Archive for the ‘NBA Basketball’ Category

February 16th, 2011 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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If it's a Thursday night, that means that it's time for NBA betting action once again! This week, in the final two duels before the NBA Trade Deadline, we make our free basketball picks on the clashes between the San Antonio Spurs vs. Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns.

NBA Matchup: San Antonio Spurs @ Chicago Bulls
Date: Thursday, February 17th, 8:00 ET
Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
NBA Odds: Chicago -2
Over/Under (Total): 190.5

Call this the Rodney Dangerfield game of the week. After all, in spite of the fact that these two teams are a combined 56 games over .500, they're both getting absolutely no respect! San Antonio is really playing well on this Rodeo Road Trip, and it all closes up after a 6-2 SU and ATS mark in the first nine games with this trip to the Windy City. The Spurs have to be lucky to dodge Joakim Noah in this one, as he is still out for at least this one last game before the All Star Break. If Noah and Carlos Boozer shared the court, Tim Duncan and whomever was in the post with him would really have their work cut out. Duncan can hold his own against Boozer, while Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker should be able to combine forces to outclass Derrick Rose, even though the youngster out of Memphis really has played some great ball of late. Chicago might be 24-4 at home this year, and it might have six straight wins in its back pocket, but San Antonio is 21-7 and certainly isn't one to mess with. This is the type of game that Head Coach Gregg Popovich figures out how to win to help carry his team into the break with some more big time momentum. There's a reason that this team is one of just a handful that has won 46 of its first 55 games and is on a pace for almost 70 wins this season. NBA Free Pick: San Antonio Spurs +2

NBA Matchup: Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns
Date: Thursday, February 17th, 10:30 ET
Location: US Airways Arena, Phoenix, AZ
NBA Odds: Phoenix -1
Over/Under (Total): 207

Again, we're not so sure why the road team from the Lone Star State isn't favored in this one. Sure, we'll give it up for the Suns. They've really played some tremendously better ball of late than they were playing before the trade with the Orlando Magic. However, it was only four days ago that this team lost at home to the Sacramento Kings. That's right. The Sacramento Freaking Kings. Phoenix just doesn't have the man power to be able to stand up to the mojo of the Mavericks. Here's a great stat for you to share around the bar on Thursday night when you take in this NBA betting affair. In games in which Dirk Nowitzki is in the lineup, Dallas is 36-9 on the campaign, a record that would be the second best in the league if prorated over the first 55 games of the season. Sure, we know that the Mavs are going to have a rough road ahead in this one, knowing that they have to play at home on Wednesday night against those same Sacramento Freaking Kings, but it's not like there is all that much to get ready for beyond this one. Dallas has won five of the last six in this series and has averaged dropping a whopping 113.8 points per game in this stretch against the "defenseless" Suns. If Peja Stojakovic can give the Mavericks anywhere near the 22 he had against the Houston Rockets a few nights ago, this one will be a romp. The wrong team is clearly favored in this one. Free NBA Pick: Dallas Mavericks +1

 
June 17th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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All 82 games of the NBA betting regular season and four full rounds of the playoffs all come down to this one game on Thursday night at Staples Center, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics square off in a winner take all Game 7 to determine the NBA champions.

Boston Celtics (+7) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: By all accounts, Game 6 was nothing but a total dud for the Celtics. This hasn't been the first time that they have gotten blown out of the water in a game in the playoffs, but it had better be the last time, or the season all goes for naught. The bench, which has been key for HC Doc Rivers in this series, was downright miserable on Tuesday night. The seven reserves that Rivers called upon shot a combined 4/26 from the floor (15.4%) and only scored 13 total points in spite of the fact that five players saw at least 15 minutes of court time. Those players are probably going to be called on quite a bit to help fill the minutes that will most likely be lost by the absence of C Kendrick Perkins. Perkins was out of the game after just seven minutes on Tuesday with a knee injury, and he is doubtful to play in Game 7. G Ray Allen had an encouraging second to last game of the season, scoring 19 points. Even though he and his three "Big Four" teammates all scored at least ten points, the efforts by all four are going to have to step up, especially offensively, for the C's to be called champions on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Notes: The Lakers have done their job and have narrowed the NBA Finals down to just this one game in front of their hometown fans. Game 6 wasn't a particularly strong offensive one for LA, as it shot just 41.8 percent from the field. However, holding Boston to 33.3 percent was all the more impressive. Both G Kobe Bryant and F Pau Gasol had double-doubles in the victory. Bryant shot 9/19 from the floor and scored 26 points to go with 11 boards. Gasol nearly had a triple-double, as he totaled 17 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists to go with his three blocks. Defensively, Gasol really has made the difference in this series. Speaking of defense, F Ron Artest has done a fantastic job in the first six games of the NBA Finals as well. However, his real difference making moment came in Game 6 when he nailed three triples and scored a personal series high with 15 points. F Lamar Odom came up two points short of a double-double as well, as he had eight points and ten boards.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 7

