Bob Balfe
Orlando -10.5
Charlotte played well at home this year, but were awful on the road. The Magic made the most 3 pointers in NBA history this season. If they have an average shooting night, they will turn this game into a blowout. They are too talented and experienced for the Bobcats and should have this game in the bag by halftime. Felton is no match for Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard will look like he is playing against children. Take the Magic.
Tony George
Dallas -5
I will lay it against a team who cannot get over the hump on Dallas. If you look at the numbers this series looks even although the aging Spurs defense has not been good. That is what has vaulted them in the past and Dallas has had their way with San Antonio all year, nothing will change. Depth, scoring, FG%, home court all favor the Mavs. Dallas ios not a good cover team at home I will say that, but this is the playoffs and I expect them to roll the Spurs by 8-10 in a surprising blowout win. Play 1 Unit on Dallas.
Lenny Del Genio
Orlando -10
Michael Jordan and the Bobcats are in the playoffs. The only problem is that Jordan isn’t playing. Charlotte will face off against the Magic today in the first game of the series. The Bobcats had a very good season, their first winning season in the six years existence of the franchise. Meanwhile the Magic are looking to get back to the NBA finals, after losing last year to the Lakers. While a lot of teams were relaxing down the stretch the Magic were all business winning and covering their final six games of the regular season and losing only four times in their last fourteen games. One of those losses was way back on March 14th to these Bobcats. Charlotte caught the Magic in the second of back to back games (they played the Wizards the night before). That seven point loss to Charlotte snapped a seven game Magic winning streak over this Charlotte team. Orlando played awful in that game letting Jackson hit them for 28 points, Lewis and Nelson combined to shoot 3 for 17, and it didn’t help that Matt Barnes did not play. The biggest problem in this series for Charlotte is that they have no answer for Howard and with Barnes playing he will slow down Jackson. That loss to Charlotte in their last meeting will have the Magic focused this afternoon. Play on Orlando.
Marc Lawrence
San Antonio +4.5
When the Spurs meets the Mavericks Sunday night in opening round playoff action in Dallas they will take the court with same season triple revenge. They will also be playing with revenge from being knocked out of the playoffs by the Mavs last year. The combination of these two factors puts string winning edges on San Antonio's side in this contest. That's because the Spurs are 7-0 ATS as a favorite or dog of less than 8 points when playing with same season triple revenge the last 12 years. In addition, Dallas is 0-8 ATS in the post season off a SU and ATS win of 20 or less points when they own a win percentage of less than .725. The clincher, though, comes from our powerful database as it tells us to: Play On any NBA playoff road dog of four or more points with a win percentage of .607 or greater versus a foe of a win of seven or fewer points that won 76 or fewer games last season if the road dog was eliminated from the playoffs by the host last year. These teams are 13-0-1 ATS in the post-season since 1991. With Dallas 4-17-1 ATS at home versus an opponent off a loss this season, including 1-9-1 ATS when the Mavs are off a SU and ATS win, look for the Spurs to improve to 6-0 ATS in playoff series openers on the road against an opponent of a SU and ATs win here today. We recommend a 4-unit play on San Antonio.
Mike Lineback
Oklahoma City / Lakers Under 196.5
Oklahoma City thoroughly dominated Los Angeles, three weeks ago in Oklahoma City. The Thunder held LA to 75 points total, 34 in the first half & only 47 points thru three quarters of play. And more importantly, Thabo Sefolosha & the Thunder's team defense took Kobe Bryant out of his game. Yes, almost rendered the superstar ineffective (11 pts, 3 assists). No doubt, Kobe & Co. will bounce back strong. However, I strongly believe both team's will step up their defense play, especially the Lakers, considering aforementioned beatdown, and knowing they will have their hands full tonight. As we seen yesterday, defense play is often elevated in the playoffs. Teams' are Under this total, in regulation play, 3 of 4 meetings this season. Bynam is back for Lakers, to help defend the rim. Plus, don't be surprised, if OKC suffer from some nervous energy, in turn, leading to a poor shooting % to start game. Take the Under.
The Gold Sheet
Blazers at Suns
Pick: Over 203.5
Tough to make a call in Portland with Brandon Roy sidelined, but Blazers have played shorthanded many times this season and proven resourceful for HC Nate McMillan. Blazers also might have a secret weapon in Phoenix native Jerryd Bayless, who will get most of minutes amd has had his biggest games vs. the Blazers' toughest foes (29 pts. vs. Phoenix, 31 at the Spurs, 21 vs. the Lakers, 24 at Denver). Suns have a lot of offense as well, and we can see this one "over" 203-204. Play Blazers-Suns "Over"
Wayne Root
Millionaire - Bobcats +10
BIG AL
ELITE INFO - SPURS +4
RED HOT GOM - DODGERS
Super Sports Group
9* Milwaukee/Washington OVER 9.5
8* Colorado/Atlanta OVER 9
6* Tampa Bay/Boston UNDER 8.5
7* Royals +1.5 EV
6* Giants +153
Teddy Covers
OKC/LAL Over
Padres
RATED PICKS
3 Units Los Angeles Lakers -7.5
3 Units Orlando Magic -9.5
3 Units Dallas Mavericks -4
2 Units Phoenix Suns -8
The Booooj
25 Units - Dallas - 5
Tom Stryker
5* Magic
Sal Devito
5* Redsox
5* Dodgers
3* Bluejays
Nick Parsons
10* Trailblazers