NBA Playoff Betting Odds and Preview Capsules: April 21
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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!
7)Los Angeles Lakers (45-37 SU, 34-46-2 ATS) vs. 2)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.
8)Houston Rockets (45-37 SU, 34-46-2 ATS) vs. 1)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.