Game of the day: Thursday's NBA Playoff action BY COVERS
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+3.5, 187.5)
Bulls lead series 3-2
The Milwaukee Bucks have put a major scare into Chicago and look to even up the series against the visiting Bulls on Thursday. Sixth-seeded Milwaukee dug itself a 0-3 hole but consecutive victories have placed third-seeded Chicago in a precarious position in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference first-round series.
The Bulls appeared to be on their way to a sweep and now have to win on Milwaukee’s floor for the second time in the series to avoid a Game 7 confrontation. “We’ve done it to ourselves,” power forward Pau Gasol told reporters. “Now we have a very difficult challenge in front of us. They have momentum, they have confidence and they go home to force Game 7. Let’s see how we play Game 6, how we react to the situation as a team.” The Bucks outclassed and outhustled Chicago while posting a 94-88 road win on Monday and coach Jason Kidd promises Milwaukee is all-in per winning the series. “You can always talk about the future but we don’t,” Kidd told reporters. “We don’t really understand what the future holds for us. We’ve got to stay in the present. That is what this team has done all year.”
LINE HISTORY: The spread opened at MIL +2.5 before jumping a full point to +3.5. The opening total of 187.5 has not moved.
TRENDS:
*Bulls are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Milwaukee.
*Bucks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
*Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5, 205.5)
Spurs lead series 3-2
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs have an opportunity to close out the series when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. San Antonio took a 3-2 series lead with a 111-107 victory on Tuesday, leaving the Clippers in need of back-to-back wins to claim the Western Conference first-round series.
The Spurs are aware they are in a good position but nobody wants to pretend this still isn’t a series that can be lost. “We are excited about it,” backup guard Manu Ginobili told reporters. “Our job is not done yet because we have a bigger game at home and we really want to close this series out.” Los Angeles nearly won Game 5, but a basket interference call with 4.9 seconds left negated Blake Griffin’s go-ahead basket. “It’s tough but the series isn’t over,” Griffin told reporters. “We’ve got to be ready to come and play. It’s going to be a hostile environment in San Antonio in a closeout game, elimination game, so we’ve got to be ready to go.”
LINE HISTORY: The spread and the total have yet to move from their opening mark of SA -5.5, 205.5.
TRENDS:
*Spurs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.
*Under is 7-2 in Clippers last 9 games following a S.U. loss.
*Over is 14-5-2 in the last 21 meetings in San Antonio.
*Underdog is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+3.5, 187.5)
Bulls lead series 3-2
The Milwaukee Bucks have put a major scare into Chicago and look to even up the series against the visiting Bulls on Thursday. Sixth-seeded Milwaukee dug itself a 0-3 hole but consecutive victories have placed third-seeded Chicago in a precarious position in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference first-round series.
The Bulls appeared to be on their way to a sweep and now have to win on Milwaukee’s floor for the second time in the series to avoid a Game 7 confrontation. “We’ve done it to ourselves,” power forward Pau Gasol told reporters. “Now we have a very difficult challenge in front of us. They have momentum, they have confidence and they go home to force Game 7. Let’s see how we play Game 6, how we react to the situation as a team.” The Bucks outclassed and outhustled Chicago while posting a 94-88 road win on Monday and coach Jason Kidd promises Milwaukee is all-in per winning the series. “You can always talk about the future but we don’t,” Kidd told reporters. “We don’t really understand what the future holds for us. We’ve got to stay in the present. That is what this team has done all year.”
LINE HISTORY: The spread opened at MIL +2.5 before jumping a full point to +3.5. The opening total of 187.5 has not moved.
TRENDS:
*Bulls are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Milwaukee.
*Bucks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
*Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5, 205.5)
Spurs lead series 3-2
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs have an opportunity to close out the series when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. San Antonio took a 3-2 series lead with a 111-107 victory on Tuesday, leaving the Clippers in need of back-to-back wins to claim the Western Conference first-round series.
The Spurs are aware they are in a good position but nobody wants to pretend this still isn’t a series that can be lost. “We are excited about it,” backup guard Manu Ginobili told reporters. “Our job is not done yet because we have a bigger game at home and we really want to close this series out.” Los Angeles nearly won Game 5, but a basket interference call with 4.9 seconds left negated Blake Griffin’s go-ahead basket. “It’s tough but the series isn’t over,” Griffin told reporters. “We’ve got to be ready to come and play. It’s going to be a hostile environment in San Antonio in a closeout game, elimination game, so we’ve got to be ready to go.”
