The Cover Corner NBA Previews 4/7

Tommy · 04-07-06, 12:44 PM

By Michael Licalsi.

Picking NBA games heading into the playoffs is a bit more challenging. During March Madness, we knew the consistency of purpose would be prevalent literally every minute of every game. The NBA is working itself up to that point, but it is still not the Final Four.

Bet Now: Dallas (+5) at San Antonio

San Antonio (58-17) and Tim Duncan are coming off a 97-87 home loss to Sacramento, which means the Spurs will be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder tonight. Oh by the way, San Antonio is 4-1 against the spread (ATS) after their last five losses.

San Antonio also wants to win this game badly, as it will likely sew up the number one spot in the West. That of course, means home court advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

Dallas (56-19) holds a 1-4 record ATS in their last five road games as underdogs. That is the bad news. The good news is that Dallas is 4-1 ATS in the last five games against the Spurs.

Dallas has done a great job this year staying close to San Antonio in the standings. There is no denying though, that the Spurs are the pick of the litter in the NBA, and they are too strong offensively and defensively for the Mavericks.

Pick: San Antonio

Bet Now: LA Lakers (+8.5) at Phoenix

The Lakers (40-36) are coming off a 110-108 overtime loss at Denver last night, Kobe Bryant had 42 points in the defeat, his third consecutive game of at least 40 points.

Phoenix (49-25) got beat badly on their home floor Wednesday night by the Clippers, 119-105. Now, they have a day of rest and get to play the Lakers coming off back-to-back games. Phoenix is 4-6 in their last 10 games, but each of those four wins was by 10 or more points.

Here is the quandary, the Lakers are 24-15-1 ATS on the road while the Suns are 18-19-1 ATS at home. The Suns give up 103 points a game, while the Lakers score 98 per game. What you have to keep in mind here is the Suns give up 103 points because of their suspect defense and a team with Kobe Bryant can easily put up 110 points on them.

I can’t see the Suns dropping three games in a row as they have only done that once all season. However, they are without Amare Stoudemire, and their playoff positioning is locked up. Even if the Suns win this game, I see it being under the spread.

Pick: LA Lakers

http://edge.vipsports.com/

Tommy · 04-08-06, 05:38 PM

0-2 last night. He was ripping it up in the NCAA Tournament, now is probably a good time to fade

04-07-06, 12:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,068	The Cover Corner NBA Previews 4/7 By Michael Licalsi. Picking NBA games heading into the playoffs is a bit more challenging. During March Madness, we knew the consistency of purpose would be prevalent literally every minute of every game. The NBA is working itself up to that point, but it is still not the Final Four. Bet Now: Dallas (+5) at San Antonio San Antonio (58-17) and Tim Duncan are coming off a 97-87 home loss to Sacramento, which means the Spurs will be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder tonight. Oh by the way, San Antonio is 4-1 against the spread (ATS) after their last five losses. San Antonio also wants to win this game badly, as it will likely sew up the number one spot in the West. That of course, means home court advantage throughout the conference playoffs. Dallas (56-19) holds a 1-4 record ATS in their last five road games as underdogs. That is the bad news. The good news is that Dallas is 4-1 ATS in the last five games against the Spurs. Dallas has done a great job this year staying close to San Antonio in the standings. There is no denying though, that the Spurs are the pick of the litter in the NBA, and they are too strong offensively and defensively for the Mavericks. Pick: San Antonio Bet Now: LA Lakers (+8.5) at Phoenix The Lakers (40-36) are coming off a 110-108 overtime loss at Denver last night, Kobe Bryant had 42 points in the defeat, his third consecutive game of at least 40 points. Phoenix (49-25) got beat badly on their home floor Wednesday night by the Clippers, 119-105. Now, they have a day of rest and get to play the Lakers coming off back-to-back games. Phoenix is 4-6 in their last 10 games, but each of those four wins was by 10 or more points. Here is the quandary, the Lakers are 24-15-1 ATS on the road while the Suns are 18-19-1 ATS at home. The Suns give up 103 points a game, while the Lakers score 98 per game. What you have to keep in mind here is the Suns give up 103 points because of their suspect defense and a team with Kobe Bryant can easily put up 110 points on them. I can’t see the Suns dropping three games in a row as they have only done that once all season. However, they are without Amare Stoudemire, and their playoff positioning is locked up. Even if the Suns win this game, I see it being under the spread. Pick: LA Lakers http://edge.vipsports.com/
Status: Online

04-08-06, 05:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,068	0-2 last night. He was ripping it up in the NCAA Tournament, now is probably a good time to fade
Status: Online