1.3* Memphis -6.5 (-112) Memphis has to be embarrassed with Game 1, a game where they played poor defense and looked flat in front of the home crowd. The T-Wolves might be content just to come away with a split on the road. I still think the Grizz are a decent dark horse team to advance even beyond this round.
1.6* Phoenix -9.5 Just who is the point guard on the Pelicans? Not CJ, not Ingram.. Part of their problem in this series will be a lack of ball handlers in the back court vs. a tough Phoenix perimeter defense. As I said in the last write-up, Phoenix has the much better role players and bench. Also, at home.
Phoenix loss was a surprise. Slightly profitable.
1.5* Boston -3.5 Part of this play is that Brooklyn has a bit too much publicity, and that they really aren't the defensive team that Boston is. The Nets hit some key 3s, and overall almost 50%. Doubt they do that again.
1.5* Toronto/ Philly - under 112 1H. Toronto playing for its playoff life at home. They'll up their already tough D. On the other hand, they have issues creating their own scoring chances.
1.5* Milwaukee -9.5 Gonna ride the Bucks in this series. The Bulls are overrated and other than that little run in the 3rd quarter, the Bucks semi-dominated.
1.5* Boston -3.5 Part of this play is that Brooklyn has a bit too much publicity, and that they really aren't the defensive team that Boston is. The Nets hit some key 3s, and overall almost 50%. Doubt they do that again.
1.5* Toronto/ Philly - under 112 1H. Toronto playing for its playoff life at home. They'll up their already tough D. On the other hand, they have issues creating their own scoring chances.
1.5* Milwaukee -9.5 Gonna ride the Bucks in this series. The Bulls are overrated and other than that little run in the 3rd quarter, the Bucks semi-dominated.
1* Milwaukee -3.5 1Q. The Bucks have to be a bit disappointed in their play last game. They have been good at making adjustments in the past. I expect they'll come out strong in this game. Giannis will have to be more under control and I think he will be. Both teams shot poorly from 3, but Chicago's 3s were more contested than the Bucks'.
Totally was off on the Bucks 1Q yesterday. They came out like it was a preseason game. Sloppy ball handling, poor execution, over and over. Not sure where to go with this series.
1.5* Golden State -2 Going to ride the Warriors throughout, as the Nuggets might be the worst playoff team of the 16. A split in Denver would be fine.
1.2* Dallas +7.5 Doncic questionable. I'll make a gamble that he plays, but is less than 100%. Utah can't seem to sustain much momentum in these games, and that goes back to the regular season.
Memphis, Minny..? The refs have gotten whistle happy here, otherwise this would be a good series to watch. Maybe a lean to the Wolves?
1.5* Golden State -2 Going to ride the Warriors throughout, as the Nuggets might be the worst playoff team of the 16. A split in Denver would be fine.
1.2* Dallas +7.5 Doncic questionable. I'll make a gamble that he plays, but is less than 100%. Utah can't seem to sustain much momentum in these games, and that goes back to the regular season.
Memphis, Minny..? The refs have gotten whistle happy here, otherwise this would be a good series to watch. Maybe a lean to the Wolves?
Early game:
1* Atlanta -1 1Q As we saw with Minny, Chicago and Denver, teams that are desperate tend to start out well. The Hawks will have to start well, or they will lose any chance of sticking around for this series- which is unlikely anyways.
1* Miami -1.5 Game bet. Without Capela, the Hawks are in trouble in the post. Their bench is not near the level of Miami's bench. Miami already beat them twice this season when Capela was out, once badly.
1* Atlanta -1 1Q As we saw with Minny, Chicago and Denver, teams that are desperate tend to start out well. The Hawks will have to start well, or they will lose any chance of sticking around for this series- which is unlikely anyways.
1* Miami -1.5 Game bet. Without Capela, the Hawks are in trouble in the post. Their bench is not near the level of Miami's bench. Miami already beat them twice this season when Capela was out, once badly.
2.2* Phoenix -2 (-115) Phoenix won a number of games throughout the season without various star players, Booker included. Against good opponents. I still think they are the team to beat in the West, including the Warriors. Great coaching staff that will make adjustments, a veteran point guard that can steady the team, and strong perimeter defense. Ayton will need to step it up, and play a complete game. I also think the Pelicans are who we think they are, a marginal playoff team that has played well in the playoffs, but can have an off game (or 2 or 3).
About a push yesterday. Should have played 1Q under in Miami game.
1.6* Toronto 1H +1 Considering the Raptors are at home, and have to at least maintain their pride, I'll go 1st half here. A little on 1Q too. Embiid's injury (two injuries?), and Philly not exactly the powerhouse the 3-0 lead might indicate.
1.4* Utah -3 1H (-115) Same for Utah at home. I have played Dallas throughout the series and almost won 3 ATS. Dallas has played well, more physical, but c'mon they aren't THAT good. May play this LIVE if Dallas gets early lead.
1.6* Toronto 1H +1 Considering the Raptors are at home, and have to at least maintain their pride, I'll go 1st half here. A little on 1Q too. Embiid's injury (two injuries?), and Philly not exactly the powerhouse the 3-0 lead might indicate.
1.4* Utah -3 1H (-115) Same for Utah at home. I have played Dallas throughout the series and almost won 3 ATS. Dallas has played well, more physical, but c'mon they aren't THAT good. May play this LIVE if Dallas gets early lead.