LINE HISTORY: The spread and the total have yet to move from their opening mark of SA -5.5, 205.5.
TRENDS:
*Spurs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.
*Under is 7-2 in Clippers last 9 games following a S.U. loss.
*Over is 14-5-2 in the last 21 meetings in San Antonio.
*Underdog is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
| [h=1]NBA Basketball Consensus: Public Picks [/h] | | ||||||
| Time | Teams | ATS | Moneyline | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (ET) | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | |
| Thursday, April 30, 2015 | |||||||
| 7:05pm odds | (531) Chicago Bulls (532) Milwaukee Bucks | 2991 1274 |
| 1126 366 |
| O1402 U1129 |
|
| 9:35pm odds | (535) Los Angeles Clippers (536) San Antonio Spurs | 1213 1189 |
| 253 540 |
| O1121 U420 |
|
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Game of the day: Hawks at Nets
Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets (+4, 200.5)
Hawks lead series 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks took care of business on their home floor in Game 5, and the Nets will get a chance to hold serve in their own arena when the series shifts back to Brooklyn for Game 6 on Friday. The Nets were within two points late in Game 5 before the Hawks closed with a 10-2 run to grab a 107-97 win and a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series.
Top-seeded Atlanta held a 2-0 lead in the series before stumbling on the road the first time around and is still battling while the Washington Wizards wait around resting after sweeping the Toronto Raptors in the 4-5 matchup. “The playoffs are a new season, the records go out the window,” Hawks center Al Horford told reporters. “They’re pushing us, we’re pushing them, and I feel like it’s going to make us better in the end.” The Nets would be better with a consistent effort from Deron Williams. The point guard slumped to five points on 2-of-8 shooting in Game 5 after going for 35 points in the Game 4 win.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, SportSouth (Atlanta), WWOR (Brooklyn)
LINE HISTORY: The Nets opened at +4.5 after Game 5 before quickly falling to +4. The opening total of 200.5 has yet to move.
INJURY REPORT: Hawks - Jeff Teague (Prob-Ankle) Nets - N/A
ABOUT THE HAWKS: DeMarre Carroll did his best to help Atlanta in Games 3 and 4 and put together his third straight 20-point effort with 24 points in Game 5. The veteran forward is 25-of-42 from the floor in the last three games and buried two of the Hawks’ 13 3-pointers in the Game 5 win. “I think the last two games the offense has been better,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. “The shooting, the rhythm, the commitment to everything that we’re doing has been better. I think it’s been reflective in our shooting and our offense in general.”
ABOUT THE NETS: Jarrett Jack and Joe Johnson were the only two players to score for Brooklyn in the final 9 1/2 minutes of Game 5 as Williams and Brook Lopez disappeared down the stretch. Lopez endured his worst effort of the series with 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting and three rebounds in the loss. “In the playoffs there are a lot of chances, a lot of opportunities," Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins told reporters. "Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. You have to live with it and move on to the next game.”
TRENDS:
*Nets are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
*Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
*Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 road games.
*Under is 6-1 in Nets last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 64.06 percent of Covers users are backing the Nets +4 with 51.4 percent on the over.
Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets (+4, 200.5)
Hawks lead series 3-2
The Atlanta Hawks took care of business on their home floor in Game 5, and the Nets will get a chance to hold serve in their own arena when the series shifts back to Brooklyn for Game 6 on Friday. The Nets were within two points late in Game 5 before the Hawks closed with a 10-2 run to grab a 107-97 win and a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series.
Top-seeded Atlanta held a 2-0 lead in the series before stumbling on the road the first time around and is still battling while the Washington Wizards wait around resting after sweeping the Toronto Raptors in the 4-5 matchup. “The playoffs are a new season, the records go out the window,” Hawks center Al Horford told reporters. “They’re pushing us, we’re pushing them, and I feel like it’s going to make us better in the end.” The Nets would be better with a consistent effort from Deron Williams. The point guard slumped to five points on 2-of-8 shooting in Game 5 after going for 35 points in the Game 4 win.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, SportSouth (Atlanta), WWOR (Brooklyn)
LINE HISTORY: The Nets opened at +4.5 after Game 5 before quickly falling to +4. The opening total of 200.5 has yet to move.
