NBA Betting News and Notes Monday, April 22

Bulls at Nets: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-4.5, 183)

Nets lead series 1-0.

The Brooklyn Nets put on a tremendous display in the series opener and look to make it two consecutive victories in the best-of-7 series when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Brooklyn raced to a 25-point halftime lead and cruised to a 106-89 victory on Saturday, making a strong statement with its high level of dominance. Chicago will need a much better effort both offensively and defensively to avoid returning home with a 0-2 deficit.

Three of the four regular-season meetings were decided by four or fewer points, a fact that made Brooklyn’s easy victory more confounding to Chicago center Joakim Noah. “It was disappointing,” Noah said. “We didn’t play well. We didn’t come out with the right mindset. They scored way too many points in the paint. We didn’t execute well offensively. But you know what – we’ve got to bounce back. No time to feel sorry for ourselves.” The playoff victory was the first for the Nets since the 2006-07 season. Six players scored in double figures for Brooklyn.

ABOUT THE BULLS: The controversy surrounding point guard Derrick Rose is percolating again after the Game 1 rout. Rose tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in last season’s playoffs and hasn’t played at all this season despite the team having medically cleared him. The call is Rose’s over when he will play and Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau continues to walk a delicate line when asked about the former MVP. “Most likely out, but you never know,” Thibodeau said shortly before Saturday’s game began. “The playoffs are stretched out too, so you have to factor that in. Who knows another week from now where he is? You always want to leave that possibility open.” Point guard Kirk Hinrich left Game 1 with a thigh injury and his status is uncertain.

ABOUT THE NETS: It will be interesting to see if Brooklyn matches its emotional Game 1 showing. The contest was the first major sports playoff game held in the city since the 1956 World Series and the atmosphere was electric. “Everybody was excited for this game,” said point guard Deron Williams, who scored 22 points. “I think it has been a long time coming for this franchise, this organization with the move and everything. We expected to be here, so we came out playing like we wanted to be here.” Center Brook Lopez added 21 points and shooting guard Joe Johnson scored 16.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in Nets’ last five home games.
* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Bulls are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings at Brooklyn.
* Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six Monday games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nets interim coach P.J. Carlesimo notched his first postseason victory as a head coach since the 1996-97 campaign with Portland.

2. Noah played in Game 1 despite a foot injury but had just four points in 13 minutes.

3. Brooklyn F Gerald Wallace had 14 points in the opener after scoring just 21 total points over his last eight appearances.

Grizzlies at Clippers: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com

Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers (-5.5, 181.5)

Clippers lead series 1-0.

The Memphis Grizzlies held opponents below 90 points per game in the regular season but were torched for 112 in the opener of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis will need to improve on the defensive end in Monday’s Game 2 and also take a more aggressive approach on the boards after Los Angeles had a 47-23 edge in Saturday’s 21-point victory. The Clippers have won eight straight contests.

Seven Los Angeles players scored in double figures in the opener and four of them were guards. Chris Paul had 23 points, Eric Bledsoe tallied 15 on 7-of-7 shooting, Chauncey Billups scored 14 and Jamal Crawford had 13. Memphis isn’t used to being pushed around on the glass and its top two rebounders – Zach Randolph with four and Marc Gasol with two – combined for just six boards. “They had two or three guys going to the glass every time,” point guard Mike Conley said. “They were jumping over us and using their athleticism.”

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Randolph wasn’t overly concerned about the Game 1 loss since the teams played a seven-game playoff series last season, but admitted he would be worried if Memphis returns home down 0-2. Gasol was highly disappointed with his club’s work on the boards,which included allowing Los Angeles to grab 14 on the offensive glass en route to a 25-5 edge in second-chance points. “That’s not acceptable,” Gasol said. “Once we made a stop, they kept running in and getting offensive rebounds and second-chance points. We have to be better than that. The rebounds were the difference.” The 23 boards were the lowest the Grizzlies have ever grabbed in a playoff game.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: While Los Angeles dominated the boards, power forward Blake Griffin was a relative non-factor as he deals with back spasms. Griffin had just 10 points and five rebounds in 25-plus minutes before fouling out. He and Randolph waged a physical battle that included Griffin being sent sprawling to the floor on more than a few occasions. “I’m ready for however many games it’s going to take,” Griffin said afterward. “If that’s the way he wants to play, let’s do it.” Center DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers with eight rebounds while forwards Caron Butler and Lamar Odom grabbed seven apiece.

