NBA Betting: Nowitzki, Mavericks feeling the Heat
The Dallas Mavericks are feeling the Heat heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. They lost the opener and also suffered a fourth quarter injury to star forward Dirk Nowitzki.
The Miami Heat are identical 4 ½-point home favorites for Game 2 with a total of 186 points. ABC will have the broadcast at 6:00 p.m. (PT).
Miami has also jumped to a huge 330 series favorite after opening at 175.
Dallas dropped Tuesday’s opener 92-84 as 4 ½-point road ‘dogs. It was a four-point game (77-73) with under four minutes remaining, but Miami’s stars proved too much down the stretch once again.
The 176 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point total. The ‘over’ was 6-0 in Miami previous six home games.
The Mavericks had their 5-game road winning streak snapped. They also failed to ‘cover’ after starting 6-0-1 against the spread in road playoff games.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s team has plenty of worrying signs, starting with Nowitzki who tore a tendon on the middle finger of his non-shooting hand. He scored a game-high 27 points, but was just 7-of-18 from the field (38.9 percent).
Nowitzki has carried the team in the playoffs so far, culminating with 32.2 PPG (55.7 percent shooting) last series against Oklahoma City. He’ll likely be forced to wear a splint, which shouldn’t affect his shooting too much, but could hurt his ability to catch the ball as well as dribbling.
Dallas’ big advantage coming into this series was its bench, but it shot just 4-of-22 (18.2 percent) from the field last game while getting outscored 27-17. Jason Terry (3-of-10) and Jose Juan Barea (1-of-8) were the main culprits, with many of the shots uncontested.
Rebounding was also an issue. Miami had 16 offensive rebounds compared to just six for Dallas. Miami was killed in that category last series against Chicago (70-35 differential overall).
Dallas center Tyson Chandler had just four rebounds last game in 34 minutes and was outplayed by his backup Brendan Haywood (seven rebounds in 14 minutes). Chandler needs to do a much job on Thursday. Nowitzki had eight boards in over 40 minutes and his injury could hinder him in corralling loose rebounds.
The Mavericks are now trailing in a series for the first time this postseason. However, they’re a veteran group that shouldn’t get rattled easily.
The Heat improved their postseason home record to 9-0 straight up. That includes ‘covers’ in the last six there. They’re 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five overall, taking four straight from the Bulls.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s guys had an interesting box score last game, getting a combined 65 points and 28 rebounds from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The other two starters, point guard Mike Bibby and center Joel Anthony, combined for a goose egg (zero points).
Bibby missed all four shots, each from beyond the arc and with Dallas basically daring him to shoot. He provides almost no value if he’s not shooting well, which is why backup Mario Chalmers got 28 minutes (12 points). Expect to see a lot of time from Chalmers going forward.
Udonis Haslem was also a key figure. The 6-foot-8 forward had seven points and six rebounds off the bench in 30 minutes. He was effective guarding Nowitzki, just as he was during the 2006 Finals. That’s impressive for a guy who missed almost all of the regular season with a foot injury.
The Heat are brimming with confidence in these late fourth quarter situations. Not only do they have multiple scoring options with their three superstars, but they also feel their lockdown defense can make the big stops when needed.
The series will shift to ‘Big D’ for Game 3 on Sunday. ABC will have the broadcast at an earlier 5:00 p.m. (PT). The Mavs can’t afford to fall behind 2-0 even though Miami rebounded from the same margin against them in the 2006 Finals.
The Dallas Mavericks are feeling the Heat heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. They lost the opener and also suffered a fourth quarter injury to star forward Dirk Nowitzki.
The Miami Heat are identical 4 ½-point home favorites for Game 2 with a total of 186 points. ABC will have the broadcast at 6:00 p.m. (PT).
Miami has also jumped to a huge 330 series favorite after opening at 175.
Dallas dropped Tuesday’s opener 92-84 as 4 ½-point road ‘dogs. It was a four-point game (77-73) with under four minutes remaining, but Miami’s stars proved too much down the stretch once again.
The 176 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point total. The ‘over’ was 6-0 in Miami previous six home games.
The Mavericks had their 5-game road winning streak snapped. They also failed to ‘cover’ after starting 6-0-1 against the spread in road playoff games.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s team has plenty of worrying signs, starting with Nowitzki who tore a tendon on the middle finger of his non-shooting hand. He scored a game-high 27 points, but was just 7-of-18 from the field (38.9 percent).
Nowitzki has carried the team in the playoffs so far, culminating with 32.2 PPG (55.7 percent shooting) last series against Oklahoma City. He’ll likely be forced to wear a splint, which shouldn’t affect his shooting too much, but could hurt his ability to catch the ball as well as dribbling.
Dallas’ big advantage coming into this series was its bench, but it shot just 4-of-22 (18.2 percent) from the field last game while getting outscored 27-17. Jason Terry (3-of-10) and Jose Juan Barea (1-of-8) were the main culprits, with many of the shots uncontested.
