NBA Betting News and Notes Monday, April 29

Monday's NBA Playoffs: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-5.5, 180)

Bulls lead best-of-seven series 3-1.

The Chicago Bulls look to close out the first-round series and the Brooklyn Nets attempt to bounce back from Saturday’s collapse as the teams square off in Monday’s Game 5 in Brooklyn. The Bulls won a 142-134 triple-overtime classic to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven series. Chicago rebounded from a 14-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation behind backup guard Nate Robinson. The Nets were 8-of-27 shooting during the three overtimes.

Brooklyn didn’t practice Sunday and coach P.J. Carlesimo aims to have the team forget about the Game 4 setback. “We have to move away from the disappointment and channel it into anger or resolve or whatever else,” Carlesimo said in a Sunday conference call. “We can’t focus on Saturday. We’ve got to focus on Monday – got to be ready at 7 o’clock. We’ve got a one-game season. It’s as simple as that.” Chicago would like to slam the door shut and not give the Nets a chance to get back into the series. “We’ve been fighting through adversity and things all year,” Bulls center Joakim Noah said. “To be in this position now going to Brooklyn – but it’s not going to be easy.”

ABOUT THE BULLS: Robinson had a quarter for the ages when he poured in 23 of his 34 points in Saturday’s fourth quarter. He scored 12 straight points during the game-tying 14-0 run and finished 14-of-23 from the field. “Whenever I’m in the game, I just play with a lot of confidence,” Robinson said afterward. “You kind of have to lie to yourself and feel like you can’t miss.” The 23-point quarter was the second most in franchise history behind Michael Jordan’s 24-point quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1990 playoffs. “It was big shot after big shot,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “That’s what he does. That’s what makes him so valuable. It doesn’t take much to get him going. Once he gets going, he can have a great run.” Robinson scored 35 total points in the first three games.

ABOUT THE NETS: Guard Joe Johnson had 22 points and played 48 minutes in Game 4 despite a painful foot injury. Johnson forced the first overtime with a last-second floater to continue a trend of making clutch shots for Brooklyn. “If you look at the 86 games we’ve played, I think Joe would be up there in terms of last-second or end-of-game (or) overtime plays for the year,” Carlesimo said. In the history of the NBA, has somebody had a better season? Probably. But it’s scary to think about what this year would’ve been like without Joe Johnson.” Johnson is averaging 17.5 points during the series.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a win.
* Over is 8-1 in Nets’ last nine games following a loss.
* Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Noah played nearly 39 minutes in the triple-overtime game, which were 14 more than the target due to his bout with plantar fasciitis.

2. Nets C Brook Lopez had 26 points in Game 4 and has topped 20 in each game. He is averaging 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocked shots.

3. Bulls PG Kirk Hinrich had 18 points and 14 assists in Game 4 after totaling just nine assists over the first three games.

Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks (-2, 186)

Pacers lead best-of-seven series 2-1.

The Atlanta Hawks were dominated physically in the first two games of the series and had little hope of stopping anything the Indiana Pacers were doing offensively. Coming home seemed to rejuvenate the Hawks in a strong Game 3 performance, and they will be looking to even up the best-of-seven series when they host the Pacers again on Monday. Al Horford led the way as Atlanta went to a bigger lineup and slowed the pace.

The Hawks stifled Indiana in the half court and held it to 27.2 percent shooting in Game 3, including 4-of-25 from beyond the arc. That was a far cry from the first two contests, when the Pacers totaled 220 points and looked like they were on their way to an easy series sweep. Atlanta’s bigger lineup put Josh Smith on Paul George defensively, and the Pacers’ star had some trouble dealing with the added length. The Hawks had that game in hand at the half and gained some momentum going forward.

ABOUT THE PACERS: It’s Indiana’s turn to regroup after a dismal performance. The Pacers’ starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined to shoot 2-for-15 while reserve guards D.J. Augustin and Orlando Johnson backed them up with a combined 0-for-9 effort. “They came out with a lot of energy, put us on our heels early, and the rest is history,” Hill told reporters. “We turned the ball over a lot and we weren’t getting to the places that we want to get to on the offensive end.” The Hawks made an obvious effort to play with more aggression and Indiana did not respond well to the increased physicality. George posted a triple-double in Game 1 and went for 27 points in Game 2 but was held to 16 on 4-of-11 shooting on Saturday in Atlanta.