TRENDS:

* Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
* Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 9-2 in Grizzlies’ last 11 overall.
* Over is 6-1 in Clippers’ last seven home games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bledsoe also had six rebounds and four assists in a superb all-around Game 1 performance in which he played 18 minutes.

2. Conley was outplayed by Paul in the four regular-season meetings and had just 12 points in the opener.

3. Memphis allowed more than 112 points just once in the regular season.

2013 NBA Playoffs

Three of four Chicago-Brooklyn games were decided by 4 or less points during season, but Nets led Game 1 by 25 at half, shot 55% for game- they shot 52% from floor in only win vs Bulls during season, less than 45% in their losses. Other than Boozer, Chicago starters were 10-28 on nite from floor- Noah was only Chicago starter with plus/minus of better than -16, and he only played 13 minutes (-4). Bulls don't have any big guy to contain Lopez (21 points) by himself, so they have to double in post, which creates good scoring opportunities for other Nets. Chicago will be a better team here, but Game 1 was 89-62 after third quarter.

Clippers outrebounded Memphis 47-23 in Game 1; they've won four of five meetings vs Griz this year, winning two of three here, with wins by 9-21 points. Bledsoe came off LA bench and scored 15 points (7-7 from floor) in 18 minutes. Clippers shot 56% for game, ridiculously high for NBA tilt. Memphis averaged 16 offensive boards a game during season vs Clips, but they had only four in Game 1, when LA outscored them 37-22 in 4th quarter. Much like Chicago, would expect more spirited effort from Memphis here. Home favorites covered six of eight Game 1's league-wide, with under 4-3-1.

Armadillosports.com

NBA: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles dominating the boards along with Chris Paul (23.0) leading seven player in double digits the Clippers had little trouble solving Grizzlies leagues-best defense (89.5) in taking the opener of this Western Conference Quarterfinals 112-91. Vinny Del Negro's high-octane team torching the normally stifling Memphis defense with 55.4% shooting from the floor have now won eight straight games overall (6-2 ATS), 4-of-5 SU/ATS this season in the series and ten of the past fifteen encounters with Grizzlies (10-4-1 ATS). Game-one in the books Clips are 33-9 (26-16 ATS) on home court, 35-9 (28-16 ATS) if you count the 2 so called 'road' wins at the Staples Center vs Lakers. With the loss Grizzlies enter game-two 23-19 (24-17-1 ATS) away from Memphis. Betting notes: Clippers check in 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 Conference Quarterfinals, 13-7 ATS as single digit home favorites. Grizzlies are 7-8-1 ATS receiving single digit points on the highway. The betting market has Clippers 5 1/2 point favorites to grab a 2-0 lead with the total hovering around 181.5.

NBA Playoff Betting Odds and Preview Capsules: April 21
Atssportsline.com

The NBA Playoffs got underway on Saturday and there were no major upsets. The Clippers, Nuggets, Knicks and Nets were all victorious, though just two covered. So all home teams won their opener on Saturday, will the same take place on Sunday? We'll focus on two key games this Sunday and remember if you bet, to use wise money management and use NBA injury reports and trends. Check out a 2013 NBA Playoffs betting preview for Saturday's games and get ready to make a score!

Los Angeles Lakers (45-37 SU, 34-46-2 ATS) vs. San Antonio Spurs (58-24 SU, 39-41-2 ATS)

Intangibles:
The Lakers beat the Spurs on April 14 without Kobe Bryant
Manu Ginobili returns to the Spurs after missing nine games due to a hamstring injury
Tony Parker went 1-for-10 against the Lakers and is struggling with a shin injury

Last game: (4/14/13) Los Angeles Lakers (+3.5) over San Antonio, 91-85.

Keys to Success: Talk about clutch. Kobe Bryant guaranteed that the Lakers would make the playoffs even when they were out of it. Unfortunately, he blew out his Achilles' tendon against Golden State on April 12, but the Lakers came through with five straight wins including a 99-95 overtime win over the Rockets on April 17, to gain the seventh seed. They got the Spurs, who are struggling, losing three straight and four of their last five. They didn't bench all of their players but were playing with some injuries. Ginobili is back from a hamstring injury and that helps. They also added Tracy McGrady to replace Stephen Jackson on the roster. Lakers are 7-3 ATS last 10 on the road in series. Pro Basketball Odds: San Antonio is an 8.5-point betting odds favorite. Total: 189.5.