Rebounding was also an issue. Miami had 16 offensive rebounds compared to just six for Dallas. Miami was killed in that category last series against Chicago (70-35 differential overall).
Dallas center Tyson Chandler had just four rebounds last game in 34 minutes and was outplayed by his backup Brendan Haywood (seven rebounds in 14 minutes). Chandler needs to do a much job on Thursday. Nowitzki had eight boards in over 40 minutes and his injury could hinder him in corralling loose rebounds.
The Mavericks are now trailing in a series for the first time this postseason. However, they’re a veteran group that shouldn’t get rattled easily.
The Heat improved their postseason home record to 9-0 straight up. That includes ‘covers’ in the last six there. They’re 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five overall, taking four straight from the Bulls.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s guys had an interesting box score last game, getting a combined 65 points and 28 rebounds from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The other two starters, point guard Mike Bibby and center Joel Anthony, combined for a goose egg (zero points).
Bibby missed all four shots, each from beyond the arc and with Dallas basically daring him to shoot. He provides almost no value if he’s not shooting well, which is why backup Mario Chalmers got 28 minutes (12 points). Expect to see a lot of time from Chalmers going forward.
Udonis Haslem was also a key figure. The 6-foot-8 forward had seven points and six rebounds off the bench in 30 minutes. He was effective guarding Nowitzki, just as he was during the 2006 Finals. That’s impressive for a guy who missed almost all of the regular season with a foot injury.
The Heat are brimming with confidence in these late fourth quarter situations. Not only do they have multiple scoring options with their three superstars, but they also feel their lockdown defense can make the big stops when needed.
The series will shift to ‘Big D’ for Game 3 on Sunday. ABC will have the broadcast at an earlier 5:00 p.m. (PT). The Mavs can’t afford to fall behind 2-0 even though Miami rebounded from the same margin against them in the 2006 Finals.
NBA Betting: Nowitzki, Mavericks feeling the Heat
The Dallas Mavericks are feeling the Heat heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. They lost the opener and also suffered a fourth quarter injury to star forward Dirk Nowitzki.
The Miami Heat are identical 4 ½-point home favorites for Game 2 with a total of 186 points. ABC will have the broadcast at 6:00 p.m. (PT).
Miami has also jumped to a huge 330 series favorite after opening at 175.
Dallas dropped Tuesday’s opener 92-84 as 4 ½-point road ‘dogs. It was a four-point game (77-73) with under four minutes remaining, but Miami’s stars proved too much down the stretch once again.
The 176 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point total. The ‘over’ was 6-0 in Miami previous six home games.
The Mavericks had their 5-game road winning streak snapped. They also failed to ‘cover’ after starting 6-0-1 against the spread in road playoff games.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s team has plenty of worrying signs, starting with Nowitzki who tore a tendon on the middle finger of his non-shooting hand. He scored a game-high 27 points, but was just 7-of-18 from the field (38.9 percent).
Nowitzki has carried the team in the playoffs so far, culminating with 32.2 PPG (55.7 percent shooting) last series against Oklahoma City. He’ll likely be forced to wear a splint, which shouldn’t affect his shooting too much, but could hurt his ability to catch the ball as well as dribbling.
Dallas’ big advantage coming into this series was its bench, but it shot just 4-of-22 (18.2 percent) from the field last game while getting outscored 27-17. Jason Terry (3-of-10) and Jose Juan Barea (1-of-8) were the main culprits, with many of the shots uncontested.
Rebounding was also an issue. Miami had 16 offensive rebounds compared to just six for Dallas. Miami was killed in that category last series against Chicago (70-35 differential overall).
Dallas center Tyson Chandler had just four rebounds last game in 34 minutes and was outplayed by his backup Brendan Haywood (seven rebounds in 14 minutes). Chandler needs to do a much job on Thursday. Nowitzki had eight boards in over 40 minutes and his injury could hinder him in corralling loose rebounds.
The Mavericks are now trailing in a series for the first time this postseason. However, they’re a veteran group that shouldn’t get rattled easily.
The Heat improved their postseason home record to 9-0 straight up. That includes ‘covers’ in the last six there. They’re 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five overall, taking four straight from the Bulls.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s guys had an interesting box score last game, getting a combined 65 points and 28 rebounds from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The other two starters, point guard Mike Bibby and center Joel Anthony, combined for a goose egg (zero points).
Bibby missed all four shots, each from beyond the arc and with Dallas basically daring him to shoot. He provides almost no value if he’s not shooting well, which is why backup Mario Chalmers got 28 minutes (12 points). Expect to see a lot of time from Chalmers going forward.
Udonis Haslem was also a key figure. The 6-foot-8 forward had seven points and six rebounds off the bench in 30 minutes. He was effective guarding Nowitzki, just as he was during the 2006 Finals. That’s impressive for a guy who missed almost all of the regular season with a foot injury.
The Heat are brimming with confidence in these late fourth quarter situations. Not only do they have multiple scoring options with their three superstars, but they also feel their lockdown defense can make the big stops when needed.
