NBA Handicapping Predictions – Thunder vs Heat
Two times Oklahoma City has had a very realistic shot of winning a game in Miami and two straight times they have come up empty.
Two times Oklahoma City has had a very realistic shot of winning a game in Miami and two straight times they have come up empty.
Oklahoma City had a double digit lead in the third quarter of Game Three, but they gave it away and lost control of the series.
The NBA Finals have an interesting format change from the rest of the playoffs. The first two games were played in Oklahoma City, but the next three are played in Miami.
Miami controlled the first half of Game One, but Oklahoma City controlled the second half.
Game One of the NBA Finals tips off Tuesday night in Oklahoma City. The matchup so many people wanted has come true.
The Boston Celtics had a chance to finish out this series at home in Game Six, but LeBron James and the Heat absolutely dismantled the Celtics from the opening tip.
The Boston Celtics went to Miami and shocked the basketball world by winning Game Five. Now, the veteran Celtics have a chance to close it out at home in Game Six.
The Spurs won 20 straight games, but now they have lost three in a row and they are on the brink of elimination. Oklahoma City is a young team who appears to be coming of age right before our eyes in the playoffs.
This series is all tied up at 2 games apiece since the Celtics won both games at home and the Heat are not only at home tonight, but they may get Chris Bosh back in the lineup.
The Western Conference Finals are living up to the hype. Both teams took care of business on their home court and we are all level at two games apiece. Now, it’s time for a pivotal Game Five. Which team can stick their nose out in front?
Oklahoma City stormed (pun intended) to a massive Game Three win on Thursday night. It was a must win game for the Thunder, and they clearly had gotten the message.
The San Antonio Spurs dominated Game Two to take a 2-0 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
Oklahoma City led by nine early in the fourth quarter, but the San Antonio Spurs kicked it into high gear and won their 19th straight game Sunday night in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.
The Heat are big favorites tonight and to win this series facing the Celtics, but this season Boston beat Miami in 3 of 4 games.
It’s one of the most anticipated playoff series’ in years. Oklahoma City is an up and coming young team full of talent.
The Philadelphia 76ers evened up this series with a win Wednesday night. The eighth seeded 76ers have pushed this game to the brink.
NBA Basketball Matchup: #8 Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) vs. #4 Boston Celtics (3-3)
Date/Time: May 26, 8:00 PM EST on ABC
NBA Gambling Odds from BetDSI
NBA Betting Favorite: Celtics -5.5
Over/Under: 170.5
Can the young Sixers upend the heavily favored Celtics in Game Seven? The oddsmakers have the veteran Celtics favored by 5.5.
Let’s take a closer look at this critical Game Seven in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Doug Collins’ team has shown that they are extremely scrappy, but this will be a major test for them on the road in a deciding Game Seven. Boston knows how to win Game Seven’s, so the 76ers will have to play their best.
When Philadelphia has won in this series it has been largely due to their terrific defense. The 76ers were ranked in the top five in defense in the NBA all year, and most people don’t realize how solid this group is on the defensive end. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
They have controlled the boards in most of the games, and they are getting out and running whenever they have the opportunity. Philadelphia needs big games out of their point-forwards Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner.
Both of these guys have unique skill sets and they are tough matchups for the Celtics.
Boston led 36-33 at halftime in Game Six, but they looked terrible in the second half. The Celtics looked tired and slow against the young Sixers. The two days of rest before Game Seven will certainly help the Celtics, but they must come out focused and ready to go.
Boston shot a miserable 33.3% from the floor in Game Six. Brandon Bass was the hero in Game Five, but he was just 4 for 14 from the floor in Game Six. Rajon Rondo was 4 for 14, and he only had six assists. Only Kevin Garnett has consistently produced on the offensive end throughout this series.
Rondo must be fully engaged, and Paul Pierce needs to be aggressive getting to the rim if the Celtics are going to win this one.
The Celtics know this is one of their last chances to win with the current group, and I expect them to pull out a close win. Still, the best value is likely the under in what I expect to be a tight game.
Free NBA Pick: Under 170.5