Sunday's NBA Playoff Action: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com
Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers (-2.5, 174)
Philadelphia leads series 2-1
THE STORY: It is quickly becoming clear that the Chicago Bulls may not have enough offense to advance in the playoffs without Derrick Rose. The Bulls fell apart in the fourth quarter on Friday, getting outscored 28-14 in the period en route to a 79-74 loss. The Philadelphia 76ers are taking advantage of Rose’s absence by turning to their backcourt for offense. Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner have keyed the offense as the 76ers have taken back-to-back games.
ABOUT THE BULLS: No. 1 seed Chicago dominated Game 1 behind Rose but has been an entirely different team the past two games as their star sits with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Fellow All-Star Luol Deng has failed to step up in Rose’s place, totaling 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting over the last two games. The Bulls went 2 for 18 from the floor and missed all four of their free throw attempts in the final 9:33 on Friday, squandering a 14-point lead. Making matters worse, Joakim Noah went down with a sprained left ankle in the third quarter. He returned to the fourth but was noticeably hobbled. Noah left the arena on crutches, with his ankle in an air cast, and his status for Sunday‘s Game 4 is uncertain.
ABOUT THE 76ERS: Philadelphia is firmly in control of the series at this point, ready to grab a commanding 3-1 lead at home on Sunday. Holiday and Turner have been the key the last two games, averaging a combined 39 points. Spencer Hawes stepped up with 21 points and nine rebounds in Game 3 and Lou Williams has picked up his pace off the bench in the two wins. Coach Doug Collins made a switch to his lineup after Game 1, inserting Hawes and Turner into the starting five. Those moves, combined with an injury-weakened opponent, have sparked the 76ers on offense.
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings in Philadelphia.
* Over is 14-5-1 in the last 20 meetings.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The 74 points on Friday were the fewest ever allowed by Philadelphia in the postseason.
2. The Bulls went 6 for 24 from the field in the fourth quarter of Game 3.
3. 76ers F Andre Iguodala has played through an Achilles injury in the series and slumped to five points on 2-of-9 shooting Friday.
Miami Heat at New York Knicks (+8, 183)
Miami leads the series 3-0
THE STORY: The Miami Heat are within a game of advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Heat have dominated the first three games against the New York Knicks, setting the tone on the defensive end and getting out in transition with ease. The Knicks are dealing with a pair of major injuries to their starting five and Carmelo Anthony has struggled to find a rhythm offensively under relentless pressure. The Heat will go for the sweep Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami took a while to get going Thursday but LeBron James put the team on his back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Knicks by himself in the period en route to an 87-70 triumph. James, who got a rude reception from the Madison Square Garden crowd, finished with 32 points and eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade is averaging 21.3 points in the series and Miami has had supporting players step up in each of the three contests. Mike Miller and Shane Battier were strong in the first two games and Mario Chalmers took over in Game 3, burying five 3-pointers to stretch the floor for James and Wade.
ABOUT THE KNICKS: Amar'e Stoudemire (hand) is doubtful for Friday and Jeremy Lin (knee) is still not ready to return, leaving Anthony and J.R. Smith as the main scoring threats for New York. The Knicks used the home crowd to gather some momentum in Game 3, carrying a lead into the half, but could not withstand the defensive pressure in the second half and crumbled down the stretch. Anthony scored 22 points but shot just 7 for 23 from the field in Game 3. He is shooting 34.3 percent (22 for 64) in the series. Only three players reached double figures in the Game 3 loss and New York has been beaten by an average of 20 points in the series.
TRENDS:
* Heat are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in New York.
* Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings.
* Heat are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in New York.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Knicks have lost 13 straight postseason games, breaking the NBA record for playoff futility.
2. New York C Tyson Chandler was given the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award prior to Game 3. James finished fourth in the balloting.
3. The Heat were a combined plus-32 on Thursday when James, Wade and Bosh were on the court together.
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics (-5.5, 172)
Boston leads series 2-1
THE STORY: Rajon Rondo made his presence felt in his return from suspension and seeks another memorable performance when the Boston Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference series on Sunday. Rondo etched his seventh career playoff triple-double to fuel a 90-84 overtime victory on Friday as the Celtics took a 2-1 lead. Atlanta forward Josh Smith remains questionable with a knee injury after missing Game 3. Boston has won the last two games.