The series will shift to ‘Big D’ for Game 3 on Sunday. ABC will have the broadcast at an earlier 5:00 p.m. (PT). The Mavs can’t afford to fall behind 2-0 even though Miami rebounded from the same margin against them in the 2006 Finals.
The Dallas Mavericks are feeling the Heat heading into Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night. They lost the opener and also suffered a fourth quarter injury to star forward Dirk Nowitzki.
The Miami Heat are identical 4 ½-point home favorites for Game 2 with a total of 186 points. ABC will have the broadcast at 6:00 p.m. (PT).
Miami has also jumped to a huge 330 series favorite after opening at 175.
Dallas dropped Tuesday’s opener 92-84 as 4 ½-point road ‘dogs. It was a four-point game (77-73) with under four minutes remaining, but Miami’s stars proved too much down the stretch once again.
The 176 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 188 ½-point total. The ‘over’ was 6-0 in Miami previous six home games.
The Mavericks had their 5-game road winning streak snapped. They also failed to ‘cover’ after starting 6-0-1 against the spread in road playoff games.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s team has plenty of worrying signs, starting with Nowitzki who tore a tendon on the middle finger of his non-shooting hand. He scored a game-high 27 points, but was just 7-of-18 from the field (38.9 percent).
Nowitzki has carried the team in the playoffs so far, culminating with 32.2 PPG (55.7 percent shooting) last series against Oklahoma City. He’ll likely be forced to wear a splint, which shouldn’t affect his shooting too much, but could hurt his ability to catch the ball as well as dribbling.
Dallas’ big advantage coming into this series was its bench, but it shot just 4-of-22 (18.2 percent) from the field last game while getting outscored 27-17. Jason Terry (3-of-10) and Jose Juan Barea (1-of-8) were the main culprits, with many of the shots uncontested.
Rebounding was also an issue. Miami had 16 offensive rebounds compared to just six for Dallas. Miami was killed in that category last series against Chicago (70-35 differential overall).
Dallas center Tyson Chandler had just four rebounds last game in 34 minutes and was outplayed by his backup Brendan Haywood (seven rebounds in 14 minutes). Chandler needs to do a much job on Thursday. Nowitzki had eight boards in over 40 minutes and his injury could hinder him in corralling loose rebounds.
The Mavericks are now trailing in a series for the first time this postseason. However, they’re a veteran group that shouldn’t get rattled easily.
The Heat improved their postseason home record to 9-0 straight up. That includes ‘covers’ in the last six there. They’re 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five overall, taking four straight from the Bulls.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s guys had an interesting box score last game, getting a combined 65 points and 28 rebounds from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The other two starters, point guard Mike Bibby and center Joel Anthony, combined for a goose egg (zero points).
Bibby missed all four shots, each from beyond the arc and with Dallas basically daring him to shoot. He provides almost no value if he’s not shooting well, which is why backup Mario Chalmers got 28 minutes (12 points). Expect to see a lot of time from Chalmers going forward.
Udonis Haslem was also a key figure. The 6-foot-8 forward had seven points and six rebounds off the bench in 30 minutes. He was effective guarding Nowitzki, just as he was during the 2006 Finals. That’s impressive for a guy who missed almost all of the regular season with a foot injury.
The Heat are brimming with confidence in these late fourth quarter situations. Not only do they have multiple scoring options with their three superstars, but they also feel their lockdown defense can make the big stops when needed.
The series will shift to ‘Big D’ for Game 3 on Sunday. ABC will have the broadcast at an earlier 5:00 p.m. (PT). The Mavs can’t afford to fall behind 2-0 even though Miami rebounded from the same margin against them in the 2006 Finals.
NBA
Dunkel
Miami at Dallas
The Heat look to bounce back from their loss in Game 2 and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. Miami is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3). Here are all of today's picks
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Game 705-706: Miami at Dallas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.210; Dallas 126.488
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 3; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3); Under
NBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, June 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (71 - 28) at DALLAS (70 - 29) - 6/5/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Sunday, June 5
NBA Finals - Game 3 - Tied 1-1
MIAMI at DALLAS, 8:05 PM ET ABC
MIAMI: 3-13 ATS off loss by 6 pts or less
DALLAS: 38-19 ATS off ATS win
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 5
Miami let the Mavericks back into the series, as Dallas outscored them 22-5 in last 6:20 to steal Game 2 and even series. Miami is 4-3 on road in playoffs; their bench was -22 in Game 2, after being +20 in opener; they are shooting 26-83 (31.3%) so far in series and Bosh is just 9-34, so if Miami is going to win on road, they'll need contributions from someone other than James/Wade. Mavs were +11 on boards in Game 2 after being outrebounded by 10 in opener- their bench was 8-20 from floor (4-22 in Game 1)- they survived 18 turnovers by shooting 48%, 11% higher than first game. Dallas is 6-1 at home in playoffs, losing Game 2 to Thunder.