INJURY REPORT: Hawks - Jeff Teague (Prob-Ankle) Nets - N/A
ABOUT THE HAWKS: DeMarre Carroll did his best to help Atlanta in Games 3 and 4 and put together his third straight 20-point effort with 24 points in Game 5. The veteran forward is 25-of-42 from the floor in the last three games and buried two of the Hawks’ 13 3-pointers in the Game 5 win. “I think the last two games the offense has been better,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. “The shooting, the rhythm, the commitment to everything that we’re doing has been better. I think it’s been reflective in our shooting and our offense in general.”
ABOUT THE NETS: Jarrett Jack and Joe Johnson were the only two players to score for Brooklyn in the final 9 1/2 minutes of Game 5 as Williams and Brook Lopez disappeared down the stretch. Lopez endured his worst effort of the series with 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting and three rebounds in the loss. “In the playoffs there are a lot of chances, a lot of opportunities," Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins told reporters. "Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. You have to live with it and move on to the next game.”
TRENDS:
*Nets are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
*Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
*Over is 8-3 in Hawks last 11 road games.
*Under is 6-1 in Nets last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 64.06 percent of Covers users are backing the Nets +4 with 51.4 percent on the over.
| [h=1]NBA Basketball Consensus: Public Picks [/h] | | ||||||
| Time | Teams | ATS | Moneyline | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (ET) | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | Picks | Percentage | |
| Saturday, May 2, 2015 | |||||||
| 8:05pm odds | (551) San Antonio Spurs (552) Los Angeles Clippers | 8745 7893 |
| 3971 2952 |
| O7215 U2956 |
|
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San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers (-2, 204)
Series tied 3-3
The San Antonio Spurs aren’t expecting to go home after the opening round of the playoffs but the host Los Angeles Clippers have a chance to eliminate the defending champions in Saturday’s Game 7 of the Western Conference series. Los Angeles posted its second win in San Antonio on Thursday and now owns home court for the decisive game of the highly competitive series.
Few people were predicting the Clippers to prevail in the series but they stand one win away from an epic accomplishment. “A lot of us on our team have been watching these guys since we were kids, in all honesty,” Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul told reporters. “You just see them do the same thing over and over again. It’s been a lot of fun but it all comes down to Game 7.” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich certainly didn’t like what he viewed in the 102-96 loss in Game 6. “We were just soft and it hurt,” Popovich told reporters. “I don’t know how we stayed in the game to be honest with you.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
LINE HISTORY: The Clippers opened at -2.5 before quickly being bet down to -2. The opening total of 204.5 has fallen to 204.
INJURY REPORT: Spurs - N/A Clippers - Glen Davis (Ques-Ankle)
ABOUT THE SPURS: Backup shooting guard Marco Belinelli made seven 3-pointers while scoring 23 points in Game 6 as it was the San Antonio stars who let the team down with subpar efforts. Small forward Kawhi Leonard had his worst game of the series with 12 points on 3-of-15 shooting and power forward Tim Duncan (12 points, 13 rebounds) was the lone starter who played well. While Belinelli stood out, backcourt mates Tony Parker, Danny Green, Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills were a combined 9-of-29 from the field.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Power forward Blake Griffin has enjoyed a spectacular series with averages of 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and seven assists, and had 26 points and 12 rebounds in Game 6 for his sixth straight double-double. “It has been a lot of fun to play in,” Griffin told reporters after Thursday’s game. “Like we said after Game 5, this series is not over and we haven’t done anything just by winning this game. We have one more game to play and we are happy we are going home to play.” Point guard Chris Paul was just 7-of-21 shooting in Game 6 but contributed 19 points, 15 assists and four steals.
TRENDS:
*Spurs are 15-7 ATS in the last 22 meetings in Los Angeles.
*Clippers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Over is 9-2 in Spurs last 11 games following a ATS loss.
*Under is 10-4 in Clippers last 14 home games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 50.60 percent of Covers users are backing the Spurs +2.
