NBA Playoff Picks and Predictions for Monday
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their NBA picks and predictions for Monday, April 27.
Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat, 7:05PM ET
During the past two Miami Heat games, Jermaine O'Neal has gotten poked in the face, kicked in the leg and knocked on his back.
He's enjoyed every bit.
It's no coincidence that the two Heat wins in this Eastern Conference first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks came in O'Neal's best games with Miami. Looking every bit the All-Star of old, O'Neal combined for 41 points and 16 rebounds in those contests, and it's him - not Dwyane Wade - that has the Hawks befuddled entering Monday's critical Game 4.
And for the first time since 2006, when Wade and that other O'Neal - Shaq - were teamed up, Miami has the second round in sight.
NBA Free Pick: Miami | Best Line: -4.5 Sports Interaction
Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Hornets, 8:05PM ET
Byron Scott figures he can no longer afford the luxury of resting his All-Star point guard.
Chris Paul played 46 minutes in the Hornets' 95-93 victory in Game 3 of New Orleans' first-round playoff series with the Denver Nuggets.
Barring foul trouble, Paul's stamina will be tested as much, if not more, in Game 4 on Monday night. His teammates are counting on it.
``It's the playoffs. There's nothing to save and Chris is such a passionate player, he wants to be out there,'' Hornets center Tyson Chandler said after practice on Sunday. ``It's like you almost have to peal him off the court. He does a good job of letting coaches know when he's really gassed so he can get a breather and get back out there.''
Paul did not speak to reporters after Sunday's practice.
He played about 34 minutes in Game 1 and 38 minutes in Game 2. The Hornets lost both games by double digits.
NBA Free Pick: Denver | Best Line: +2.5 Sports Interaction
Here is tonight's playoff card for the forum (gratis)
NBA Playoffs:
1/2* NO Hornets -2 8:35 EST Best Bet!
NHL Playoffs:
1/4* Calgary Flames $line -120 8:05 EST
1/2* Anaheim Ducks +110 10:35 EST Best Bet!
Keep it real, and make it FUN!
Hook