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Miami
Dallas is 17-3-1 ATS in its last 21 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Mavericks Game 3: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2.5, 188.5)
Series tied 1-1
THE STORY: The NBA Finals has provided a good amount of drama through the first two games. The scene now shifts to Dallas as the Mavericks prepare to host Game 3 Sunday night against the reeling Miami Heat. Dallas rallied from a late deficit with a game-ending 22-5 run that evened the best-of-seven series at a win apiece.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Dwyane Wade's corner 3-pointer with just over seven minutes remaining gave the Heat a 15-point lead in Game 2, and the celebrations began immediately. As the Mavericks soon proved, the festivities may have begun a little too early. Jason Terry scored eight quick points during a 15-2 run that trimmed the lead to two points, and Dirk Nowitzki hit three big shots down the stretch - capped by the go-ahead layup with 3.6 seconds left. Nowitzki hit that shot with the same left hand that sported a balky splint thanks to a torn finger tendon. With the momentum squarely in the Mavericks' court, Dallas can seize control of the series with a win Sunday.
ABOUT THE HEAT: LeBron James denied that his team had begun celebrating prematurely after Wade's three-pointer - and subsequent pose - in front of the Dallas bench. Whatever the case, Miami's dynamic duo failed to close out the game, missing four 3-pointers down the stretch while failing to create the same easy baskets that helped them carve out a double-digit lead against the Mavericks. Miami made just one field goal in the last seven minutes, a 3-pointer from Mario Chalmers that tied the game with 24.5 seconds left and set the stage for Nowitzki's game-winning shot. It was Miami's first home loss in the postseason.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Nowitzki showed no ill effects of the splint on his left hand, scoring 24 points and adding 11 rebounds in the Game 2 victory. Miami F Chris Bosh had a game to forget, shooting just 4 of 16 from the floor and getting beaten badly on Nowitzki's game-winning shot.
KEY STATISTIC: 30 - The number of 3-pointers Miami attempted in Game 2. That total accounted for more than 40 percent of the Heat's total shots.
TRENDS:
* Heat are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Dallas.
* Over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.
* Heat are 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings.
* Road team is 20-8-1 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
LAST WORD: "First of all, every team in the league, when they go on a run, they do something, whether it’s a signal, whether it’s a chest bump. It’s a part of the game of basketball. A celebration is confetti, champagne bottles." - Wade, responding to assertions he and James were a little too celebratory following his fourth-quarter 3-pointer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2.5, 188.5)
It's hard to imagine the Heat recovering from a collapse of Game 2's magnitude. Maybe in time to save the series. But not in time for Sunday.
Miami, playing at home, led 88-73 with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter Thursday night. Instead of sealing the deal and taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, Erik Spoelstra's squad watched Dallas end the game on an improbable 22-5 run and steal a stunning 95-93 victory.
LeBron James and everyone else in the Miami camp said all the right things about recovering from the meltdown, but it's easier said than done.
"In the playoffs, it's a win or a loss," James told the Miami Herald. "However it comes by, it's a win or a loss. We've moved on from Game 2; seen the mistakes we've made, seen some of the great things we've done as well. The series is tied 1-1. We never get too high or too low in the series."
It surely won't get any lower than that, but it may not get much better with three games looming at Dallas. The Mavericks are 7-1 at home in the postseason (losing just once to Oklahoma City) and they have covered the spread on six of eight occasions.
"We're coming home, but we know that's no guarantee of anything," cautioned Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle. "We've lost at home this year in the playoffs. Now Miami has as well. The venue has significance, but it never guarantees anyone anything."
Another fourth-quarter performance like what they have been doing all postseason, however, basically would guarantee the Mavericks another victory. Just to name a few, the Mavericks, in addition to Thursday's heroics, mounted a furious rally to tie Game 5 against the Thunder before dominating overtime 11-4. They also won the fourth quarter 28-20 in a clinching Game 6 win.
If Game 3 is another close one, and it should be, look for Dirk Nowitzki and Co. to finish strong and take a 2-1 series lead.
Pick: Mavericks
Dunkel
Miami at Dallas
The Heat look to bounce back from their loss in Game 2 and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. Miami is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3). Here are all of today's picks
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Game 705-706: Miami at Dallas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.210; Dallas 126.488
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 3; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3); Under
NBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, June 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (71 - 28) at DALLAS (70 - 29) - 6/5/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Sunday, June 5
NBA Finals - Game 3 - Tied 1-1
MIAMI at DALLAS, 8:05 PM ET ABC
MIAMI: 3-13 ATS off loss by 6 pts or less
DALLAS: 38-19 ATS off ATS win
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 5
Miami let the Mavericks back into the series, as Dallas outscored them 22-5 in last 6:20 to steal Game 2 and even series. Miami is 4-3 on road in playoffs; their bench was -22 in Game 2, after being +20 in opener; they are shooting 26-83 (31.3%) so far in series and Bosh is just 9-34, so if Miami is going to win on road, they'll need contributions from someone other than James/Wade. Mavs were +11 on boards in Game 2 after being outrebounded by 10 in opener- their bench was 8-20 from floor (4-22 in Game 1)- they survived 18 turnovers by shooting 48%, 11% higher than first game. Dallas is 6-1 at home in playoffs, losing Game 2 to Thunder.