Series tied 3-3
The San Antonio Spurs aren’t expecting to go home after the opening round of the playoffs but the host Los Angeles Clippers have a chance to eliminate the defending champions in Saturday’s Game 7 of the Western Conference series. Los Angeles posted its second win in San Antonio on Thursday and now owns home court for the decisive game of the highly competitive series.
Few people were predicting the Clippers to prevail in the series but they stand one win away from an epic accomplishment. “A lot of us on our team have been watching these guys since we were kids, in all honesty,” Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul told reporters. “You just see them do the same thing over and over again. It’s been a lot of fun but it all comes down to Game 7.” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich certainly didn’t like what he viewed in the 102-96 loss in Game 6. “We were just soft and it hurt,” Popovich told reporters. “I don’t know how we stayed in the game to be honest with you.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
LINE HISTORY: The Clippers opened at -2.5 before quickly being bet down to -2. The opening total of 204.5 has fallen to 204.
INJURY REPORT: Spurs - N/A Clippers - Glen Davis (Ques-Ankle)
ABOUT THE SPURS: Backup shooting guard Marco Belinelli made seven 3-pointers while scoring 23 points in Game 6 as it was the San Antonio stars who let the team down with subpar efforts. Small forward Kawhi Leonard had his worst game of the series with 12 points on 3-of-15 shooting and power forward Tim Duncan (12 points, 13 rebounds) was the lone starter who played well. While Belinelli stood out, backcourt mates Tony Parker, Danny Green, Manu Ginobili and Patty Mills were a combined 9-of-29 from the field.
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Power forward Blake Griffin has enjoyed a spectacular series with averages of 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and seven assists, and had 26 points and 12 rebounds in Game 6 for his sixth straight double-double. “It has been a lot of fun to play in,” Griffin told reporters after Thursday’s game. “Like we said after Game 5, this series is not over and we haven’t done anything just by winning this game. We have one more game to play and we are happy we are going home to play.” Point guard Chris Paul was just 7-of-21 shooting in Game 6 but contributed 19 points, 15 assists and four steals.
TRENDS:
*Spurs are 15-7 ATS in the last 22 meetings in Los Angeles.
*Clippers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Over is 9-2 in Spurs last 11 games following a ATS loss.
*Under is 10-4 in Clippers last 14 home games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 50.60 percent of Covers users are backing the Spurs +2.
Game of the Day: NBA Sunday playoff matchups by covers
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (-5, 198.5)
While backcourt stars John Wall and Bradley Beal fuel the squad, center Marcin Gortat was sensational during the first-round domination of Toronto. Gortat shot 74.4 percent from the field and averaged 17.3 points and 10 rebounds but trying to score against Atlanta’s Al Horford is a little tougher than against what the Raptors offer. Beal averaged a team-best 20.8 points in the first round while Wall contributed 17.3 points and 12.5 assists.
Small forward DeMarre Carroll is on a roll with four consecutive 20-point efforts after a horrific 1-of-8 for two points showing in Game 2 against the Nets. Carroll shot 64 percent from the field over the past four games, including 12-of-19 from 3-point range. Millsap’s Game 6 performance was easily his best of the series and rose his playoff average to 15.7 points, while Horford averaged 14.3 points and 10 rebounds.
LINE HISTORY: The Hawks opened as 5.5-point favorites but are now -5. The total is up one point from 197.5.
TRENDS:
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Atlanta.
* Wizards are 0-4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Under is 5-2 in Hawks last seven overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 51 percent of bettors are on the Wizards.
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (-10, 197)
Center Marc Gasol and power forward Zach Randolph will need to post big performances if Memphis is to pull off the semifinal upset. Gasol was strong in the series against Portland by averaging 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and five assists, while Randolph shot just 34.9 percent from the field and averaged 14 points and 8.4 rebounds. Randolph averaged just 12.3 points and six boards in the regular season against Golden State and Gasol also struggled with averages of 14.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Stephen Curry was sensational against New Orleans and averaged 33.8 points and 7.3 assists while finishing the series with back-to-back outings of 40 and 39 points. He averaged 24 points during three regular-season meetings against Memphis while backcourt mate Klay Thompson averaged 30.7 points against the Grizzlies – topped by a 42-point effort – and contributed 25 per game against the Pelicans. Forward Draymond Green rolled off four straight double-doubles while averaging 15.8 points and 12.8 rebounds in the first round and poses a matchup issue for the
LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 9.5-point favorites and are now -10. The total is down to 197 from the opening 198.5.
