Miami had won its previous eight postseason games and followed every loss with a victory last year. To do that in this series, Spoelstra said the Heat would not only need better effort and urgency, but also more attention to the little details.

Pierce is expecting that, as well as in Game 5 back in Miami on Wednesday night. Even though the Heat didn't look it Saturday, he believes they are just as good as the recent versions that ended his seasons in Boston.

'Definitely. They're well-seasoned now. They know how to win,' Pierce said. 'They've won two championships, there's nothing they haven't been through. So the one thing you always hear, it's kind of a cliche, is never underestimate the heart of a champion, and you know that's what they have under their belts. So you know, they're the team to beat.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Spurs (62-20) at Trail Blazers (54-28)

Date: May 12, 2014 10:30 PM EDT


PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The intensity and focus that has the Spurs rolling 3-0 over Portland in the Western Conference semifinals can be traced to their Game 3 loss to Dallas in the first round.

Vince Carter hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Mavericks went up 2-1. But San Antonio simply was not going to concede the opening round after last season's disappointing Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat for the NBA title.

'Down 2-1, Dallas really made it a series. They played great basketball - everybody was playing very well on that team and they made it hard on us,' Spurs guard Tony Parker said. 'In Game 7 you have to show up because if you don't the season's over. I think we learned from it and so far, we're playing good.'

Boris Diaw also pointed to the Dallas series, which San Antonio won with a 119-96 victory in the deciding Game 7.

'We had our back against the wall and we had to play good,' he said. 'We've been playing the same way since then - so probably a turning point for us.'

On Monday night the Spurs will try to dispatch the Trail Blazers in four games - and hopefully get some rest before the conference finals against the winner of the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers.

'This is as well as I've seen them play all season,' Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. 'By Game 7 against Dallas, they came out of the gate and they haven't stopped since then.'

No team has ever lost a seven-game NBA playoff series after going up 3-0.

The Blazers were the last team to take a series to seven games after dropping the first three. Portland rebounded in the first round against Dallas in 2003 but ultimately lost the first-round series' deciding game.

Parker scored 29 points in San Antonio's 118-103 Game 3 victory on Saturday night. The Spurs had routed the Blazers 116-92 in the series opener after their grueling series against the Mavericks, then built a 20-point lead and won Game 2, 114-97.

Parker has scored 29 or more points in three of his last four playoff games. He had 20 points in the first half alone in Game 3 against Portland. In the 119-96 Game 7 victory over the Mavericks, he poured in 32.

The Spurs have managed to slow down Portland All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, who averaged 29.8 points in the first round against the Houston Rockets.

The Blazers have been hurt by the loss of backup point guard Mo Williams to a groin injury. Williams has provided both energy and points off the bench all season in relief of Damian Lillard.

His absence was noticeable in Saturday night's loss, with Portland getting just six points from its bench.

'Monday is a new game, and we are confident we are capable of winning,' Lillard said. 'It is also about our pride. We do not want to come out here and get swept. We still believe we can win a game - we have to come out here and play like it.'

Portland advanced to the second round for the first time in 14 years by defeating the Rockets in six games, clinching the series with Lillard's amazing 3-pointer at the buzzer at home for a 99-98 victory in the deciding game.

The Spurs have a 3-2 series advantage over Portland in the playoffs, sweeping the previous meeting in the 1999 conference finals. The teams split the regular-season series 2-2.

'We'd love to close this thing out,' San Antonio's Tim Duncan said. 'We've had pretty decent control of it throughout and we want to finish it the right way and get some rest.'

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, May 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Miami - 8:00 PM ET Brooklyn +1.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Brooklyn - Over 187 500 DOUBLE PLAY


San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET San Antonio -4.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Portland - Under 210.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Dunkel

Washington at Indiana
The Wizards try to stay alive in the series as they head back to Indiana tonight to face a Pacers team 4-13 ATS in its last 17 home games. Washington is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has the Pacers favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Game 733-734: Washington at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 120.289; Indiana 122.040
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 5; 180 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5); Under

Game 735-736: LA Clippers at Oklahoma City (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 124.342; Oklahoma City 126.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 212 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (49 - 42) at INDIANA (63 - 30) - 5/13/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 94-76 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points this season.
WASHINGTON is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 57-42 ATS (+10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-6 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 11-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA CLIPPERS (63 - 30) at OKLAHOMA CITY (65 - 28) - 5/13/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all playoff games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 159-222 ATS (-85.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 114-155 ATS (-56.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 100-82 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 86-71 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 54-39 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 32-23 ATS (+6.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-6 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, May 13

Washington blew 17-point halftime lead in Game 4 loss, after shooting 33% in Game 3; Beal/Nene were combined 21-61 from floor in losses at home. Home team won six of last nine Wizard-Pacer games- Indiana held Wiz to 79 ppg in winning last three games, after losing opener 102.96. Seven of last 11 Wizard games went over the total- six of seven series games this season stayed under the total. Hibbert had 59 points in last three games, after going scoreless in three of previous four-- rumor was that it was an off-court personal issue that had him in a funk.