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Miami
Dallas is 17-3-1 ATS in its last 21 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Mavericks Game 3: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2.5, 188.5)
Series tied 1-1
THE STORY: The NBA Finals has provided a good amount of drama through the first two games. The scene now shifts to Dallas as the Mavericks prepare to host Game 3 Sunday night against the reeling Miami Heat. Dallas rallied from a late deficit with a game-ending 22-5 run that evened the best-of-seven series at a win apiece.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Dwyane Wade's corner 3-pointer with just over seven minutes remaining gave the Heat a 15-point lead in Game 2, and the celebrations began immediately. As the Mavericks soon proved, the festivities may have begun a little too early. Jason Terry scored eight quick points during a 15-2 run that trimmed the lead to two points, and Dirk Nowitzki hit three big shots down the stretch - capped by the go-ahead layup with 3.6 seconds left. Nowitzki hit that shot with the same left hand that sported a balky splint thanks to a torn finger tendon. With the momentum squarely in the Mavericks' court, Dallas can seize control of the series with a win Sunday.
ABOUT THE HEAT: LeBron James denied that his team had begun celebrating prematurely after Wade's three-pointer - and subsequent pose - in front of the Dallas bench. Whatever the case, Miami's dynamic duo failed to close out the game, missing four 3-pointers down the stretch while failing to create the same easy baskets that helped them carve out a double-digit lead against the Mavericks. Miami made just one field goal in the last seven minutes, a 3-pointer from Mario Chalmers that tied the game with 24.5 seconds left and set the stage for Nowitzki's game-winning shot. It was Miami's first home loss in the postseason.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Nowitzki showed no ill effects of the splint on his left hand, scoring 24 points and adding 11 rebounds in the Game 2 victory. Miami F Chris Bosh had a game to forget, shooting just 4 of 16 from the floor and getting beaten badly on Nowitzki's game-winning shot.
KEY STATISTIC: 30 - The number of 3-pointers Miami attempted in Game 2. That total accounted for more than 40 percent of the Heat's total shots.
TRENDS:
* Heat are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Dallas.
* Over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.
* Heat are 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings.
* Road team is 20-8-1 ATS in the last 29 meetings.
LAST WORD: "First of all, every team in the league, when they go on a run, they do something, whether it’s a signal, whether it’s a chest bump. It’s a part of the game of basketball. A celebration is confetti, champagne bottles." - Wade, responding to assertions he and James were a little too celebratory following his fourth-quarter 3-pointer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2.5, 188.5)
It's hard to imagine the Heat recovering from a collapse of Game 2's magnitude. Maybe in time to save the series. But not in time for Sunday.
Miami, playing at home, led 88-73 with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter Thursday night. Instead of sealing the deal and taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, Erik Spoelstra's squad watched Dallas end the game on an improbable 22-5 run and steal a stunning 95-93 victory.
LeBron James and everyone else in the Miami camp said all the right things about recovering from the meltdown, but it's easier said than done.
"In the playoffs, it's a win or a loss," James told the Miami Herald. "However it comes by, it's a win or a loss. We've moved on from Game 2; seen the mistakes we've made, seen some of the great things we've done as well. The series is tied 1-1. We never get too high or too low in the series."
It surely won't get any lower than that, but it may not get much better with three games looming at Dallas. The Mavericks are 7-1 at home in the postseason (losing just once to Oklahoma City) and they have covered the spread on six of eight occasions.
"We're coming home, but we know that's no guarantee of anything," cautioned Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle. "We've lost at home this year in the playoffs. Now Miami has as well. The venue has significance, but it never guarantees anyone anything."
Another fourth-quarter performance like what they have been doing all postseason, however, basically would guarantee the Mavericks another victory. Just to name a few, the Mavericks, in addition to Thursday's heroics, mounted a furious rally to tie Game 5 against the Thunder before dominating overtime 11-4. They also won the fourth quarter 28-20 in a clinching Game 6 win.
If Game 3 is another close one, and it should be, look for Dirk Nowitzki and Co. to finish strong and take a 2-1 series lead.
