Football Teams

The Los Angeles Lakers had a chance to finish off the Denver Nuggets at home in Game 5, but instead it was the Nuggets who prevailed 102-99 to force a Game 6 in Denver on Thursday. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 10:30 EST and will be televised nationally on TNT. This has all of the sudden turned into a series that could go down to the final game. While the Lakers managed to hold on for a 92-88 win at Denver in Game 4, the Nuggets cruised to a 99-84 win at home in Game 3. If the Nuggets can come away with another win at the Pepsi Center, the series will return to LA for Game 7 on Saturday.

Having a look at the NBA lines for this vital game, oddsmakers have Denver favored by 1.5-points over the Los Angeles with the total set at 198 points. For the latest on this series go the Betfirms.

Denver

The Nuggets didn't just avoid elimination in Game 5, they now have the confidence they can win this series. They have truly embraced the never give up attitude of their head coach George Karl. I don't believe anybody was shocked to see Denver win a game at home, but no one thought this team had a reasonable chance of making this a series.

While numerous players stepped up and contributed in Game 5, Andre Miller and JaVale McGee are the reason Denver is still playing. Miller scored a team-high 24 points to go along with eight assists, while McGee added 21 points and 14 rebounds. The most impressive part about those two stat lines, is the fact that both players came off the bench. Combined they shot a ridiculous 17 of 23 from the field. Arron Afflalo led the starters with 19 points and Danilo Gallinari chipped in 14.

It's no secret to what Denver has to avoid elimination. They must continue to push the pace and really make the Lakers work on both sides of the ball. While the Lakers have to rely heavily on the big three of Bynum, Gasol, and Bryant, The Nuggets have a number of players who they can turn to offensively. The only concern I have with this team, is the absence of a go to guy late in the game.

Los Angeles

Knowing that Oklahoma City is waiting and resting for the winner of this series, I expected a much better effort from the Lakers in Game 5. Rarely will you see a team led by Kobe Bryant fail to put away their opponents on their home floor. That's not to say Bryant didn't do everything in his power to help Los Angeles win. Bryant finished with a game-high 41 points and single-handedly brought the Lakers within striking distance in the fourth quarter with a barrage of 3-point shots.

While Bryant seemed to understand the significance of Game 5, the same can't be said for the rest of the team. Andrew Bynum was the only other player in double-figures with 16 points, but he was a non-factor on both sides of the ball for most of the game. Bynum finished with just eight field goal attempts, which is completely unacceptable given the Lakers size-advantage in the paint. Pau Gasol was even worse, scoring just 9 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

I question whether the the tempo at which the Nuggets are playing is taking its tole on the Lakers 7-footers. With the series shifting back to the thin air of Denver, you have to ponder whether either of these players have enough stamina to play at the level needed for Los Angeles to win this game.

For top of the line premium picks in all sports click here. If you are looking for some great free NBA picks check this out.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »

The Philadelphia 76ers went into Boston and just about took both games from the Celtics. Boston was able to hold on for a 92-91 win in Game 1, but Philadelphia came back and won Game 2 82-81. The 76ers now have the home-court edge as the series heads to Philadelphia for the next two games. If Philadelphia can hold serve at home, they will take a 3-1 series lead back to Boston for Game 5. The series will resume on Wednesday with Game 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 EST and will be televised nationally on TNT.

Looking at the NBA lines for Game 3, oddsmakers have the 76ers favored by 2-points over the Celtics with the total set at 172.5 points.

Boston

It's almost like the Celtics are not taking the 76ers seriously. Boston hasn't came out with the intensity you would expect from a team that's attempting to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm not saying Philadelphia isn't capable of beating the Celtics, but Boston is the better team in the series. However , if Boston continues to overlook the 76ers they could easily lose this series. I believe losing Game 2 at home will get Boston's attention, and they are going to come out with a completely different attitude in Game 3.

In Monday's Game 2 loss, Ray Allen came off the bench to score a team-high 17 points, Kevin Garnett added 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Brandon Bass chipped in 12 points. No one else had more than 8 points. Paul Pierce was held to just 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting and Rajon Rondo only managed to score 8 points. I understand Rondo handed out 13 assists, but he has to be more of a scorer for Boston to dominate Philadelphia. If Pierce fails to get going on the offensive end the Celtics are going to have a hard time winning this series. He has not scored more than 18 points in a game since going off for 24 in a 101-79 win over Atlanta.