Houston Rockets (45-37 SU, 34-46-2 ATS) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-22 SU, 49-31-2 ATS)

Intangibles:
James Harden returns to Oklahoma City. He scored 45 points the last time he faced his old team.
Serge Ibaka averaged 16 points and 8.7 rebounds against the Rockets this year.
Kevin Durant did rest in the last game instead of going for the scoring title

Last game: (2/20/13) Houston (+3) over Oklahoma City, 122-119.

Keys to Success: The Rockets fell to the Lakers in their final game in overtime, which cost them the seventh seed. Now they have to face the very athletic Thunder, who have discovered defense in the second half of the season. Both teams love to run though the Thunder are much more athletic and have tremendous defenders in Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha, who will look to defend Harden better than the last time when he put up 45. Houston allows 102.5 points per game (28th) and teams to shoot 45.5 percent from the field (17th). The Thunder allow 96.5 points per game (9th) and teams to shoot 42.5 percent from the field (6th). The Thunder are 5-1 ATS last 6 at home in series. Pro Hoops Odds:Oklahoma City is a 10-point betting odds favorite. Total: 213.5.

Monday Playoff Action
By Sportsbook.ag

CHICAGO BULLS (45-38) at BROOKLYN NETS (50-33)

The Bulls will be out to prove they belong on the court with the Nets on Monday night after being blown out in Brooklyn in Saturday's Game 1.

Saturday's outcome was more lopsided than anybody could have possibly expected. The Nets were firing right out of the gate, leading 60-35 at half and coasting to a 106-89 blowout win. The Bulls struggled to find offense as they have often this season, but surprisingly their biggest issue came on the defensive end of the floor where they had no answer for Nets PG Deron Williams. He finished the game 9-for-15 from the field with 22 points with game highs in assists (7), steals (3) and rating (+24). He managed a perfect game on the floor for P.J. Carlesimo, making pinpoint passes on the team's way to a 55.8% shooting performance from the field. Chicago C Joakim Noah played just 13 minutes and looked out of sync every time he stepped on the floor. His ongoing plantar fasciitis foot injury is a major concern for the Bulls at this point in the series.

The Bulls played great defense all season (92.9 PPG allowed, 3rd in NBA) and that kept them in most of their games. They got away from their winning philosophy against the Nets in Game 1 though, and allowed several Brooklyn players to get to the rim with no consequences. The Bulls are missing a healthy C Joakim Noah, who played just 13 minutes in the game with four points and five rebounds. Noah will need to play better in Game 2 if the Bulls are going to have any shot. PF Carlos Boozer provided Chicago with plenty of offense, going 12-for-20 from the field with 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists, all team bests. PG Nate Robinson played decently off the bench for the Bulls as well with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Robinson scored a lot of points in garbage minutes though, which makes the matchup with Deron Williams seem a lot closer than it really was. The Bulls need a lot more out of SF Luol Deng. The Bulls' best two-way player went just 3-of-11 from the field with six points, two rebounds and a minus-16 rating in 38 minutes.

The Nets played one of their best games all season against the Bulls on Saturday. The team shot 55.8% from the floor by dominating the paint with a 56-36 points-in-paint advantage and also had a decisive 12-3 edge in fast-break points. Other than the magnificent performance by PG Deron Williams, C Brook Lopez was also key in the Brooklyn win. Lopez was perfect from the free throw line (7-for-7), while going 7-of-15 from the field on his way to having 21 points, five rebounds and three blocks. SF Gerald Wallace, who has really struggled at times this season, went 5-for-7 from the field for 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Wallace needs to play with confidence if the Nets are going to make a run this year, and this performance should give him plenty of it. Brooklyn also received nice contributions from two reserves. PG C.J. Watson scored 14 points (6-of-8 FG) in 23 minutes, while C Andray Blatche averaged 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (56-27) at LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (57-26)

After crushing the Grizzlies in Saturday's Game 1, the Clippers look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday night.

Memphis entered the playoffs on quite a roll, going 9-2 SU (7-3-1 ATS) in its final 11 contests, where it held all 11 opponents under 100 points, giving up a mere 84.5 PPG on 40.7% FG and 29.7% threes. But that defense was non-existent on Saturday, as the Grizzlies allowed L.A. to pump in 112 points on 55.4% FG (7-of-19 threes) in a 21-point blowout. The Clippers have now won eight straight contests (5-2-1 ATS) and possess a 4-1 mark (SU and ATS) against Memphis this season. During the regular season, the Grizzlies were 24-17 SU on the road (T-3rd in NBA), including a stellar 24-16-1 ATS (60%) away mark, good for second in the league. However, L.A. boasted the NBA's fifth-best home record (32-9 SU, 78%) and tied for the fifth-best home wager at 24-16-1 ATS (60%) at Staples Center.