Pick: Mavericks
NBA
Dunkel
Miami at Dallas
The Heat look to take advantage of a Dallas team that is 0-3-1 ATS in its last 4 home games. Miami is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
Game 709-710: Miami at Dallas (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.641; Dallas 126.108
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2); Over
NBA
Long Sheet
Thursday, June 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (72 - 29) at DALLAS (71 - 30) - 6/9/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 59-40 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 38-53 ATS (-20.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Thursday, June 9
NBA Finals - Game 5 - TIED 2-2
MIAMI at DALLAS, 9:05 PM ET ABC
MIAMI: 8-0 Over if they made 20% of their 3-point shots or worse last game
DALLAS: 9-22 ATS at home vs. non-conference
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Thursday, June 9
Last three Miami-Dallas games were decided by total of 7 points, so any points worth taking; all four games stayed under so far. How healthy is Nowitzki after he played with 102 fever last game, and missed 13 of his last 16 shots? Chandler (13 pts/16 boards) was huge in Game 4; Mavs' bench (-2) held its own, so pressure on Miami here. James has been to foul line only 12 times in whole series- he had only 8 points last game. Miami bench was just 5-18 from floor in Game 4; Bosh hit some shots, but Heat was 2-14 from arc last game, after going 28-73 in series in first three games. Last home game of the year for Dallas, either way.
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Miami is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Mavericks Game 5: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2, 185)
Series tied 2-2
THE STORY: Even with a fever approaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit, Dirk Nowitzki still had enough juice to complete another stunning Dallas Mavericks rally. The Mavs hope Nowitzki will be back at full strength Thursday as they host the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Dallas' win Tuesday evened the best-of-seven at two wins apiece.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Dallas couldn't buy a basket in the fourth quarter of Game 4, so Nowitzki used his free-throw excellence to drag the Mavericks out of a nine-point deficit and into striking range. Struggling to catch his breath throughout the final period, Nowitzki mustered enough energy to hit the pivotal shot with 14.4 seconds remaining on the clock. Dallas' suffocating defense took over from there, nearly creating a turnover on Miami's final possession before forcing the Heat to take a desperation 3-pointer that missed badly as time expired. Nowitzki had some help for a change, with four teammates scoring at least 11 points in the win.
ABOUT THE HEAT: If NBA games were 36-minute affairs, South Beach would be awash in champagne. The Heat have led entering the fourth quarter in all four games of the Finals, but another late meltdown Tuesday has turned the series into a best-of-three affair. LeBron James did little on the offensive end, recording just eight points to finish short of double digits for the first time in his playoff career. Chris Bosh had a sensational first half but took several questionable shots after the break. Dwyane Wade was the offensive star with 32 points, but his fumble of a Mike Miller pass in the dying moments cost Miami a chance at a decent game-tying shot.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Mavericks F Shawn Marion gave Dallas the offensive boost it needed on a night when the basket seemed smaller than ever. He finished with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting while continuing to play his trademark stifling defense on Wade and James. Miami G Mario Chalmers hit four 3-pointers in Game 3 but was invisible Tuesday night, missing all three of his long-range attempts.
KEY STATISTIC: 0-7 - The collective record of James' teams when he finishes with fewer than 15 points in a postseason game.
TRENDS:
* Under is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings.
* Heat are 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in Dallas.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Dallas.
* Road team is 21-8-2 ATS in the last 31 meetings.
* Underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
LAST WORD: "We all (saw) him go through walkthroughs. "Every time he started to talk he started coughing. He was wheezing." - Chandler on the ailing Nowitzki
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Thursday’s best NBA bet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-1, 185)
At this point in the NBA Finals we have a lot more questions than answers.
Is LeBron James really out of gas and can’t be counted on to carry the Heat? Can Dirk Nowitzki fight through his flu symptoms? Is any fourth-quarter lead safe? Should over bettors just waive the white flag?
It’s enough to make your bankroll spin.
Following Dallas’ miracle comeback 86-83 win to tie the series 2-2, everybody has been ripping LeBron James, who didn’t score a single point in the fourth quarter as the Mavs outscored the Heat 21-9 down the stretch.
Of all the criticism, DeShawn Stevenson’s comment that James had “checked out” was probably the most pointed – and maybe the most accurate.
LeBron shrugged off Stevenson’s comments, but it’s not hard to tell they hit home.
"I've got to do a better job of being more assertive offensively," James told reporters. "I'm confident in my ability. It's just about going out there and knocking them down."
"I think it's that time that I try to get myself going individually."
That’s bad news for Mavericks bettors because like it or not, LeBron is the key to this series and we all know how he plays when guys start calling him out.
The line sits at -1 after opening at -2 and you might be better to wait to see if some Dallas bets move the line back up, but either way, it’s a Miami bet.
Pick: Heat
Dunkel
Miami at Dallas
The Heat look to take advantage of a Dallas team that is 0-3-1 ATS in its last 4 home games. Miami is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
Game 709-710: Miami at Dallas (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.641; Dallas 126.108
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+1 1/2); Over
NBA
Long Sheet
Thursday, June 9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (72 - 29) at DALLAS (71 - 30) - 6/9/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 59-40 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 38-53 ATS (-20.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Thursday, June 9
NBA Finals - Game 5 - TIED 2-2
MIAMI at DALLAS, 9:05 PM ET ABC
MIAMI: 8-0 Over if they made 20% of their 3-point shots or worse last game
DALLAS: 9-22 ATS at home vs. non-conference
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Thursday, June 9
Last three Miami-Dallas games were decided by total of 7 points, so any points worth taking; all four games stayed under so far. How healthy is Nowitzki after he played with 102 fever last game, and missed 13 of his last 16 shots? Chandler (13 pts/16 boards) was huge in Game 4; Mavs' bench (-2) held its own, so pressure on Miami here. James has been to foul line only 12 times in whole series- he had only 8 points last game. Miami bench was just 5-18 from floor in Game 4; Bosh hit some shots, but Heat was 2-14 from arc last game, after going 28-73 in series in first three games. Last home game of the year for Dallas, either way.