We're going to find out a lot about the Celtics in Game 3. This is the game where they should come out motivated and really get after Philadelphia. I don't think the Celtics are going to come out and win this game by 20 points, but they should win this game.

Philadelphia

The 76ers don't care if the Celtics are playing hard. All they are concerned about is the undeniable fact that they were able to win a game on the road. Philadelphia is going to come into Game 3 with a lot of energy and the confidence they can keep winning. Philadelphia won all three of their home games against Chicago in the first round, and will win this series if they can do the same against the Celtics.

Jrue Holiday bounced back from a poor showing in Game 1 to lead the the 76ers with 18 points on 7 of 15 shooting. Holliday was red-hot from downtown, connecting on 4 of 6 from behind the 3-point line. Andre Iguodala was second on the team with just 13 points to go with seven rebounds, while Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen each finished the game with 10 points.

It's going to be an offensive struggle the entire series for Philadelphia. There are going to be nights where guys just aren't hitting shots, but they have to just keep battling and hope someone steps up each night. The guy the 76ers really need to get going offensively is Lou Williams. In the regular season, Williams led the 76ers at 14.9 points per game. In the two games against the Celtics he hasn't reached double-figures and has a combined 17 points.

Having trouble picking NBA winners? Take a look at our top rated NBA picks offered at our site. If you want to see who to follow in the NBA, go here.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »

The Atlanta Hawks were able to keep their season alive with a captivating 88-87 win over the Boston Celtics at home in Game 5. Boston takes a 3-2 series lead back home for Game 6 on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 EST and will be televised nationally on TNT. While the Hawks are the team trying to avoid elimination, you can't over look the importance of this game for the Celtics. If Boston is unable to finish off the Hawks on their home floor, they would have to go back to Atlanta for Game 7 on Saturday.

Having a quick look at the NBA odds posted for this game, oddsmakers have the Celtics favored by 6.5-points over the Hawks with the total set at 174.5 points. For the latest on this series, click on this link.

Atlanta

The Hawks got a big lift from Al Horford in Game 5, as he returned to the starting lineup for the first time since injuring his pectoral muscle back in early January. After contributing 12 points in 20 minutes off the bench in Game 4, Horford finished with a game-high 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The entire team appeared to feed of his energy.

Some questioned if Horford's return would hurt the chemistry of this team, but that wasn't the case at all. All 5 starters finished in double-figures. Joe Johnson bounced back from a miserable performance in Game 4 with 15 points and Josh Smith didn't let a sore knee stop him from putting up 13 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists.

As good as the Hawks played, there's plenty of reason to be concerned about whether or not this team will have enough left in the tank to win in Boston. All 5 starters played at least 35 minutes, and everyone but Marvin Williams played at least 41 minutes. I personally don't think the Hawks will be able to keep the series alive with another win at Boston, but you have got to wonder if they'll even be able to keep this game close. Logging those kind of minutes in the playoffs this late in the series could leave Atlanta with no legs in Game 6.

Boston

In my opinion the Celtics have to like their chances of winning this series on Thursday. The Hawks had to use a lot of energy to win game 5. Boston has already won two games at home in the series, including an easy 101-79 win in Game 4. I don't think there is any question the Celtics played hard in Game 5, but I look for them to turn up the intensity for Game 6. I expect Boston to treat this game like they're the team on the brink of elimination, as they don't want to return to Atlanta for a Game 7.

After putting up 101 points on 51% shooting in Game 4, I wasn't all that shocked to see Boston struggle offensively in Game 5. This team isn't built to put up those type of numbers on a regular basis. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett tied for a team-high 16 points, Ray Allen came off the bench to drop 15, and Rajon Rondo added 13 points and 12 assists.

The Celtics aren't built to win games with their offense. They take out their opponents with great defense, and I suspect that will be the decisive factor in Game 6. Watch for head coach Doc Rivers and his staff to change up the defensive gameplan to match Hawks new starting five and really make things difficult for Atlanta offensively. I think a another offensive showing like they had in Game 5, will be more than sufficient for the Celtics to win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Get the latest on the NBA playoffs at Betfirms. If you are looking to get some help from our experts, click here.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »

The Philadelphia 76ers 89-82 win in Game 4, has the top seeded Chicago Bulls on the brink of elimination. The 76ers have a 3-1 series lead as the two teams head back to Chicago for Game 5 on Tuesday. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 9:30 EST and will be televised on NBA TV. Philadelphia has won three consecutive games since Chicago won Game 1 103-91, but the main reason for that has been the devastating injury to Derrick Rose.

