NBA Playoff Betting News – 19 Burning Questions
By Doug Upstone
Who was that skeptic who said the first round of the playoffs is often dull and boring and the real tournament doesn't start until the second round? (That would be me) I might ultimately be right that all strong majorities of the favorites might advance, however I'm still wiping the egg off my face about how the underdogs performed Saturday and Sunday.
The team catching points covered the spread seven of eight games, which includes three double digit pooches beating the oddsmakers' numbers. Atlanta, Memphis and New Orleans were all unlikely straight up winners which really gave the opening weekend a NCAA Tournament feel, without the elimination aspect.
As we head into the second game of each series (which shouldn't take more than a week to complete), here are the questions bettors have to asking themselves.
Philadelphia at Miami
The Sixers proved they could play with the Heat, built a big lead and had a strong finish to cover, but if Miami plays all out, can Philly score? Will the Heat players be smarter in shot selection since they actually scored four fewer field goals than the 76ers, but had as many people parading to the free throw line as there are in at post offices across the country today for Tax Day? (Bonus question – Will D-Wade overcome migraines to play?)
Indiana at Chicago
Indiana did everything right for 45 minutes but looked like a student just out of college trying to close his first sale in a new job. Can the Pacers bring same level of skill and close the deal to go back home squared at 1-1?
Chicago played like the Lakers, watching Derrick Rose most of the game and was mindless on defense for all but a few minutes. Will the Bulls be sharper and play at least half a game with intensity?
New York at Boston
The Celtics were lucky as Ray Allen bailed them out with game winner. Will Boston continue to struggle in half court offense or will Rajon Rondo return to prior form?
What the heck (PG rated) was Carmelo Anthony thinking on taking that last three point shot to end the game? Was there any reason not to take the orange to the rim and throw up a shot and see if official makes foul call? Can the Knicks defense play any better? Atlanta at Orlando
When you are 5-20 ATS on the playoff road, why would anyone take Atlanta in first contest? The Hawks amazingly were the more balanced squad and shot 51.4 percent. Will Atlanta be satisfied to take just one and get blown out in Game 2? Should coach Stan Van Gundy consider cloning Dwight Howard before next outing, as players not named Howard or Jameer Nelson totaled 20 points in the opening game loss?
Portland at Dallas
It's fairly uncommon to have 10 more shot opportunities than your opponent and lose a game by almost double digits, but when you are outscored 33-6 from behind the arc, it will happen. Will Portland do a better job making outside shots and defend the perimeter?
Can Dallas really expect to win even the next encounter if Jason Kidd has to score 24 points to give the Mavericks having a working margin?
Denver at Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City won opening tilt because Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook put up a sick 72 points. Can the Thunder win again when their foreign players with all the vowels combine to score five points?
Denver has lost four of five to OKC this season (2-3 ATS); do they now have a mental barrier about defeating the Thunder?
Memphis at San Antonio
Even with the victory, Memphis is 1-12 in the playoffs. Is there a more effective player in the NBA than 6'9 Zach Randolph whom I'm not sure can touch the rim anymore?
No question not having Manu Ginobili affected San Antonio, but where has the defense gone? (Grizz shot 55.2%)
New Orleans at L.A. Lakers
Before this series began, the question was do the Lakers have any guard on the roster that can even slow down Chris Paul? This question already has an answer and Phil Jackson will have to filter CP3 to other areas of the floor where L.A. bigs are in position to stifle Paul. Did you know the Lakers were outscored 52-34 in the paint in Game 1? The Lake Show in big trouble unless they reverse those numbers.