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:00 PM
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Miami is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Mavericks Game 5: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-2, 185)
Series tied 2-2
THE STORY: Even with a fever approaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit, Dirk Nowitzki still had enough juice to complete another stunning Dallas Mavericks rally. The Mavs hope Nowitzki will be back at full strength Thursday as they host the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Dallas' win Tuesday evened the best-of-seven at two wins apiece.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Dallas couldn't buy a basket in the fourth quarter of Game 4, so Nowitzki used his free-throw excellence to drag the Mavericks out of a nine-point deficit and into striking range. Struggling to catch his breath throughout the final period, Nowitzki mustered enough energy to hit the pivotal shot with 14.4 seconds remaining on the clock. Dallas' suffocating defense took over from there, nearly creating a turnover on Miami's final possession before forcing the Heat to take a desperation 3-pointer that missed badly as time expired. Nowitzki had some help for a change, with four teammates scoring at least 11 points in the win.
ABOUT THE HEAT: If NBA games were 36-minute affairs, South Beach would be awash in champagne. The Heat have led entering the fourth quarter in all four games of the Finals, but another late meltdown Tuesday has turned the series into a best-of-three affair. LeBron James did little on the offensive end, recording just eight points to finish short of double digits for the first time in his playoff career. Chris Bosh had a sensational first half but took several questionable shots after the break. Dwyane Wade was the offensive star with 32 points, but his fumble of a Mike Miller pass in the dying moments cost Miami a chance at a decent game-tying shot.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Mavericks F Shawn Marion gave Dallas the offensive boost it needed on a night when the basket seemed smaller than ever. He finished with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting while continuing to play his trademark stifling defense on Wade and James. Miami G Mario Chalmers hit four 3-pointers in Game 3 but was invisible Tuesday night, missing all three of his long-range attempts.
KEY STATISTIC: 0-7 - The collective record of James' teams when he finishes with fewer than 15 points in a postseason game.
TRENDS:
* Under is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings.
* Heat are 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings in Dallas.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Dallas.
* Road team is 21-8-2 ATS in the last 31 meetings.
* Underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
LAST WORD: "We all (saw) him go through walkthroughs. "Every time he started to talk he started coughing. He was wheezing." - Chandler on the ailing Nowitzki
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Thursday, June 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Thursday’s best NBA bet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (-1, 185)
At this point in the NBA Finals we have a lot more questions than answers.
Is LeBron James really out of gas and can’t be counted on to carry the Heat? Can Dirk Nowitzki fight through his flu symptoms? Is any fourth-quarter lead safe? Should over bettors just waive the white flag?
It’s enough to make your bankroll spin.
Following Dallas’ miracle comeback 86-83 win to tie the series 2-2, everybody has been ripping LeBron James, who didn’t score a single point in the fourth quarter as the Mavs outscored the Heat 21-9 down the stretch.
Of all the criticism, DeShawn Stevenson’s comment that James had “checked out” was probably the most pointed – and maybe the most accurate.
LeBron shrugged off Stevenson’s comments, but it’s not hard to tell they hit home.
"I've got to do a better job of being more assertive offensively," James told reporters. "I'm confident in my ability. It's just about going out there and knocking them down."
"I think it's that time that I try to get myself going individually."
That’s bad news for Mavericks bettors because like it or not, LeBron is the key to this series and we all know how he plays when guys start calling him out.
The line sits at -1 after opening at -2 and you might be better to wait to see if some Dallas bets move the line back up, but either way, it’s a Miami bet.
Pick: Heat
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
06/09/11 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
06/07/11 0-*1-*1 0.00% -*550 Detail
06/05/11 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
06/02/11 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
Totals 4-*3-*1 57.14% +350
Sunday, June 12
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Miami -5 500
Miami - Over 187 500
06/09/11 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
06/07/11 0-*1-*1 0.00% -*550 Detail
06/05/11 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
06/02/11 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
Totals 4-*3-*1 57.14% +350
Sunday, June 12
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Miami -5 500
Miami - Over 187 500
NBA
Dunkel
Dallas at Miami
The Heat look to stay alive in the series and build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 home games as a favorite from 5 to 10 1/2 points. Miami is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Game 711-712: Dallas at Miami (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 125.057; Miami 132.641
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2); Over
NBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, June 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DALLAS (72 - 30) at MIAMI (72 - 30) - 6/12/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
DALLAS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest this season.