While the Philadelphia a commanding 3-1 lead, oddsmakers don't appear to believe the series is over just yet. Having a look at the NBA spreads for this game, The Bulls are favored by 5-point over the 76ers with the total sitting at 171 points. For the latest on this series go to Betfirms.

Philadelphia

Coming into the playoffs no one thought the 76ers had any chance of winning this series, but that changed with the injury to Rose. Even after Chicago lost Rose for the rest of the playoffs, there were lots of experts, including myself, who thought Chicago would still win the series. So far the 76ers are proving everybody wrong, there is however no time to relax for head coach Doug Collins and his players. This series could be tied up 2-2, as the Bulls blew a large lead late in Game 3. The earlier the 76ers can finish off Chicago the better. The very last thing they want to do is let Chicago take back the momentum and force a potential Game 7 in Chicago.

Philadelphia got a huge game out of Spencer Hawes in Game 4, as the starting center scored a team-high 22-points on 9 of 11 shooting. Jrue Holiday also played amazingly well, as he finished up with 20 points, eight rebounds and six aids. It was a good thing Holiday and Hawes made the most of their opportunities, as the 76ers got just 17 points from their bench. Lou Williams, Philadelphia's leading scorer, had just 7 points on 2 of 10 shooting.

I don't know that you can expect Hawes to carry the load offensively in consecutive games, particularly against the great defense of the Bulls. Chicago is going to make some tweaks to make things a lot harder for him, which means somebody else is going to need to step up for the 76ers to win Game 5.

Chicago

Things couldn't have gone much worse for Chicago in this series. Not only did they lose Rose for the rest of the playoffs, but they were without starting center Joakim Noah in Game 4. Chicago had a 9-point lead in Game 3 when Noah was forced to leave with seriously sprained ankle. In my opinion, Rose and Noah are the two most important players for Chicago. Noah is listed as doubtful for Game 5, but you can bet he is going to do whatever he can to play.

Carlos Boozer once again picked up the slack offensively, as he scored game-high 23 points in the loss on Sunday. Chicago will need another big offensive night from Boozer if they are going to avoid elimination, but he is going to need some help. Luol Deng hasn't been able to get anything going this series, as Andre Iguodala continues to shut him down. Richard Hamilton will also need to contribute more, as he finished Game 4 with a disappointing seven-points on 3 of 9 shooting. C.J. Watson was able to finally contribute with 17 points, but he was just 5 of 18 from the field. The Bulls also has to try and figure out a way to get Kyle Korver more involved. The reserve 3-point specialist has scored just 12-points in the last three games combined.

Outside of a poor showing in Game 2, Chicago has continued to play exceptional on the defensive side of the ball. They held Philadelphia to just 39% from the field in Game 4. Coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the best defensive-minded coaches in the game. I think it's the Bulls defense that has Chicago favored by 5-points, but will they be able to score enough points to win the game?

For up to date information on every playoff series go here. If you are looking for some great free picks in the playoffs click this link.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »

The Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers will return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for Game 5 Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 EST and will be televised on NBA TV. The Magic surprised everybody by winning Game 1 on the road, but are on the brink of elimination after losing the last three games. After two easy wins in Game 2 and Game 3, the Pacers needed overtime to get past the Magic in Game 4. Orlando rallied from a 19-point deficit in the 4th quarter, but couldn't finish off the comeback.

Oddsmakers seem to think the Pacers will have no problem finishing off the series with a win at home. Our NBA lines currently show Indiana favored by 10.5-points over the Magic with the total set at 179 points. Click here for the latest on this series.

Indiana

Although the Pacers almost let one get away in Game 4, you have to be impressed with this team winning both games in Orlando. With a commanding 3-1 series lead, it seems fair to say that Indiana will be advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While the Miami Heat haven't officialy won their first round series against the New York Knicks, many believe it will be Miami and Indiana squaring off in the following round. I believe it's vital for Indiana to send the Magic packing on Tuesday. It's going to be hard enough as it is to get past the Heat, and the last thing they need is for this series to drag on and risk the possibility of one their star players getting hurt.