Durant had eight turnovers in Game 4 loss, seemed hesitant to dribble if Paul was guarding him. Clippers were 20-74 from arc last three games, after going 15-29 in first game; they were down 22 in first half, 16 with 9:30 left before rallying to win Game 4 and tie series. OC's subs were +28 in Game 3, -41 last game, with LA's bench -31 Friday, +36 Sunday. Clippers are 3-5 vs OC this season. Over is 10-5 in last 15 series games; seven of last ten Thunder games went over total. Ibaka was 2-5 Sunday, after going 9-10 in Game 3.

Over is 41-25 in playoffs this season, 10-6 in this round.
Favorites are 23-43 in playoffs this season, 7-9 in this round.




NBA

Tuesday, May 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
Washington is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games
Indiana is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games at home

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 14 games
LA Clippers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA

Tuesday, May 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Clippers at Thunder
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-5.5, 212.5)

The Los Angeles Clippers will be riding the momentum of an epic comeback while the host Oklahoma City Thunder will be looking to rebound from a colossal collapse when the teams square off in Tuesday’s Game 5. Oklahoma City jumped out to a 22-point lead in Game 4 and the Clippers overtook the Thunder with a frantic fourth-quarter push to knot the series at two games apiece. Darren Collison was the late-game hero as Los Angeles recorded the improbable 101-99 victory.

Oklahoma City standout Kevin Durant scored 40 points in Game 4 but was a nonfactor in the final minutes as the Clippers roared to the finish. “We’ve got to turn the page quickly,” Durant said afterward. “Can’t get too high off of wins and too low off of losses. Got to figure out what we did wrong and get better at it in Game 5.” Los Angeles trailed by 16 with nine minutes to play before the resounding comeback, displaying a trait that the franchise hasn’t always been associated with. “It shows our growth,” forward Matt Barnes said afterward. “I don’t know if we win a game like this last year, honestly. We just kept believing and kept talking to each other.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: The Thunder opened as 5.5-point favorites. The total opened at 212.5.

INJURY REPORT: Clippers F Hedo Turkoglu (Questionable, back).

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Collison and the term “playoff hero” found in the same sentence was an unexpected occurrence with there being a star point guard named Chris Paul on the team. But the backup who is with his fourth NBA team in five pro seasons excelled by scoring eight points in the final 2:58, including the go-ahead basket with 59.9 seconds to go. “You just got to love a guy like that who plays with so much heart and never gives up,” Paul said afterward in reference to Collison. The Clippers went to a small lineup in the final quarter to shake things up or otherwise Collison would have been on the bench in the final minutes.

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Oklahoma City’s disintegration was partly due to issues matching the smaller lineup but primarily due to defensive lapses that allowed Los Angeles to score 38 final-quarter points. The Thunder held the Clippers to 35.2 percent shooting over the first three quarters before Los Angeles was 14-of-22 over the final 12 minutes. “We’ve got to get back – gave up too many layups,” point guard Russell Westbrook bemoaned afterward. “They got too many easy baskets, especially when we had the lead.” Oklahoma City was also hurt by 16 turnovers, half of them by Durant.

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Oklahoma City.
* Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Clippers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine Conference Semifinals games.

CONSENSUS: 55 percent of wagers are on the Thunder -5.5.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, May 13


Dogs on a hot streak in NBA playoffs

If you have been betting underdogs in the NBA playoffs the last four days chances are you're smiling.

Despite just going 1-1 against the spread Monday night, underdogs are 7-1 ATS the last four nights.

Tuesday night the Washington Wizards are 5-point dogs in Game 5 versus the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers are 5.5-point dogs in their Game 5 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.


Wizards topping low totals all-season long

The Washington Wizards have scoffed at low totals during the regular season and the playoffs have been no different.