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+7
-7
187
Diamond Sportsbook
+7
-7
187.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+7
-7
187

Trends of Note: Six games up, and six games down for the team that has won the rebounding battle. After blowing Boston out on the glass 52-39 on Tuesday, the team winning the battle of the boards moved to 6-0 SU and ATS in this series. If the Celtics do win tonight SU, they would become the first team in NBA history to beat HC Phil Jackson in a seven game series in which his team won the first game of the best of seven (47-0). They would also become the first team in the history of the game to lose Game 3 and fall behind 2-1 in the NBA Finals in the 2-3-2 format and win the championship (10-0). Boston dropped to 12-5-1 ATS in its L/18 meetings with the Lakers overall. The Celtics have covered four straight games following a double digit defeat and are 7-1 ATS in their L/8 games following either an SU or ATS loss.

The Final Word: There really is no common logic for describing how the Celtics can win the NBA championship tonight after such a devastating setback in Game 6, but they are a bunch that has figured out how to overcome adversity every step of the way in these playoffs. We're going to back this bunch once again with the touchdown that is given to us, as we are expecting a nail-biting final game to the NBA betting campaign.

Prediction: Boston 99 – Los Angeles 98

 
June 15th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The last game of the NBA betting campaign could be tonight in Tinseltown, as the Los Angeles Lakers try to save their season in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Boston Celtics (+6.5) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: If the Celtics are to close out the series tonight, they are once again going to need to put together the complete team effort. HC Doc Rivers really hasn't had any true "superstars" in this series, but at any time, he could call on any number of about ten players to hit big shots or make crucial plays for him. Defense for the C's was a real staple at home, and it was that unit that carried the club to back to back wins to turn a 2-1 series deficit into the 3-2 series lead that they currently hold. In Game 5, Boston pretty much allowed G Kobe Bryant to do whatever he wanted to do, but the rest of the men in purple and gold were totally shut down. The team only shot 39.7 percent from the field, which include Bryant shooting 13/27. F Kevin Garnett had his second very strong game out of his L/3, recording his first double-double in this series with 18 points and ten rebounds. F Paul Pierce nailed 12 shots, including a pair of triples, scoring 27 to lead the way. It was another questionable game for G Ray Allen, who went 0/4 from downtown, but he still scored 12 points to be a key contributor.

Los Angeles Notes: As stated before, Bryant scored his 38 points in Game 5, but the rest of the team was totally missing in action. We give C Andrew Bynum a bit of a free pass, as he only scored six points and had one rebound, because of his injured knee, which has already been drained twice of fluids in these playoffs. However, F Pau Gasol shouldn't be held to 12 points and 12 rebounds in the NBA Finals in 39 minutes worth of court time. The Spaniard knows that he should be putting in at least 20 on the average night to give Bryant a hand, because there really isn't anyone else on the squad that feels like they can be counted upon on a consistent basis to help out offensively. The Lakers also shot themselves in the foot from the charity stripe in Game 5, going just 17/26. They outscored the C's at the line by eight points, but did so on 13 more attempts. The Lakers only had three fast break points for the entire game, and they were outdone in the paint 46-32. For the third time in this series, they also lost the rebounding battle, though a -1 margin shouldn't be considered alarming.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 6

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
187.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
187.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+6.5
-6.5
188

Trends of Note: We've talked about this every step of the way, but the team winning the rebounding battle is still perfect both SU and ATS in this series at 5-0. If the Celtics do win tonight SU, they would become the first team in NBA history to beat HC Phil Jackson in a seven game series in which his team won the first game of the best of seven (47-0). They would also become the first team in the history of the game to lose Game 3 and fall behind 2-1 in the NBA Finals in the 2-3-2 format and win the championship (10-0). However, it is hard to ignore the fact that the Celtics are now 9-2 ATS in their 11 NBA Finals duels with the Lakers over the L/3 seasons, and even harder to overlook the 12-4-1 ATS they are in their L/17 meetings overall.