TRENDS:
* Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Golden State.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 8-1 in Grizzlies last nine vs. NBA Pacific.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 57 percent of bettors are backing the Grizzlies.
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (-5, 198.5)
While backcourt stars John Wall and Bradley Beal fuel the squad, center Marcin Gortat was sensational during the first-round domination of Toronto. Gortat shot 74.4 percent from the field and averaged 17.3 points and 10 rebounds but trying to score against Atlanta’s Al Horford is a little tougher than against what the Raptors offer. Beal averaged a team-best 20.8 points in the first round while Wall contributed 17.3 points and 12.5 assists.
Small forward DeMarre Carroll is on a roll with four consecutive 20-point efforts after a horrific 1-of-8 for two points showing in Game 2 against the Nets. Carroll shot 64 percent from the field over the past four games, including 12-of-19 from 3-point range. Millsap’s Game 6 performance was easily his best of the series and rose his playoff average to 15.7 points, while Horford averaged 14.3 points and 10 rebounds.
LINE HISTORY: The Hawks opened as 5.5-point favorites but are now -5. The total is up one point from 197.5.
TRENDS:
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Atlanta.
* Wizards are 0-4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Under is 5-2 in Hawks last seven overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 51 percent of bettors are on the Wizards.
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (-10, 197)
Center Marc Gasol and power forward Zach Randolph will need to post big performances if Memphis is to pull off the semifinal upset. Gasol was strong in the series against Portland by averaging 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and five assists, while Randolph shot just 34.9 percent from the field and averaged 14 points and 8.4 rebounds. Randolph averaged just 12.3 points and six boards in the regular season against Golden State and Gasol also struggled with averages of 14.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Stephen Curry was sensational against New Orleans and averaged 33.8 points and 7.3 assists while finishing the series with back-to-back outings of 40 and 39 points. He averaged 24 points during three regular-season meetings against Memphis while backcourt mate Klay Thompson averaged 30.7 points against the Grizzlies – topped by a 42-point effort – and contributed 25 per game against the Pelicans. Forward Draymond Green rolled off four straight double-doubles while averaging 15.8 points and 12.8 rebounds in the first round and poses a matchup issue for the
LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 9.5-point favorites and are now -10. The total is down to 197 from the opening 198.5.
TRENDS:
* Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Golden State.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 8-1 in Grizzlies last nine vs. NBA Pacific.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 57 percent of bettors are backing the Grizzlies.
Thanks my friend.... hope round two goes better then round one!!!
MONDAY 2-0 / NBA PLAYOFFS 24-27
Have been very busy this last few days and have not done a update in a while..... here are my results from this weekend.....
SUNDAY NBA POWER BASKETBALL (0-2)
Atlanta -5 (Lost)
Atlanta Under 198 (Lost 202 Points)
MONDAY NBA POWER BASKETBALL (2-0)
Chicago +5 (Su Blowout Winner 99-92)
LA Clippers +7 (Su Blowout Winner 117-101)
Later,
XS
Have been very busy this last few days and have not done a update in a while..... here are my results from this weekend.....
SUNDAY NBA POWER BASKETBALL (0-2)
Atlanta -5 (Lost)
Atlanta Under 198 (Lost 202 Points)
MONDAY NBA POWER BASKETBALL (2-0)
Chicago +5 (Su Blowout Winner 99-92)
LA Clippers +7 (Su Blowout Winner 117-101)
Later,
XS
Game of the Day: Tuesday's NBA Playoff matchups by covers
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (-6.5, 197.5)
Wizards lead series 1-0
The Washington Wizards are thriving on the road and attempt to take 2-0 lead over the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks when the Eastern Conference semifinals resume on Tuesday. Washington is 8-1 on the road over the past two postseasons, including three consecutive such wins to begin the 2015 playoffs.