The Wizards have seen a total close at 181 or less five times this season, all against either the Chicago Bulls or Indiana Pacers. In those five contests the Wizards' have averaged 98.8 points per game and have topped triple-digits in three. For bettors, that means that the Wizards have gone over in every game this season when the total closed 181 or less.

The line for the Wiz and Pacers currently sit at 180.5.


Heat open as big home faves in Game 5

The Miami Heat can finish off their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Brooklyn Nets on their home floor Wednesday, and sportsbooks have opened them as pretty decent sized favorite.

Both BetVictor and Pinnacle posted odds shortly after Miami's Game 4 victory and have the Heat as 7-point home faves.

Miami's 102-96 win in Game 4 pushed their record in the series to 3-1 against the spread.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, May 13

Washington Wizards at Indiana Pacers, 7:00 ET
Washington: 18-8 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less
Indiana: 1-10 ATS off 2 or more consecutive upset wins as a road underdog

LA Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 ET
LA Clippers: 4-13 ATS in all playoff games
Oklahoma City: 14-6 ATS in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games

[StarDust Bum]

Game 5 - Wizards at Pacers

May 13, 2014


Washington (49-42) at Indiana (63-30)

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 5 - Indiana leads series 3-1
Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Indiana -5, Total: 181

The Pacers try to move onto the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday when they return home to seek a fourth straight win over the reeling Wizards.

Washington has gone ice-cold since scoring 102 points in its Game 1 victory, averaging only 79.0 PPG on 41% FG and 27% threes over three straight defeats, with the latest loss coming by a 95-92 score in Sunday's Game 4. For the second straight game, Indiana started slow and finished strong. In those two games combined, the club has a weak 72 first-half points, but 108 points after the intermission.

Now the Wizards have to win on the road to extend this series, but they have played very well away from home this season, going 26-20 SU (31-15 ATS). This includes a stellar 12-1 ATS road mark when playing six or less games in a 14-day span. Although the Pacers are difficult to defeat at home (38-9 SU record), they are an even 23-23-1 ATS at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

In this particular series over the past three seasons, Indiana is 11-3 SU overall, but just 6-8 ATS. This includes a 6-1 SU mark (but 2-5 ATS record) when they have met at this particular venue. The Pacers are also 45-32 ATS (58%) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the past two seasons.

The Wizards continue to misfire in this series where they've made only 43.1% of their two-point FG tries, 35.3% threes and 63.9% free throws. But Washington's team defense has been excellent in the playoffs, where it has limited opponents to a mere 90.2 PPG on 42.6% FG. SG Bradley Beal (19.5 PPG, 5.3 APG, 5.0 APG, 2.8 SPG in series) has had a great series, and led the team with 20 points (7-of-14 FG) in Sunday's loss. Beal scored 21.0 PPG on 15-of-33 FG (46%) in the first two games in Indiana, and needs to provide another 20+ points for his struggling offense.

Backcourt mate PG John Wall (11.5 PPG, 7.5 APG, 1.3 BPG in series) did a great job of controlling the offense in the two games at Indiana with 17 assists and only two turnovers in the first two games, but he has dished out only 13 assists with 12 turnovers in the past two contests. He has also shot terribly all series at 31% FG and 1-of-11 threes. If Wall can't find his offense fast, this series will end on Tuesday night. SF Trevor Ariza (14.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.3 SPG in series) had another strong showing in Game 4 with 16 points, nine boards and three steals, but posted a game-worst rating of minus-22.

The rest of Washington's frontcourt has underachieved badly in the past two defeats, as C Marcin Gortat (9.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.0 BPG in series) and PF Nene Hilario (11.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG in series) combined for only 24 points (11-of-38 FG, 29%) and 19 rebounds, which was a huge drop-off from their 35 points (17-of-29 FG, 59%) and 16 boards in Game 2 alone. The Wizards finally got strong production from their bench in Game 4 as C Al Harrington (6.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG in series) compiled 11 points, six rebounds and three steals, PF Drew Gooden (7.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG in series) chipped in 10 points four rebounds and three blocks, and PG Andre Miller (4.5 PPG in series) had seven points, four assists and a game-high-tying +18 rating.

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 this series with 90.5 PPG on 43.0% FG, but has saved itself with great long-range shooting (43.9% threes). The defense continues to carry the club to the brink of the conference finals by holding opponents to a meager 89.6 PPG on 39.6% FG during the playoffs.