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Atlanta was so shorthanded in the frontcourt in Game 3 that Tracy McGrady spent most of his season-high 41 minutes playing power forward and center Erick Dampier racked up more than 22 minutes after playing less than 10 minutes total over the final five-plus weeks of the season. Joe Johnson (29 points) and Jeff Teague (23) did their best to rally the Hawks in the fourth quarter, but Boston was stronger in the overtime. “There were a few possessions it seemed no one could score,” Johnson said. “We definitely felt like we let one get away. We felt like this was our chance to get one.”
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Rondo had 17 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and four steals in a terrific performance. Rondo has 20 career triple-doubles and Boston has a 19-1 record in those contests. Jason Kidd (11) is the only active player with more career playoff triple-doubles. Rondo also scored Boston’s first four points of overtime in his return from a one-game suspension for bumping official Marc Davis. “I felt good about all the shots I took,” Rondo said. “My teammates told me to stay aggressive.” Paul Pierce hit all 14 of his free-throw attempts and scored 21 points and Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
TRENDS:
* Hawks are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Boston.
* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Boston.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Pierce will play in his 109th playoff game Sunday, tying Bob Cousy and Dennis Johnson for 10th on Boston’s all-time list.
2. McGrady scored 10 of his 12 points in Game 3 in the second quarter before tweaking an ankle and later returning.
3. Boston guard Ray Allen (ankle) had 13 points in his first outing since April 10.
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets (-2, 201)
Los Angeles leads series 2-1
THE STORY: The Denver Nuggets have guaranteed themselves a return trip to Los Angeles, but making the flight may not be futile unless they can take down the visiting Lakers for a second straight time when the teams meet in Game 4 of their Western Conference playoff series on Sunday. After losing twice in Los Angeles, the Nuggets cut the series deficit to 2-1 with an impressive 99-84 victory Friday night, blitzing the Lakers early and standing tall late to fend off a comeback.
ABOUT THE LAKERS: A pair of unsettling themes plagued Los Angeles in Game 3. Superstar guard Kobe Bryant continued to shoot like he's playing in a wind tunnel at the Pepsi Center. Bryant was a mere 7 of 23 from the floor, following up two regular-season games in Denver in which he shot a combined 13 of 51. That equals a wretched 27 percent in three games in the Mile High City. Meanwhile, center Andrew Bynum pulled a perplexing disappearing act in the first half, failing to score as the undersized Nuggets built an early 24-point lead. Bynum did finish with a double-double (18 points, 12 rebounds), but the first-half no-show was a pivotal factor.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS: While point guard Ty Lawson scored 25 points and was the catalyst for Denver's spectacular start that including a 28-2 blitz spanning the first and second quarters, Denver received massive contributions from rookie forward Kenneth Faried and backup center JaVale McGee in Game 3. The 6-foot-8 Faried, known as the "Manimal," went toe-to-toe with Los Angeles’ twin towers Bynum and Pau Gasol and emerged with 12 points and 15 rebounds. McGee, who was acquired from the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline for veteran center Nene, also had a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds to go with four blocked shots to help Denver to a 54-44 edge on the backboards.
TRENDS:
* Nuggets are 10-4-1 ATS in their 15 playoff games as favorites.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Denver.
* Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last four playoff games as underdogs.
* Under is 10-3 in Denver's last 13 games as a favorite.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. McGee has three double-doubles since he was acquired by Denver and two have come against the Lakers.
2. Los Angeles received only nine points from its bench compared to 39 for the Nuggets.
3. Nuggets F Al Harrington suffered a fractured nose when he was elbowed by Bynum. He said he plans to play in Game 4 but may be forced to wear a mask.
NBA Playoff Sunday: Who Will and Won't Play
By Covers.com
It's a star-studded Sunday of NBA playoffs, but how many stars will actually suit up?