The Final Word: The series ends tonight. The Celtics are just playing better team ball right now, and what the Lakers have proven to themselves is that Bryant isn't like to win a game on his own with no help. Confidence cannot be riding high right now in Tinseltown, and unless Bryant proves us wrong, that he indeed can beat the Celtics all by his lonesome, we very much so expect to see the city of Boston celebrating its second championship in the L/3 years tonight over the Lakers.

Prediction: Boston 97 – Los Angeles 91

 
June 12th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Boston's TD Banknorth Garden will be the site of one final NBA Finals betting affair on Sunday night, as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers clash in Game 5 of the championship series. For the second time in this series, the C's fended off a potential two game series deficit when they stole a 96-89 win at home in Game 4 on Thursday.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics (-3)
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
8:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: This has become a very, very dangerous game for the Lakers. Losing Game 4 was a bit predictable after the Game 3 triumph, as there was probably a bit of a feeling of satisfaction knowing that this series was, at very worst, heading back to the Staples Center. C Andrew Bynum's injury concerns are once again present, as he had his knee drained yet again after not being able to play in the second half of Game 4. His partner in the paint, F Pau Gasol, once again had a respectable game for the defending champions, scoring 21 points and ripping down six boards. It should come as no surprise that G Kobe Bryant once again led the Lakers in scoring. He only shot 10/22 from the field, but he did connect on six three pointers and totaled 33 points. HC Phil Jackson probably wishes that his star would need fewer shots to score his points, and turning the ball over seven times is incredibly unacceptable. LA only shot 45.1 percent from the field, but the more embarrassing statistic was the fact that the team shot just 1/9 from beyond the arc if you discount Kobe's six triples.

Boston Notes: For the second time in this series, the Celtics have won the rebounding battle, but the key was the offensive glass for the hosts. Boston grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, which was eight more than the Lakers mustered. F Glen Davis had four of those o-boards. He was the real star of the game, scoring 18 points on 7/10 shooting in just 23 minutes of court time for the Celtics. Davis was one of six players that scored in double digits for HC Doc Rivers in what amounted to be an incredibly well rounded effort. It wasn't a fantastic game for F Paul Pierce, though Rivers will surely take 19 points, six boards, and five assists from "The Truth" on a regular basis. G Ray Allen rebounded from his woeful 0/13 shooting night by scoring 12 points and hauling in five rebounds. G Rajon Rondo really needs to get himself together in this series, as he only averaging 13.3 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game, but a lot of those numbers really came about from his triple-double in Game 2. Rivers is going to hope that he can count on his bench to come up in a big way yet again, as Boston outscored LA's bench 36-18 in Game 4.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3
-3
187.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3
-3
188
BetUS Sportsbook
+3
-3
187.5

Trends of Note: These two teams have split the SU and ATS proceedings against the NBA Finals odds in the first four games of this series. The team winning the rebounding battle has gone a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS. Los Angeles is now just 4-11-1 ATS in its L/16 clashes with the Celtics. Boston is 8-3 ATS in its L/11 home games and 9-4 ATS in its L/13 NBA betting affairs overall. When they are on at least two days worth of rest, the Celtics are a perfect 5-0, with all five games coming in these playoffs. They're also 4-1 ATS in their L/5 games as favorites of less than five points.

The Final Word: Once again, there is far more pressure on the Celtics in this game than there is on the Lakers. Boston has no chance of winning the NBA Finals from down 3-2 going back to Tinseltown in all likelihood, so this becomes a game of paramount importance. The Celtics are simply playing better all-around ball right now, and until Bynum or someone off of the LA bench proves that they can step up and make a difference in this series, we're going to continue to back the C's.

Prediction: Boston 100 – Los Angeles 90

 
June 9th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The fourth game of NBA Finals betting action takes place on Thursday night at TD Banknorth Garden, and here at Cappers Info, we're dissecting the odds and picking out your free picks for the game.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics (-3.5)
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
9:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: Game 3 probably wasn't the most impressive game that the Lakers have played all season, but it certainly was an effective one that moved them to within two steps of becoming NBA champions for the second straight season. G Kobe Bryant probably took far too many shots for his own good (29 to be exact), but scoring 29 points was really a huge difference maker in the triumph. The rebounding battle swung back to the way it was in Game 1 for Los Angeles, as it won the bash on the boards 43-35. To no one's surprise, the team that has had the more rebounds in each game in this series is both 3-0 SU and ATS. C Andrew Bynum had his second straight quality start in this series, scoring nine points and bringing in ten rebounds. Even though many would expect him to be a bigger point producer, grabbing five offensive rebounds setup a number of opportunities that otherwise wouldn't have happened, which makes him as valuable of an asset as there was on the court in purple and gold.