SF Paul George (22.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.0 SPG in series) had made just 33% FG and 25% threes in the first three games versus the Wizards, but he exploded in Game 4 with 39 points on 12-of-20 FG (7-of-10 threes), 12 rebounds and two steals. C Roy Hibbert (14.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 BPG in series) began this conference semifinals with a Game 1 dud (0 points, 0 rebounds, minus-17 rating), but has been outstanding in the past three victories with 19.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG and +47 rating.

PF David West (12.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.0 APG in series) continues to give his team consistent production in all areas, and has posted a stellar +63 rating in this series, including a +15 on Sunday when he scored 14 points with a game-high eight assists, but only three rebounds, for the second straight contests.

PG George Hill (14.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.3 APG in series) played very well in Game 4 with 15 points (6-of-12 FG), four assists and only one turnover while posting a team-best +18 rating. SG Lance Stephenson (10.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.5 APG in series) had another poor shooting night on Wednesday (3-of-8 FG), and is now 14-of-46 FG (30%) in this series. But he again contributed in other areas with nine rebounds, six assists and a +15 rating despite six turnovers. Indiana's bench was a non-factor in Game 4 with just two points (1-of-9 FG), five turnovers and a minus-49 rating in a combined 33 minutes of action.

[StarDust Bum]

2014 Playoff Results

May 13, 2014


Betting Results

Second Round
Wager Favorites-Underdogs Home-Away
Straight Up 9-7 9-7
Against the Spread 7-9 7-9
Total
Over-Under 10-6


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 (+3.5, +145) at Washington 95-92 Underdog Over (179.5)
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 (-2) at Brooklyn 102-96 Favorite Over (186.5)
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) 101-99 Underdog Under (214)
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 (+4.5, +170) 103-92 Underdog Under (211)
5 Portland at San Antonio - - -
6 San Antonio at Portland - - -
7 Portland at San Antonio - - -

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, May 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington +5.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Indiana - Over 181 500 TRIPLE PLAY

L.A. Clippers - 9:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers +5.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Oklahoma City - Over 213 500 DOUBLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Portland at San Antonio
The Spurs look to close out the series tonight at home where the Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games. San Antonio is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

Game 737-738: Brooklyn at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 118.375; Miami 129.936
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 11 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7); Under

Game 739-740: Portland at San Antonio (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.033; San Antonio 131.167
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11; 212
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, May 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BROOKLYN (49 - 44) at MIAMI (61 - 29) - 5/14/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 9-5 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTLAND (59 - 33) at SAN ANTONIO (69 - 24) - 5/14/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 152-119 ATS (+21.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-97 ATS (+17.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 433-363 ATS (+33.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-86 ATS (+28.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-6 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, May 14

Lebron James went off for 49 points Monday to put Heat up 3-1; Nets are still 5-3 vs Miami this season, 2-2 here- they made 15-25 from arc in its Game 3 win, are 25-70 in other three games. Miami is 7-1 in playoffs, 3-1 vs spread at home- four of their last five games went over total. Nets are 5-6 in playoffs, 2-3-1 vs spread on road- they held Heat to 46% in its only win- Miami shot 49%+ in its three series wins. .

Spurs led first three games of series 65-39/70-51/60-40 at half; Portland sucked it up and avoided sweep with Game 4 win at home. Aldridge hit 11-21 shots last game, after going 15-46 from floor previous two games; Blazers are -23 in turnovers so far in series. Spurs won last four of last five games with Portland overall, winning first two games of this series by 24-17 points here. Overall, San Antonio is 22-24 vs spread at home.

Over is 41-27 in playoffs this season, 10-8 in this round.
Favorites are 23-45 in playoffs this season, 7-11 in this round.




NBA

Wednesday, May 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. MIAMI
Brooklyn is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Miami
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

9:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. SAN ANTONIO
Portland is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Portland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games at home


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA

Wednesday, May 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trail Blazers at Spurs: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (-7.5, 208.5)

The Portland Trail Blazers avoided elimination for at least one more game and will attempt to keep their season alive when they visit the San Antonio Spurs for Game 5 on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers made some changes to their rotation in Game 4 to catch the Spurs off-guard and dominated the final 17 minutes to pull within 3-1 in the best-of-seven series. Portland is attempting to become the first NBA team in history to recover from a 3-0 deficit and win the series.