Despite the lopsided score, Memphis did some nice things on offense, shooting 47% from the floor, knocking down 42% threes (5-for-12) and draining 20-of-25 foul shots (80%). The Grizzlies also had more points in the paint than L.A. (48-46) and one more fast-break point (11-10). The big problem was rebounding, where the Clippers dominated with a hefty 47-23 advantage on the glass. This was quite unexpected, as Memphis ranked second in the NBA in rebounding margin (+3.6 RPG) during the regular season. The Grizzlies also led the NBA in scoring defense (89.3 PPG allowed) and held opponents to 43.5% FG (3rd in league) and 33.8% threes (2nd in NBA). A big reason for this deficiency on the boards was PF Zach Randolph plagued by foul trouble. He logged just 25 minutes on Saturday, where he scored 13 points (6-of-10 FG) with four rebounds and three turnovers. Randolph had averaged a double-double in the regular-season series with L.A., compiling 14.8 PPG and 12.0 RPG in the four games. PG Mike Conley (minus-16 rating in Game 1) was certainly outplayed by Chris Paul, but Conley still managed to score 12 points (5-of-11 FG) with five assists and two steals in his 28 minutes. This was better than what he had done in this series during the regular season with just 10.3 PPG on 30% shooting. C Marc Gasol had a monster game last Saturday against the Clippers with 18 points, 15 boards and seven assists, increasing his averages in the regular-season series to 16.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 4.0 APG. But the 7-footer played poorly in Game 1, making just 4-of-12 shots and grabbing a paltry two rebounds in 41 minutes of playing time. He did have a game-high-tying seven assists though. The best offensive player for Memphis was PG Jerryd Bayless, who came off the bench to score a team-high 19 points on 6-of-12 FG with three assists. Starting SF Tayshaun Prince had the worst rating in the game (minus-22) and scored just two points in 29 minutes, making 1-of-5 shots with four boards and three assists.

The Clippers' offensive explosion wasn't too surprising considering they posted 101.1 PPG this season (9th in NBA) on 47.8% FG (4th in league), and a respectable 35.8% threes (16th in NBA). In the past nine home games, L.A. has pumped in 105.8 PPG on 53.0% FG and 35.2% threes, wining eight of these nine Staples Center contests. The Clips produced a league-leading 9.6 steals per game during the regular season, but had just four swipes on Saturday and forced a mere seven Memphis turnovers. PG Chris Paul was clearly the best player on the floor in Game 1, scoring a game-high 23 points (7-of-11 FG, 3-for-4 threes) with seven assists, two steals and a game-best +17 rating. Paul also fared well against Memphis during the regular season with 16.3 PPG (47% FG) and 8.7 APG. PF Blake Griffin hasn't been nearly as effective versus the Grizzlies with 13.8 PPG (44% FG) and 7.0 RPG in the four regular-season meetings, and a subpar 10 points (3-of-9 FG) and five rebounds in Saturday's victory. But the Los Angeles supporting cast really came through in Game 1, as five others scored in double figures. PG Eric Bledsoe came off the bench to score 15 points on a perfect 7-of-7 from the floor, adding six boards and four assists. SG Chauncey Billups pumped in 14 points and a +14 rating in just 21 minutes, while fellow starter SF Caron Butler finished with 13 points (6-of-9 FG), seven boards and a +13 rating in 24 minutes. Reserve SG Jamal Crawford tallied 13 points despite shooting 1-of-6 from three-point land, and SF Matt Barnes pitched in 10 points (4-of-6 FG) and four rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench.

Inside the Paint - Monday
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com

Before we break down tonight’s two playoff battles, let’s recap the betting action from the weekend. If you took the home favorites blindly on Saturday and Sunday, you would’ve produced a 6-2 record both straight up and against the spread. Betting $100 a game would’ve netted a return of $380 ($600-$220). Easy, right?

The two teams that won and didn’t cover were the Knicks and Nuggets. Neither looked overly impressive in Game 1 but they made shots when they had to and winning close game is a sign of a good team. Most of the results were clear-cut and we didn’t see many bad breaks with the sides, especially on Sunday as all four favorites won by double digits.