Not only did fifth-seeded Washington outplay Atlanta in the second half of Game 1, Wizards forward Paul Pierce resumed playing mind games with opposing players after the 104-98 victory. “You’re the hunted, you’re a 60-win team, the No. 1 team in the East,” Pierce told reporters in reference to the Hawks. “That’s what it is. The pressure is all on you now.” Atlanta scored 63 first-half points before collapsing in the second half and shooting a season-worst 25 percent from the field. “Mistakes everywhere,” power forward Paul Millsap told reporters. “Against a team like this in the second round of the playoffs, you’ve got to be at it for 48 minutes.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Hawks -6.5 and the total 197.5.
INJURY REPORT: Wizards - PG John Wall (Probable, wrist), SG Bradley Beal (Questionable, ankle). Hawks - PG Jeff Teague (Probable, ankle).
ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Shooting guard Bradley Beal tied his playoff high with 28 points in the opener despite tweaking an ankle and he is one of the several Washington players insisting this won’t be the club’s final series of the season. “We have a different approach. Last year, we were just happy to be in the playoffs and we were happy we moved on,” Beal told reporters. “We didn’t really have any high goals after the first round. This year we expect more out of ourselves. We expect to get past the second round.” Point guard John Wall is bothered by a wrist injury but didn’t show any limitations while producing 18 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in the opener.
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Forward DeMarre Carroll isn’t a household name but he’s been Atlanta’s top player in the postseason. Carroll had 24 points in the series opener as he became the first Hawks’ player since Dominique Wilkins (1989) to score 20 or more points in five consecutive playoff games. The other four starters struggled as Millsap was 6-of-17 shooting, center Al Horford was 7-of-19, shooting guard Kyle Korver went 5-for-15 and point guard Jeff Teague was 4-of-14 as Atlanta finished at 37.8 percent from the field.
TRENDS:
* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings in Atlanta.
* Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Wizards last four overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 59 percent of bettors are backing the Wizards.
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (-10.5, 196.5)
Warriors lead series 1-0
Stephen Curry has an MVP trophy to show off and returns to the business of hoisting a banner when the top-seeded Golden State Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. Curry was named the NBA’s top player on Monday and received 100 of the 130 first-place votes to easily claim the award over Houston star James Harden.
Curry averaged 23.8 points and 7.7 assists in leading the Warriors to a 67-win regular season and aims to stay focused on the bigger goal. “It’s a fun time, the pressure is on,” Curry told reporters. “The vibe around the league is at a high, and I think we’re ready for the moment.” Fifth-seeded Memphis will likely again be without standout point guard Mike Conley (facial fractures) and he was badly missed when the Grizzlies played portions of the opener without a true point guard. “We’ve got to do a better job of communicating and know what we want to do if that situation happens in the game,” center Marc Gasol told reporters. “We’ve got to all know what we’re looking for.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Warriors as 10-point faves, but that's increased to -10.5. The total opened 194.5 and is currently 196.5.
INJURY REPORT: Grizzlies - PG Mike Conley (Doubtful, face).
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Nick Calathes struggled with three turnovers in 21 scoreless minutes as Conley’s replacement in Game 1 and Memphis had shooting guard Courtney Lee practice at the point on Monday to get him acclimated to running the offense. Conley figures to play in the series at some point and is considering coming back much sooner than the doctor’s instructions. “There playoffs are where – regardless of what your injury is – you find a way,” Conley told reporters. “If they tell you four weeks, you want to be back in a week. That’s how guys look at it but I’ve got to be smart.”
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry had 22 points, seven assists and four steals in the opener while backcourt mate Klay Thompson scored 18 points and forward Draymond Green knocked down four 3-pointers while scoring 16 points. Green insisted afterward that his team is by far the best in the NBA and the success isn’t just a regular-season deal. “It’s not that other teams got injuries or someone is eliminated,” Green told reporters. “We feel like we can beat anyone, and that’s been our mindset the entire year and it’s not going to change now.”
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on one days rest.
* Under is 12-3-1 in Grizzlies last 16 vs. NBA Pacific.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 51 percent of bettors are on the Warriors.
Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (-6.5, 197.5)
Wizards lead series 1-0
The Washington Wizards are thriving on the road and attempt to take 2-0 lead over the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks when the Eastern Conference semifinals resume on Tuesday. Washington is 8-1 on the road over the past two postseasons, including three consecutive such wins to begin the 2015 playoffs.