MIAMI is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Sunday, June 12
NBA Finals - Game 6 - DAL 3-2
DALLAS at MIAMI, 8:05 PM ET ABC
DALLAS: 7-0 ATS Away if home favorite each of L3 games
MIAMI: 0-7 ATS at home playing w/ 2 days rest
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 12
Miami-Dallas both shot over 52% in Game 5, first game to go over total. Now Mavericks can win first NBA title with win here; key for them has been for bench to minimize damage when they're in game. Dallas bench was -15/-23 in Miami's two series wins. Mavs made ridiculous 13-19 on arc last game; their bench was 11-16 from floor, difficult numbers to do again. James has taken total of only 14 foul shots in five games, as Mav defense has stressed keeping him on perimeter at expense of giving Bosh (15-31 last two games) good looks on jumpers. Immense pressure on Miami; they lost last home game, their first loss in last nine home tilts. Am guessing Wade's hip is good to go.
NBA
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MIAMI
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Miami is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing Dallas
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)
Dallas leads series 3-2
THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.
GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.
KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.
TRENDS:
* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)
Dallas leads series 3-2
THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.
GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.
KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.
TRENDS:
* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.
Dunkel
Dallas at Miami
The Heat look to stay alive in the series and build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 home games as a favorite from 5 to 10 1/2 points. Miami is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Game 711-712: Dallas at Miami (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 125.057; Miami 132.641
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5 1/2); Over
NBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, June 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DALLAS (72 - 30) at MIAMI (72 - 30) - 6/12/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
DALLAS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all playoff games this season.
DALLAS is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest this season.
MIAMI is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Short Sheet
Sunday, June 12
NBA Finals - Game 6 - DAL 3-2
DALLAS at MIAMI, 8:05 PM ET ABC
DALLAS: 7-0 ATS Away if home favorite each of L3 games
MIAMI: 0-7 ATS at home playing w/ 2 days rest
** (TC) Denotes Time Change
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 12
Miami-Dallas both shot over 52% in Game 5, first game to go over total. Now Mavericks can win first NBA title with win here; key for them has been for bench to minimize damage when they're in game. Dallas bench was -15/-23 in Miami's two series wins. Mavs made ridiculous 13-19 on arc last game; their bench was 11-16 from floor, difficult numbers to do again. James has taken total of only 14 foul shots in five games, as Mav defense has stressed keeping him on perimeter at expense of giving Bosh (15-31 last two games) good looks on jumpers. Immense pressure on Miami; they lost last home game, their first loss in last nine home tilts. Am guessing Wade's hip is good to go.
NBA
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MIAMI
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
Miami is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing Dallas
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)
Dallas leads series 3-2
THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.
GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.
KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.
TRENDS:
* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Write-Up
Sunday, June 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mavericks at Heat Game 6: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-5.5, 187)
Dallas leads series 3-2
THE STORY: LeBron James called Game 5 of the NBA Finals the biggest of his career. His performance would suggest otherwise. James had another dismal fourth quarter, and now his Miami Heat are on the brink of losing the NBA title as they host Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the surging Dallas Mavericks Sunday night.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN
ABOUT THE HEAT: With superstar teammate Dwyane Wade hobbled by a hip contusion suffered in the first quarter, James was saddled with the responsibility of carrying Miami to the Game 5 win. But the former league MVP couldn't hit shots down the stretch, finishing with two points in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the final period in Game 4. He had his first career playoff triple-double in the defeat (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) but those stats masked another sub-par effort from James, who will need to be better if Miami hopes to extend the series to a seventh game. Wade had a team-high 23 points but predictably struggled with his mobility.
ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: When Dallas is making 3-pointers the way it did in Game 5, there are few teams in the league that can compete. The Mavericks used a long-range barrage to get just one win away from a championship, hitting 13 of 19 3-point attempts on the way to a nine-point win and a series high in points scored. Dirk Nowitzki, no longer feeling the effects of an illness that plagued him, had 29 points in 9-for-18 shooting while Jason Terry added 21 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks allowed Miami to shoot 53 percent from the floor but forced 16 turnovers.
GAME 6 HISTORY: Going back to the 1993-94 season, teams down 3-2 heading into Game 6 of the NBA Finals are just 3-7 SU with a 4-6 record against the spread in those games.
WHO'S HOT/WHO'S NOT: Wade has shot 50 percent or better in each of the last four games, and was just a shade below that mark in Game 1. Mavericks G J.J. Barea finally had the breakout game Dallas fans were waiting for, scoring 17 points after managing just 21 in the first four games of the series.
KEY STATISTIC: 14 - James' scoring average in the three games in Dallas. He averaged 26.7 points in the regular season and is at nearly 24 points per game in the postseason, even with his struggles in Texas.
TRENDS:
* Mavericks are 12-3-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings in Miami.
* Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
LAST WORD: "Nothing we achieved this year has been easy, so it's no time to start now." - Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra.