If there was a tough break, it goes out to Golden State. All-Star forward David Lee was ruled out for the rest of the postseason with a torn right hip flexor. Replacing a double-double machine (18.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG) won’t be easy but it could provide value for gamblers. If you can get down on game props, I’d start playing OVER on anything associated with Stephen Curry, because he’ll be chucking from everywhere here on out.

Total players saw a split on Saturday with the first two games going ‘under’ before the ‘over’ cashed in the nightcaps. On Sunday, the Pacers-Hawks combined for 197 points, which easily jumped ‘over’ the closing number of 185½. The pace wasn’t there but Atlanta shot 50 percent from the floor and Indiana helped the cause with a 30-of-34 performance from the free throw line. The Spurs and Lakers never threatened the closing number of 191 and bettors should be aware that Los Angeles is now 4-1 to the ‘under’ in games without Kobe Bryant. The total for Game 2 opened at 187½ and already dropped to 186½.

Miami cruised past Milwaukee 110-87 and this game teased ‘over’ bettors (198) throughout the 48-minute session. The pair put up 50 in the first but could’ve been 60 if both teams made layups and free throws. Still, you only needed 101 in the second-half and it almost got there but the Bucks were outscored 58-42 in the final two quarters. Oklahoma City and Houston got close but a 45-point first quarter kept the ‘under’ in check for the game. Overall, the ‘under’ stands at 5-3.

Game 2 – Chicago at Brooklyn

Despite losing three of four regular season meetings to Chicago, the Nets proved those outcomes didn’t mean much in Game 1. Brooklyn shot 56 percent from the field en route to a 106-89 wire-to-wire victory over the Bulls in Game 1. Nets point guard Deron Williams (22 points) led six Nets in double figures. Chicago wasn’t horrible offensively (47%) but it couldn’t weather the early storm and overcome a 60-37 halftime deficit. The Bulls showed some life in the second-half (54-46) and wound up covering as 4½-point favorites.The ‘over’ cashed in both halves and the closing number of 183 for the game was never in doubt for ‘over’ bettors.

Brooklyn was a 4½-point favorite for Game 1 and that number has moved for tonight’s battle. The total is also hovering in the same neighborhood of 183 points. The Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) played 13 minutes on Saturday is expected to start in Game 2. Chicago point guard Derrick Rose (knee) isn’t expected to join the team for the postseason.

If you’re handicapping tonight’s game on current form, then you have to lean to the Nets. Including Saturday’s win, Brooklyn has gone 7-1 (5-3 ATS) in its last eight and the offense has busted triple digits in all of the wins. Meanwhile, Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last eight games off a loss. Make a note that the Bulls haven’t dropped three straight since mid-November, so if they do go down 0-2, they would be a strong look in Game 3. The best-of-seven series heads back to the United Center on Thursday.

Game 2 - Memphis at L.A. Clippers

Similar to the Nets, the Los Angeles Clippers are hitting their stride at the right time and it showed Saturday. The Clippers ran past the Grizzlies 112-91 as 5½-points favorites to capture a 1-0 series lead. The Clippers had seven players score in double figures, with Chris Paul closing the game with 23 points and seven assists. The Grizzlies’ Tony Allen and Zach Randolph both got in early foul trouble and only finished with a combined 20 points. Allen only played 16 minutes and Randolph saw the court for 24, both way below their averages. The difference in Game 1 came down to rebounding and shooting. The Clippers crushed the Grizzlies on the glass by a 47-23 margin and 14 of those boards were offensive. Los Angeles connected on 55 percent from the floor, which helped a 37-point outburst by the home squad.

Even though the Clippers won the opener by 21 points, this was a one-point game early in the fourth quarter. Oddsmakers once again opened L.A. as a 5½-point home favorite. Going back to the handicapping theory on current form, the Clippers get the nod here. Los Angeles has won eight straight (6-2 ATS) and five of those wins have come at the Staples Center.

Including Saturday’s victory, the Clippers have won four of five against the Grizzlies this season. The lone loss did come at the Staples Center on Mar. 13 in a game that saw the Clippers only score 33 points in the final two quarters.

Game 1 easily went ‘over’ the closing number of 178½ and the line for Game 2 has been adjusted nearly three points to 181. The number is definitely inflated based on the outcome and the ‘under’ presents value. The Grizzlies (71) and Clippers (74) only combined for 145 points in the opener but the officials rewarded both teams with 56 free throw attempts. I don’t expect the pace to pick up and the free throws and shooting percentages should both drop tonight. The ‘under’ has gone 3-2 in the five meetings this season.