San Antonio let it slip away and barely attempted to recover on Monday, sitting Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker for the entire fourth quarter in the 103-92 loss. The Trail Blazers have been missing something off the bench with Mo Williams (groin) down, but Will Barton stepped up with 17 points in 30 minutes in Game 4 while Thomas Robinson added nine points and five rebounds. “We did what we needed to do and we’re looking forward to going to San Antonio and keep competing and keep playing our basketball,” Portland coach Terry Stotts told reporters.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS: Portland held a lead for just 33 seconds total in the first three games of the series but took control at the end of the first quarter and held off the Spurs the rest of the way in Game 4. The big run came at the end of the third quarter, when Nicolas Batum converted a four-point play and buried another 3-pointer to spark a 20-7 surge. “We just played with a lot more energy,” guard Damian Lillard told reporters. “Usually we come out and we’re fighting from behind. We’ve had good third quarters every game, but (Monday) we had a lead going into the third, so it was a little bit different.” Batum finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists and is embracing the challenge of digging out of the 3-0 hole. “Like we said, why not us? It’s never been done before,” Batum said.

ABOUT THE SPURS: San Antonio is not worried about the Trail Blazers coming back and is ready to close things out in Game 5. “We have to treat Wednesday’s game like it’s a Game 7,” Parker told reporters. “It’s a big game for us. We worked hard the first three games to be in that position.” Parker outplayed Lillard in each of the first three games but was held to a series lows of 14 points and one assist in Game 4 before sitting out the final 14 minutes-plus. Portland tried out Batum defensively against Parker and kept the speedy guard from getting into the lane at will as he had in the first three games.

TRENDS:

* Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Spurs are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 5-0 in Spurs last five home games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Lillard is the first player in NBA history to record 25 or more 3-pointers and 50 or more free throws in his first 10 postseason games.

2. Spurs G Danny Green is 4-of-18 from 3-point range in the series.

3. Portland is the last team to force a Game 7 after being down 3-0 in a series, falling to the Dallas Mavericks 4-3 in the first round in 2003.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




[B]NBA

Wednesday, May 14/B]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nets at Heat: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat (-7, 188.5)

LeBron James has put Miami in position to close out the Eastern Conference semifinals and he will have a hard act to follow when the Heat host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. James tied his personal playoff career high and set a Miami franchise record with 49 points in Game 4 as the Heat produced a 102-96 victory to take a 3-1 lead. Brooklyn won all four regular-season meetings but needs to come up with a strong effort to force a Game 6 at home.

The Nets had no answer from the outset for James, who was 16-of-24 from the field while matching the 49 points he scored against Orlando in 2009 while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even with all those points, it was center Chris Bosh who drained the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 57.3 seconds left as James spotted him wide open in the right corner. “He just showed great poise and trust to make the right basketball play,” coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters of James’ decision to pass. “He reads the game as well as anybody that’s played the game.” Brooklyn set a franchise playoff record with 15 3-pointers in its Game 3 win before dropping off to 5-of-22 in Monday’s loss.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE NETS: Only eight teams have rebounded from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA playoff series and the task is harder for Brooklyn when you factor in it needs to win three straight against the two-time defending champs. The veteran club knows it is on the verge of elimination but continues to vow the series will tighten up. “We just got to get one game,” forward Paul Pierce told reporters after Game 4. “That’s the mindset. The series is far from over.” Getting a solid performance from Deron Williams would help the cause as the point guard is just 8-of-34 shooting over the past three games after being a solid 7-of-10 for 17 points in Game 1.

ABOUT THE HEAT: James could have reached 50 points but he split two free throws with 1.1 seconds left. He had 25 points in the first half and 15 more in the third as Brooklyn struggled to defend him. James was rubbed wrong by some trash talking from Pierce after the Nets won Game 3 and now has his focus on ending the series in five games and not making a return to Brooklyn until next season. “Play with a sense of urgency defensively, help one another, communicate, try to get the ball moving offensively from one side to the other and attack,” James told reporters of the Game 5 plan. “If we do those things, and do it with a clear mind but at the same time an aggressive mind, we give ourselves a good chance to win.”


TRENDS:

* Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Miami.
* Home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in Nets last five overall.
* Heat are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 Wednesday games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. SG Dwyane Wade, who is averaging 15.8 points in the series, held the former Heat playoff record of 46 points, set in 2010.

2. Brooklyn F Mirza Teletovic missed all three of his 3-point attempts in Game 4 after going 10-of-16 over the previous two games.

3. James has scored 30 or more points in four of Miami’s eight postseason games.