There's no denying the Pacers are the better team in their current series against the Magic. They've got a big advantage inside and are the more talented team overall. So long as the Pacers don't come into Game 5 over-confident, like they did in Game 1, they shouldn't experience any trouble putting an end to this series. This is definitely a concern I have, especially when referring to laying 10.5-points on the Pacers. The undeniable fact that Indiana blew a 19-point lead in the final minutes of Game 4, has me wondering if they're going to come out with intensity needed to pull off a double-digit win.

The Pacers advantage inside was obvious in Game 3, as Roy Hibbert and David West each finished with a double-double. Hibbert put in 14 points and 11 rebounds, while West scored a game-high 26 points to go with 12 boards. Indiana also got a huge game out of small forward Danny Granger, who finished up with 21 points and 7 rebounds.

I'm really not that concerned with Indiana's offense, it's the defense which has to play better if they're going to cover the 10.5 point spread. After holding the Magic to 81 points or less in the first 3 games, Indiana allowed 89 points in regulation of Game 5, including 28 in the final period.

Orlando

You have to give lots of credit to coach Stan Van Gundy for not letting his team quit in a series that they had little chance to win. Had Orlando been able to win Game 4, I believe this would be a totally different series. That loss could actually have been the last game Van Gundy coached as the home team at the Amway Center. If everything goes as anticipated, Van Gundy will likely be coaching his last game with the Magic on Tuesday.

Orlando has continued to play very tough, despite the absence of Dwight Howard. It'll be interesting to see if they will continue to play with that same energy after such deflating loss in Game 4. If the Magic don't come out and give it everything they have in Game 5, they're going to get blown out.

I mentioned in my Game 4 preview that the Magic need to get more production out of Ryan Anderson. Had Anderson managed to score more than only 9 points in that game, you've got to believe the series would be tied up 2-2. If the Magic are going to avoid elimination, they need Anderson to contribute a lot more offensively.

At Betfirms we feature some of the best handicappers in the business. If you are looking for winning sports picks click this link.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »

The New York Knicks were able to fight off elimination. The Knicks won Game 4 89-87 at home. The Heat will try to close out the series at home, as the two teams head back to Miami for Game 5 on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 EST and will be televised nationally on TNT.

Oddsmakers don't expect New York to make make any more noise in the series. Having a look at the NBA spreads for this game, The Heat are favored by 11-points over the Knicks with the total set at 183. For the latest on this series click this link.

Miami

The Heat have to love their chances of advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday. Miami had no difficulty disposing of New York in their first two games at home. They took both contest by double-digits, including a lopsided 100-67 beating in Game 1. While the Heat went into Game 4 with a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, I was disappointed with the effort they put out. I understand the Knicks are playing better defense, but there is no reason for Miami to have just 61 points after 3 quarters. This team didn't come to play. The great teams finish off their opponents in elimination games. Although it likely won't change the outcome of this series, it may be a factor later on in the playoffs.

The big concern I have with Miami right now is the shortage of production they are getting from anyone not named LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, or Chris Bosh. James finished with 27 points, Wade added 22 and Bosh chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds. The rest of the team combined to score a whopping 21 points. No-one else had more than six points. That might be good enough to beat the Knicks, but this team isn't going to win an NBA Championship with that kind of production from their role players.

New York

The Knicks victory in Game 4 put to rest NBA playoff record 13 game losing streak, but it came at a price. New York lost guard Baron Davis to a dislocated right kneecap. The Knicks lost Ian Shumpert ealier in the series to a torn ACL, and Jeremy Lin isn't going to be back for the remainder of the series. Beating Miami should give New York a ton of confidence going into Game 5, but it's hard to imagine this team pulling off the upset on the road.

If the Knicks are going to have any chance at forcing a Game 6 in New York, they, need a similar performance out of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. Anthony scored a game-high 41 points, while Stoudemire returned after missing Game 3 to score 20 points and grab 10 rebounds. Much like Miami, New York has to get a little more out of their role players in Game 5. The rest of the team combined for just 28 points, with J.R. Smith next on the scoring list with just 7 points.

Players like Steve Novak, Landry Feilds and Smith have to be a bigger factor offensively. I don't think there is anyway you can expect Anthony to put up 41 points in Game 5. I look for James to really make a statement defensively on Anthony, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if he held him way under 30 points. If the rest of the team doesn't contribute, Miami is going to runaway with this game. Very similar to they did in Game 1, when James held Anthony to just 11 points on 3 of 15 shooting.

At Betfirms we feature some of the best handicappers in the business. To get winning NBA picks from our experts click here.

Tags: Basketball by Jack Jones
No Comments »