Boston Notes: For all of the right reasons, G Ray Allen was the man that was highly discussed following Game 2 of the NBA Finals, as he was coming off of a game in which he nailed an NBA Finals record eight three pointers and pretty much single handedly carried the team to victory in Tinseltown. However, Ray Allen gives, and Ray Allen takes away. Allen shot 0/13 from the floor, including a woeful 0/8 from beyond the arc in the Game 3 loss, proving that he can be just as deadly to his own team as he can to his opponents. F Paul Pierce really needs to get his act in gear and take over as a leader of this team in order for it to survive. He has only averaged 16.3 points per game in this series, and though those numbers are respectable, he has yet to look like the superstar that the Celtics so desperately need on the court. G Rajon Rondo had an off night on Tuesday as well, scoring just 11 points. The best game in weeks by F Kevin Garnett was wasted. KG put up 25 points, and at times, he was the only offensive threat that was keeping Boston alive in the game.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+3.5
-3.5
190.5

Trends of Note: Since starting up the 2-3-2 format in the NBA Finals, there have been ten teams take a 2-1 series lead in Game 3. That team that took the 2-1 series edge is a perfect 10-0 in terms of winning the NBA Championship. Obviously, the Celtics are still staring in the face the prospects of that 47-0 mark by HC Phil Jackson in series in which his team took a 1-0 series lead. Still, Boston backers must rest assured that their team is a solid 10-4-1 ATS in their L/15 NBA betting battles with these Lakers. However, since Game 6 of the NBA Finals two years ago, LA is a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS at the Garden.

The Final Word: We knew that Allen wasn't going to have the game of his life once again in Game 3, but going 0/13 is a tad bit ridiculous. If the former Connecticut Huskies guard even remotely looked halfway decent on Tuesday, the story would've been significantly different than the seven point defeat. Motivation and desperation should be the keys to victory for HC Doc Rivers' crew on Thursday night, as the Celtics should storm back and level this series for the second time.

Prediction: Boston 96 – Los Angeles 88

 
June 8th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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NBA Finals betting action continues on Tuesday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics get ready to have at it in Game 3 of this best of seven set.

Los Angeles Lakers (+3) @ Boston Celtics
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
9:00 ET, TD Banknorth Garden

Los Angeles Notes: It was most certainly a tale of two different games for the Lakers in Tinseltown last week. The NBA Finals odds were stacked in LA's favor in Game 1, as the hosts dominated the glass and watched G Kobe Bryant notch his fifth straight 30+ point game in the postseason in an easy victory to take a 1-0 series lead. That series lead became critical, as HC Phil Jackson has never lost a series in which he has opened with a victory. Game 2 looked totally different, though. Though F Pau Gasol had his second straight dominating game, Boston simply shot the Lakers out of their own building and evened this series at a game apiece. Gasol is averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, and 3.0 assists per game in the NBA Finals, which is by far the most impressive performance from a player in purple and gold. If there was one encouraging sign in Game 2 for Lakers fans, it was that C Andrew Bynum scored 21 points in what easily amounted to be his best game of the L/2 rounds of the playoffs. Bryant only scored 21 points in Game 2 and must improve upon that for Los Angeles to get back in front in this series.

Boston Notes: G Ray Allen took it upon himself to make sure that the Celtics were getting back to Beantown all square in the NBA Finals. Just three days after only scoring 12 points and not logging a single other statistic, Allen was all over the court, nailing an NBA Finals record eight three pointers and outdueling every single sharpshooter that the Lakers have to offer. The former Connecticut Huskies star finished the night with 32 points to lead all scorers. G Rajon Rondo had his say as well. He had a triple-double through just three quarters of play and ultimately ended up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists in the best game of his NBA Finals career in Game 2. Fs Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have really yet to truly get into this series, as the two only combined to shoot 4/16 and score 16 points in Game 2. HC Doc Rivers can't be thrilled about the fact that his team has yet to top 43.3 percent shooting from the field in this series. However, he can rest easily that the C's outrebounded the Lakers 44-39 in Game 2, just three days after getting their clocks cleaned 42-31 in that department.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+3
-3
192.5