Not only did fifth-seeded Washington outplay Atlanta in the second half of Game 1, Wizards forward Paul Pierce resumed playing mind games with opposing players after the 104-98 victory. “You’re the hunted, you’re a 60-win team, the No. 1 team in the East,” Pierce told reporters in reference to the Hawks. “That’s what it is. The pressure is all on you now.” Atlanta scored 63 first-half points before collapsing in the second half and shooting a season-worst 25 percent from the field. “Mistakes everywhere,” power forward Paul Millsap told reporters. “Against a team like this in the second round of the playoffs, you’ve got to be at it for 48 minutes.”
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Hawks -6.5 and the total 197.5.
INJURY REPORT: Wizards - PG John Wall (Probable, wrist), SG Bradley Beal (Questionable, ankle). Hawks - PG Jeff Teague (Probable, ankle).
ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Shooting guard Bradley Beal tied his playoff high with 28 points in the opener despite tweaking an ankle and he is one of the several Washington players insisting this won’t be the club’s final series of the season. “We have a different approach. Last year, we were just happy to be in the playoffs and we were happy we moved on,” Beal told reporters. “We didn’t really have any high goals after the first round. This year we expect more out of ourselves. We expect to get past the second round.” Point guard John Wall is bothered by a wrist injury but didn’t show any limitations while producing 18 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in the opener.
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Forward DeMarre Carroll isn’t a household name but he’s been Atlanta’s top player in the postseason. Carroll had 24 points in the series opener as he became the first Hawks’ player since Dominique Wilkins (1989) to score 20 or more points in five consecutive playoff games. The other four starters struggled as Millsap was 6-of-17 shooting, center Al Horford was 7-of-19, shooting guard Kyle Korver went 5-for-15 and point guard Jeff Teague was 4-of-14 as Atlanta finished at 37.8 percent from the field.
TRENDS:
* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings in Atlanta.
* Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Wizards last four overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 59 percent of bettors are backing the Wizards.
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors (-10.5, 196.5)
Warriors lead series 1-0
Stephen Curry has an MVP trophy to show off and returns to the business of hoisting a banner when the top-seeded Golden State Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. Curry was named the NBA’s top player on Monday and received 100 of the 130 first-place votes to easily claim the award over Houston star James Harden.
Curry averaged 23.8 points and 7.7 assists in leading the Warriors to a 67-win regular season and aims to stay focused on the bigger goal. “It’s a fun time, the pressure is on,” Curry told reporters. “The vibe around the league is at a high, and I think we’re ready for the moment.” Fifth-seeded Memphis will likely again be without standout point guard Mike Conley (facial fractures) and he was badly missed when the Grizzlies played portions of the opener without a true point guard. “We’ve got to do a better job of communicating and know what we want to do if that situation happens in the game,” center Marc Gasol told reporters. “We’ve got to all know what we’re looking for.”
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Warriors as 10-point faves, but that's increased to -10.5. The total opened 194.5 and is currently 196.5.
INJURY REPORT: Grizzlies - PG Mike Conley (Doubtful, face).
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Nick Calathes struggled with three turnovers in 21 scoreless minutes as Conley’s replacement in Game 1 and Memphis had shooting guard Courtney Lee practice at the point on Monday to get him acclimated to running the offense. Conley figures to play in the series at some point and is considering coming back much sooner than the doctor’s instructions. “There playoffs are where – regardless of what your injury is – you find a way,” Conley told reporters. “If they tell you four weeks, you want to be back in a week. That’s how guys look at it but I’ve got to be smart.”
ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry had 22 points, seven assists and four steals in the opener while backcourt mate Klay Thompson scored 18 points and forward Draymond Green knocked down four 3-pointers while scoring 16 points. Green insisted afterward that his team is by far the best in the NBA and the success isn’t just a regular-season deal. “It’s not that other teams got injuries or someone is eliminated,” Green told reporters. “We feel like we can beat anyone, and that’s been our mindset the entire year and it’s not going to change now.”
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on one days rest.
* Under is 12-3-1 in Grizzlies last 16 vs. NBA Pacific.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 51 percent of bettors are on the Warriors.
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