The injury bug is really taking its toll, and we're not even through the first round. Here's the latest injury info on key players:
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls' center has a severely sprained left ankle. He is not expected to play Sunday in Game 4, or even make it back during the series. Noah left Saturday's film session on crutches and did not speak to reporters.
Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks: Atlanta's versatile big man, who missed Game 3 with a knee injury, said he plans to play Sunday "[unless] I fall down the escalator and re-injure something." Smith did not practice Saturday but is fully expected to start over Marvin Williams.
Amare Stoudemire, New York Knicks: The frustrated forward practiced Saturday and is listed as both doubtful and a game-time decision, barring any further bouts with fire extinguisher cases. "The looked pretty good out here on the floor," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "But again, it's not my decision. It's going to be the doctor's and his decision." Stoudemire would have to play with a large bandage on his hand, if he did try it.
Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets: Andrew Bynum's elbow broke his nose in Game 3 on Friday, but Harrington, who averaged 14.2 points in the regular season, expects to play Sunday. "I think I’m going to have to wear a mask," he said. "If it’s real uncomfortable, I’ll probably just play without it. We’ll see."
Sunday Playoff Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Sunday NBA playoff card showcases four games, including one team that can advance to the second round with a victory. The Heat has trounced the Knicks in each of the first three matchups, as Miami goes for the sweep of New York. We'll start in the City of Brotherly Love as the 76ers look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the top-seeded Bulls.
Bulls at 76ers
This series turned on a dime when Derrick Rose ripped his left ACL in the series opening win over Philadelphia. The Sixers took advantage of last season's MVP being out with consecutive victories over the Bulls, including a stunning comeback in Friday's 79-74 triumph. Philadelphia can put this series out of reach with a win on Sunday, but duplicating Friday's rally may be tough.
The Sixers overcame a 14-point second half deficit, while outscoring the Bulls, 28-14 in the final quarter. With Rose out indefinitely, Chicago hopes not to lose another starter in Game 4 as Joakim Noah left the game with a sprained ankle. After dropping 109 points in the Game 2 blowout, the Sixers were limited to 34% shooting from the floor and just 1-for-14 from three-point range. However, Richard Hamilton, C.J. Watson, and John Lucas combined to shoot 8-for-31 from the field for 29 points, as Evan Turner, Jrue Holiday, and Lou Williams put together 47 points as a unit.
Philadelphia owns a 2-5 SU/ATS record the last seven games at home off a win, which includes Friday's victory. The Bulls fell to 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS after squandering Game 3 in the role of a road team coming off a loss, as Chicago will try to get back on track in Sunday's Game 4.
Heat at Knicks
This series has been a complete mismatch from the start, as Miami is one victory away from returning to the conference semifinals. Each of the Heat's first three victories has come by double-digits, including an 87-70 rout of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Thursday's Game 3 as 5½-point favorites.
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Amar'e Stoudemire sat out Game 3 after using a glass casing holding a fire extinguisher as a punching bag, lacerating his left hand in the process. Miami's defense suffocated New York's inconsistent offense by holding the Knicks to just 30 second half points, while the Heat drilled 11 treys in the blowout. LeBron James led the Heat with 32 points, as Carmelo Anthony's 22 points on 7-for-23 shooting wasn't enough, keeping the Knicks winless in the postseason since 2001.
The Knicks own a 1-3 SU/ATS record as a home underdog off a loss this season, but New York has won and covered three straight at home following a home defeat. Miami is 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS the last four opportunities on the highway off a road win, while putting together a 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS ledger last postseason when looking to advance.
Hawks at Celtics
Atlanta forced overtime in Game 3 by rallying from an 11-point deficit with seven minutes remaining in regulation. The Hawks came up short in the extra session, but covered as eight-point road underdogs in a 90-84 defeat. Boston has an opportunity to grab a 3-1 series lead on Sunday, as the Celtics were helped out in Game 3 by receiving two starters back in the lineup.