Trends of Note: Including the Game 1 dud, the Celtics have now covered seven out of eight NBA Finals betting affairs against Los Angeles dating back to the '08 season. The Lakers are just 3-10-1 ATS in their L/14 against Boston overall. The C's are 6-2 ATS in their L/8 against the NBA playoff odds as favorites and are 8-3 ATS in their L/11 games overall. Los Angeles is only 5-14 ATS in its L/19 games playing on one day of rest, but Boston just snapped a five game ATS losing streak against the Western Conference in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

The Final Word: Does anyone else feel like it is now Kobe Time? Bryant and the Lakers know that they played perhaps their worst game possible, particularly on the outside on Sunday night. Playing well in the post once again will eventually yield a 'W' in Boston at some point, and we tend to believe that that victory is coming on Tuesday night. Look for Bryant to have another 30+ point showing as he carries the Lakers to victory.

Prediction: Los Angeles 100 – Boston 94

 
June 2nd, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The NBA Finals tips off on Thursday night at the Staples Center, and Cappers Info has the lowdown on Game 1 of NBA Finals betting action between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston Celtics (+5.5) @ Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
9:00 ET, Staples Center

Boston Notes: HC Doc Rivers has to be thankful that his team was given a few off days after playing back-to-back grueling six game series with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. The names that you have become familiar with have all taken their place and taken their turns as the stars of the Celtics. F Paul Pierce is averaging 19.1 points per game in the playoffs to pace the team, but he really didn't shine his brightest until the Eastern Conference Finals against the Magic when he scored 30+ points in two of the final three games of the series to help put Orlando away. G Rajon Rondo has also been huge for the C's, as he put together a monster series against Cleveland in which he averaged 20.7 points per game. Boston is allowing just under 92 points per game in the postseason, the best such mark in the league. The Celtics haven't scored more than 96 points in a game since Game 5 against the Cavs, but the defense has conceded 90 points or fewer in seven of its L/9 NBA playoff betting affairs.

Los Angeles Notes: The Lakers have a lot of issues coming into the NBA Finals, most notably the health of their C Andrew Bynum. Bynum had fluid drained from his knee earlier in the week in an effort to get him ready for the championship series. He was rather harmless in the Western Conference Finals, posting three games of four points or less. However, he was picked up on the inside by the play of both F Lamar Odom and F Pau Gasol. Gasol has been particularly stellar in these playoffs, averaging 20.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Odom has had five double-doubles in the postseason, and he has had at least either double digits in points or rebounds in seven consecutive games. However, when it's playoff time, it's Kobe Time. G Kobe Bryant has been absolutely unconscious at times in the postseason, as he has scored 30+ points in four straight games and reached the 35+ point plateau four times against the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Bryant still feels disrespected by the way that Celtics fans treated him and his Lakers following the 2008 NBA Finals, and he will inevitably try to channel that aggression to lead the purple and gold to their second straight NBA title.

NBA Finals Betting Odds: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 1

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
192
Diamond Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
191.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+5.5
-5.5
192

Trends of Note: The season series was split between these two teams one game apiece with both teams winning on the opponents' court. However, the Lakers' loss at Staples Center was largely thanks to the fact that Bryant didn't suit up that day. The C's covered all six NBA Finals odds in the 2008 series between the teams, including sticking within huge numbers in both Games 3, 4, and 5 in Tinseltown. Boston's only failed cover attempt at Staples Center since the '07-'08 regular season was in a 92-83 Christmas Day loss in the first meeting of these two teams after the Finals.

The Final Word: Boston has the horses to win this series, just as it did in 2008. The difference this year is that there has to be a win for the visitors at some point if the Celtics have hopes of winning it all. That may be just what happens on Thursday night, as the C's are going to use a stifling defense to once again take care of an opponent on enemy soil. The Cavs and Magic went a combined 1-3 SU and ATS on their home floor against this Boston squad in Games 1 and 2 of those series. Don't expect LA to do any better than that.

Prediction: Boston 98 – Los Angeles 93

 
May 29th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The season will be on the line for the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, and here at Cappers Info, we're making our free NBA playoff picks in the sixth game of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.