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Petro’s move into the starting lineup and the extended use of Ivan Johnson off the bench in the center spot allowed Horford to focus on the offensive end in Game 3. Petro returned home to Miami on Sunday for the birth of his child but is expected to be back in time for Monday’s game. The rotation change also benefited Kyle Korver, who struggled going up directly against George in the first two games as the starter but was free to focus more on the offensive end off the bench and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. The 54-30 halftime lead marked the franchise record for the fewest points allowed in the first half of a playoff game, and included a key play that Atlanta’s players pointed to after the game. Horford was taken down by a flagrant foul in the second quarter and point guard Jeff Teague rushed to his defense, shoving Indiana forward David West and refusing to back down.

TRENDS:

* Pacers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Over is 9-1 in Pacers’ last 10 games following a loss.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hawks have won 12 straight over the Pacers in Atlanta.

2. West (7-for-14) and Ian Mahinmi (1-for-2) were the only Indiana players to shoot at least 50 percent from the field on Saturday.

3. Horford’s 26 points and 16 rebounds in Game 3 marked the first time an Atlanta player had reached at least 25 and 15 in a playoff game since Dikembe Mutombo in 1997.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets (+1.5, 206.5)

Thunder lead best-of-seven series 3-0.

The Oklahoma City Thunder found a way to win without Russell Westbrook and now look to finish off the host Houston Rockets in Monday’s Game 4. The Thunder learned Saturday that Westbrook is done for the postseason after undergoing knee surgery and they edged the Rockets later that night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference best-of-seven series. Houston recovered from a 26-point deficit to take the lead before succumbing 104-101.

The Rockets are attempting to avoid the sweep and they are lamenting missed opportunities in two of the first three games. “You’ve got to find a way to win these games,” forward Chandler Parsons said after the Game 3 loss. “I think we are learning a lot and growing a lot right now but it is very frustrating. We feel we should be up 2-1 right now and yet we’re down 0-3.” Oklahoma City standout Kevin Durant matched his personal playoff career high with 41 points and hit the decisive 3-pointer while taking 30 shots with Westbrook out. “I just go out there on the court and I knew I had to give it my all no matter what,” Durant said afterward. “That’s what I’m going to do for however many more games we have to play.”

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Second-year guard Reggie Jackson had 14 points in 25 minutes while making his first career start due to Westbrook’s injury. He went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, including two big ones with eight seconds left to provide the final margin. “Reggie did a terrific job,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks. “I’m proud of him, I’m proud of the way he played. He kept his composure during some tough moments of the game.” Durant took over much of the ball-handling responsibilities to take the pressure off Jackson and veteran Derek Fisher spelled Jackson and scored nine points in 24 minutes off the bench.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Veteran swingman Francisco Garcia provided a boost by scoring 18 points in 32 minutes off the bench in Game 3. Garcia shadowed Durant most of the second half after Durant scored at will in the first half with 27 points. Garcia figures to again receive a lot of minutes in Game 4 with Houston’s season on the line. Standout James Harden scored 30 points and is averaging 28.7 points in the series but also missed five free throws in Game 3. He shot 85.1 percent from the free-throw line in the regular season. Harden has two 30-point games in the series and three in his career.

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games.
* Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Rockets’ last four overall.
* Under is 8-2-1 in Thunder’s last 11 road games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Houston has made 30 3-pointers in the series but is shooting just 27.8 percent from behind the arc.

2. Thunder PF Serge Ibaka had 17 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3 for his second double-double of the series.

3. Rockets PG Jeremy Lin (chest) is questionable for Game 4. He attempted to play Saturday but left after 18 ineffective minutes.

2013 NBA Playoffs

After winning first two games at home by 17-15 points, Pacers lost by 21 in Game 3, shooting 27.2% from floor; their subs were 6-33 in game they trailed by 24 at half. Home side won all seven Atlanta-Indiana games this season; Pacers lost its visits to Atlanta this year, by 3-9-21 points, with five of seven in series going over total. Atlanta is 3-7 in its last ten games overall, with six of last eight going over total. Horford had 26 points, 16 boards in Game 3. Under is 16-14-1 in playoffs, 8-6-1 in Eastern Conference.

Five of seven Chicago-Brooklyn games this season were decided by 4 or less points or in OT; Nets led by 14 with 3:00 in Game 4, lost in triple OT- how do they bounce back here? Robinson scored 29 points in last 27:00 of Game 4, as Chicago bench outscored the Brooklyn subs 55-22. Home favorites are 13-9 vs spread league-wide so far in playoffs, 7-5 in Eastern Conference. Nets took 16 more FTs than Chicago last game but missed 16 of 45- only series game they won, Brooklyn shot 55.8% from floor- they shot 35.4/34.6/49.5% in losing last three games.