Rajon Rondo missed the Game 2 win in Atlanta after being suspended for bumping an official in the series opener, but the All-Star point guard put up another triple-double for the Celtics (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists). Ray Allen came off the bench to chip in 13 points after sitting out the first two contests in this series due to a lingering ankle injury. Joe Johnson knocked down the game-tying three-pointer to send the game into OT, but the Hawks' leading scorer shot just 11-for-28 from the field for a game-high 29 points.
Atlanta has cashed in four of the last five chances on the road off a loss, including in Friday's Game 3. The series finally saw its first 'over,' after the 'under' hit in the first two contests, as the 'over' barely came through at 173½ thanks to the extra five minutes on Friday.
Lakers at Nuggets
Denver returning home to the Pepsi Center down 2-0 seemed like a good play as 3½-point favorites, as the Nuggets ran away from the Lakers late in a 99-84 victory. George Karl's team is creeping back into the series now trailing 2-1 heading into Game 4, as the Nuggets received balanced scoring on Friday.
Six Nuggets finished in double-figures, including a game-high 25-point effort from Ty Lawson. The bench contributed solid numbers, as Javale McGee put together his most complete effort since getting acquired from Washington by scoring 16 points and pulling down 15 rebounds in Game 3. Kobe Bryant put in 22 points on 7-for-23 from the floor, while the Lakers' bench tallied a grand total of nine points.
The Lakers are 1-4 ATS the last five road games as an underdog, as all four defeats have come by double-digits. Denver owns a dreadful 3-7 SU and 1-9 ATS mark the previous 10 home contests coming off a victory.
NBA Preview
Bulls @ 76ers (2-1) -- Can't lose player like Rose and not feel it; now Noah is likely to miss this game, huge blow for Chicago team that led Game 2 by 8 at half, but got blitzed 36-14 in 3rd quarter, then led last game 60-51 in 4th quarter, and lost that game too. Bulls have now lost four of last five games in this gym. Holiday seems to enjoy playing a lot more with Rose out of action-- he had 17 points in Game 3 brickfest, where both teams shot less than 38%, with 76ers outscoring Bulls 26-14 on foul line.
Heat (3-0) @ Knicks -- Knicks are 0-6 vs Miami this season, losing by 10-8-14-33-10-17 points- they're 2-13 overall in last 15 series games, losing five of last six played here, with six points closest of four losses. New York led Game 3 by 4 at half, but got crushed 51-30 in second half, as reality set in-- when Novak plays 43 minutes in last two games and only takes five shots, what else does he do? Seven of last eight series games stayed under total. Miami gets some time off with a win here.
Celtics @ Hawks -- Boston PG Rondo had triple/double Friday after he had been suspended for Game 2; Celtics had 22-12 edge from foul line. Hawks are 4-5 in last nine visits here, losing in OT in both visits to this gym this season. Celtics are 7-38 outside arc in three games. Johnson is just 21-60 from the floor in series; hard for Hawks to advance when its older subs, McGrady (41 minutes), Dampier (22) played lot more than they're used to Friday. Atlanta shot under 38% last couple games.
Nuggets @ Lakers -- Denver raced out to 35-14 lead in Game 3, held off Lakers, now try to even series- they're 2-5 against the Lakers this year, but 7-4 in last 11 series games played here; LA is just 14-57 from arc in series. Nuggets' bench outscored LA's 39-9 in Game 3; McGee had 16 points, 15 boards and was +30 in 28:00 on floor (they were -15 when he was off floor). Weird thing about this series is road team took more foul shots in all three games. Denver had only six turnovers Friday.
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CHICAGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
MIAMI vs. NEW YORK
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 9 games
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
ATLANTA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA LAKERS vs. DENVER
LA Lakers are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Denver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Chicago at Philadelphia
Chicago: 9-0 ATS off BB ATS losses
Philadelphia: 14-31 ATS as home favorite of 6 pts or less
Miami at New York
Miami: 21-11 Under off BB wins
New York: 26-12 ATS off a home loss scoring less than 80 points
Atlanta at Boston
Atlanta: 13-4 ATS Away w/ same season revenge
Boston: 17-5 Over at home off win by 6 pts or less
LA Lakers at Denver
LA Lakers: 11-22 ATS in road games
Denver: 8-1 ATS playing only 2nd game in 5 nights