Nba Game Predictions - May 14, 2008
We went 2-1 last night to end up + units despite missing on the 5-unit pick. We are 19-11 (63%) for +21 units the past week and a half. Tonight, we have three picks...
Today's NBA Basketball Picks:
Game: Cleveland at Boston (8:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 5 units on Boston -9 (-110) (risk 5 to win 4.6)
Pick: 3 units on First Half UNDER 88.5 -110 (risk 3 to win 2.7)
The Celtics, to be sure will be glad to be back home. They have gotten nothing done in the playoffs on the road, but have dominated at home. Why should things suddenly change here? The men in green have allowed just 75 ppg in the playoffs at home, and you can be sure the defensive volume will be turned up for this one. The playoffs have seen home teams that are usually dominant kick-it up this season. There is also a history of the conference semi's game 5's of playing to a huge advantage for the home team. The last nine years have shown the home team covering 70% of the time in game 5 in this round. The one constant for Boston at home is defense, and the same applies for Cleveland. It will set the tone early for this one. Boston has a statement to make after losing two in a row in Cleveland. The first two games in Boston averaged 79 total first half points. The Cavs are 26-14 UNDER in the first-half this season as an underdog (21-11 UNDER on the road). They are a perfect 9-0 UNDER in the first-half when they have held opponents to under 42% shooting the past five games. They are also 12-2 UNDER in the first-half this season vs. the leagues best teams (those at .700 or better). Finally, Cleveland is 10-1 UNDER in the first-half this season vs. teams that allow under 92 ppg and 8-0 UNDER in the first-half following a game in which 165 or fewer points were scored. Celtics and the first-half UNDER here.
Game: Utah at Los Angeles Lakers (10:35 PM Eastern)Pick: 3 units on Game Total OVER 213 -110 (risk 3 to win 2.7)
The Lakers have showed the ability to score inside and out in the playoffs, especially at home. It has equated to an uncharacteristic 120 ppg at home in the playoffs! It isn't just a playoff thing for this Lakers team however. They have topped the century mark at home in 18 of their last 19 games. These last 19 games at home has shown the Lakers averaging 114 ppg, and they have cranked it up a notch in the playoffs. Utah is certainly not immune to scoring on the road vs the Lakers. They have played four games here this season, having posted 109+ in three of the four. This one should be played at a fast pace, and both teams over the century mark, and should have little difficulty topping this total.
Results: 1-2
NBA Basketball Picks Resources:
Check out the last five NBA Basketball Picks Newsletters:
NBA-Basketball-Picks-May-13-2008
The NBA Playoffs have been completely dominated by home teams, as they have been 38-20-2 ATS, which is a 65.5% cover rate. We certainly don't see that trend changing tonight. The better the teams,...
NBA-Basketball-Picks-May-12-2008
The Celtics have certainly shown to be a two-faced team in the playoffs. On the road, they simply can't get stops on the defensive end and their offense has struggled as well. At home they have co...
NBA-Basketball-Picks-May-11-2008
We were on the Jazz in game three and we're all over them again in game four. This team is nearly unbeatable at home - one of the best home teams in recent memory. Yet, we get them as a virtual pi...
NBA-Basketball-Picks-May-10-2008
Boston took care of business at home, as they have all playoffs. They completely shut down the Cavs, holding them to 72 and 73 points. In the first half, Cleveland scored 37 and 36 points. But now Bos...
NBA-Basketball-Picks-May-09-2008
There isn't a hotter offense left standing right now than the LA Lakers. Playoffs or not, this team has one speed: fast! They have now scored 100+ in their last 16 games, and are they are averagin...