Westbrook is out for year; Thunder scored 105-104 points in winning last two games, after scoring 119+ in last four wins vs Houston, which rallied back from down 17 at half but still fell short. Fisher (+14) split PG with BC alum Jackson (-9) for OC, which held Rockets to 12-37 on arc (30-108 in series). Durant was 13-30 from floor last game, scored 41 points, with Ibaka next with 17. For OC to win next series, they'll need to develop another consistent scoring threat (Martin?). Lin played only 18 minutes last game, so he is hurting; Rockets can't stop Durant, so if they win this game, their season ends in Game 5.

Armadillosports.com

Monday's Playoff Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

The Heat and Spurs have already advanced to the second round with sweeps, as the Bulls and Thunder are looking to join that class tonight with victories. Chicago heads to Brooklyn after its epic triple-overtime triumph on Saturday, while Oklahoma City battles Houston at the Toyota Center. We'll begin in Atlanta as the Pacers look to rebound from a horrible performance in Game 3.

Pacers at Hawks (-1½, 186)

This series hasn't been very competitive even though Atlanta has a chance to even things up at 2-2 with a home win tonight. The Hawks routed the Pacers from start to finish on Saturday night, 90-69 to cash easily as two-point favorites. Indiana shot a dreadful 27% from the field, while putting up just 30 points in the first half. Atlanta actually shot its worst percentage from the floor in the series (42%), but Al Horford stepped up with a 26-point, 16-rebound effort to give the Hawks their 12th straight home victory over the Pacers.

Now, Indiana needs to find a way to win in Atlanta for the first time since 2007, while its starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined to shoot 2-of-15 for seven points in Game 3. In six of the last seven visits to Philips Arena, the Pacers have been limited to 93 points or below. Since Frank Vogel took over as head coach in 2011, Indiana has won just three of eight road postseason games, with two of those victories coming against Orlando in the opening round last season.

The Hawks snapped a seven-game ATS skid at home with Saturday's blowout, while posting a 7-2 mark to the 'under' the last nine contests at Philips Arena. Since Game 2 of the first round in 2010, Atlanta owns an incredible 13-2 record to the 'under' at home, with the two 'overs' hitting against Chicago in 2011 on totals of 178.

Bulls at Nets (-5½, 180)

Even though this is the early tip-off tonight, we had to give them some more to time to breathe after Saturday's incredible comeback by Chicago. Even though it took three overtimes, the Bulls rallied from a late 14-point deficit thanks to Nate Robinson's one-man show, scoring 29 points in the final 17 minutes to win 142-134. Chicago may have buried Brooklyn with a 3-1 series edge, but the Nets can send the series back to the United Center with a victory tonight.

Back to Saturday's classic, as the game cashed the 'over' for the first time since Game 1, but don't be misled by the final score. Things were tied at 111-111 at the end of regulation, the first time since 2010 these two teams each eclipsed the 100-point mark in a meeting. Both clubs shot well on Saturday, but the Nets doomed themselves with a 29-of-45 performance from the charity stripe.

The Bulls cashed as 2½-point favorites on Saturday, but no team has covered in consecutive games in this series. Does that mean an automatic look at Brooklyn tonight? The Nets own a modest 4-0 ATS record the last four games off an ATS loss, while winning each of their last three home games off a defeat by an average of eight points. Since the All-Star break, the Bulls are a coin-toss proposition as a road 'dog, posting an 8-8 ATS mark.

Thunder (-1½, 206) at Rockets

Oklahoma City's chance at repeating as Western Conference champions took a major hit with Russell Westbrook's knee injury, which sidelines the All-Star guard for the remainder of the postseason. However, the Thunder is one win away from advancing to the second round after holding off the Rockets on Saturday, 104-101 to take a commanding 3-0 series advantage.

The victory didn't come without drama, as OKC squandered a 26-point edge, but Kevin Durant stepped up by scoring 41 points, including a divine intervention three-pointer to put the Thunder up for good in the final minute. The game finished shy of the 206 ½-point total, even though the two teams combined for 115 points in the opening half. The Rockets received solid performances off the bench from Francisco Garcia and Carlos Delfino, who combined to knock down seven three-pointers, but Houston shot just 12-of-37 from long-distance.

Jeremy Lin is listed as questionable with a chest injury that limited the Rockets' guard to two points in 18 minutes of Game 3. All three games of this series have finished 'under' the total, but Game 1 and Game 3 each ended three points shy of an 'over.' This is only the third time the Thunder has been listed as a road favorite in the playoffs, winning against the Lakers and Mavericks last postseason. The Rockets are 11-2 to the 'under' the last 13 home contests, with the two 'overs' coming against defenseless Sacramento and Orlando.