[Tommy]

By Michael Licalsi.

The Lakers find themselves in a must-win situation tonight even though they are up 3-2 in the series. If Los Angeles loses this game, they are forced to play a Game 7 in Phoenix, something they really want to avoid.

The Lakers are a .500 team against the spread this year (ATS) at home, and are 1-1 ATS in their two home playoffs games so far. Look for Kobe Bryant to have a big game after being clothes-lined to the floor by the Suns’ Raja Bell in Game 5. Bell is suspended for this game due to that incident.

The Suns know that the Lakers are coming to play tonight and they will be ready. Phoenix is 24-19 ATS on the road this year and 7-2 ATS over their last nine appearances in Los Angeles. The Suns can still put up points in bunches and they can match the Lakers even if Kobe is scoring 50. The Lakers may win the series, but the Suns and the four points represent value.

Pick: Phoenix

Phoenix (+4) at LA Lakers


Miami (-1.5) at Chicago

Miami is only 1-3-1 ATS in this series and they needed a 4th quarter blowout in Game 5 in order to secure the one cover. The good news in this game is that the spread is only 1.5, so if Miami wins the game, then they should get the cover.

Chicago is 20-23 ATS this season at home, and the outstanding shooting of the young Bulls appears to be cooling off. The fact remains that Miami is 0-2 at Chicago in these playoffs, but there is no time like the present to turn that situation around. Chicago has made a great run this year, but all good things come to an end, and the Bulls’ season will come to an end tonight. Miami win convincingly.

Pick: Miami


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