Los Angeles Lakers (+1.5) @ Phoenix Suns
Saturday May 29th, 2010
9:00 ET, US Airways Arena

Los Angeles Notes: It's not often that you simultaneously use the words "Ron Artest" and "hero" together, but that's exactly what happened on Thursday night in Tinseltown. Artest snared an errant shot by G Kobe Bryant and flipped it off the backboard and into the hoop to send the LA faithful into a frenzy, as the Lakers topped the Suns 103-101 at the gun. That missed shot was about all that Bryant did wrong on the night, as he once again came up just shy of a triple-double for HC Phil Jackson's club. Over the five games in this series, Bryant is averaging 33.0 points, 9.6 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game. G Derek Fisher really came up big as well, hitting seven of his 12 shots and seemingly coming up in a big way every time that the Suns tried to inch their way back into the game that LA once led by 18 points. It wasn't a fantastic shooting game for the Lakers, as 41.8 percent normally won't cut it, especially against the Suns. However, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds really helped matters, as did blocking ten shots. C Andrew Bynum was once again a disappointment in Game 5, as he shot 0/5 from the floor and scored just two points.

Phoenix Notes: HC Alvin Gentry has to be wondering what more his team had to do in the second half to knock off the Lakers at Staples Center. The bench players produced 29 points in the third and fourth quarters, as C Channing Frye scored all 14 of his points in the second half, while F Jared Dudley chipped in eight of his ten for the night. As for the starters, G Steve Nash had the best game that he has had all series long, scoring 29 points on 12/20 shooting to go with 11 assists against just a pair of turnovers. F Grant Hill (10), G Jason Richardson (12), and F Amare Stoudemire (19) all reached double digits in scoring as well for Phoenix. The Suns really still haven't hit their offensive potential, as we continue to say in this series. Once again, they failed to shoot above 50.0 percent from the field, and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc is very not-Phoenix-like. The Suns, typically one of the best free throw shooting teams in the league, will inevitably be kicking themselves for only going 20/29 from the charity stripe.

NBA Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game 6

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+1.5
-1.5
215.5
Diamond Sportsbook
+1.5
-1.5
216
BetUS Sportsbook
+1.5
-1.5
215.5

Trends of Note: The Suns do have the home team mojo in their favor, as the hosts are now 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in this series. US Airways Arena has been a house of horrors for opposing teams as well, as Phoenix is 38-18-1 ATS there in its L/57 tries. The Suns have covered every NBA playoff betting line that they have faced since the opening game of the playoffs against the Trail Blazers. Los Angeles is 7-3 ATS in its L/10 games in the postseason as an underdog and is 5-1 ATS in its L/6 games after an SU victory. Saturday, for whatever reason, has also been a crucial day for both teams. The Lakers are 10-2 ATS in their L/12 games played on this day of the week, while Phoenix is winless in its L/7 in the same situation.

The Final Word: Was Thursday night completely demoralizing for the Suns? We tend to believe that the script is going to look awfully similar in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals as it did when the defending champions had to face Game 6 in Oklahoma City. There is no doubt that Phoenix is going to throw everything, including the kitchen sink at the Lakers on Saturday night, but there's something that tells us that this is where this series ends. Bryant is due to be rewarded for one of his near triple-double nights, and we think that he is going to be the difference maker again down the stretch in what should amount to be a very close game. In the end though, it'll be LA and Boston getting ready for the NBA Finals.

Prediction: Los Angeles 119 – Phoenix 117

 
May 28th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The Orlando Magic really took the game to Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, and the end result was the most dominant game that the team has had in the Eastern Conference Finals. C Dwight Howard was at the center of it all. Most notable was his inadvertent elbow that caught F Glen Davis in the cheek. Howard wasn't just being physical for the heck of it, either. He finished Game 5 with 21 points and ten rebounds to help lead the way for Orlando.

Davis suffered a concussion and lost a tooth for his efforts in the paint. He wasn't nearly the only casualty, though. F Rasheed Wallace now has an aching back in spite of the fact that he scored 21 points on the day. C Kendrick Perkins became visibly frustrated with how the game was going, and he was 'T'd up twice and thrown out of the game after playing just 17 minutes. The NBA rescinded one of the technical fouls that was handed down to Perkins on Thursday, which becomes notable because the second technical marked his seventh of the playoffs. The seventh 'T' calls for an automatic suspension for one game. Rest assured that the Magic are going to try their best to goad Perkins into yet another technical foul in Game 6, which would see him be suspended for either Game 7 at Amway Arena or Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The Magic are three point underdogs on Friday night in Game 6, which is a far cry from the seven point underdogs that they were just four nights ago in Game 4. Should they win the game, Boston would be facing the prospects of becoming the first team in NBA history to blow a 3-0 series lead after 93 successful attempts. Going into last season, the Celtics had never lost a Game 7 on their home floor in franchise history. This year, rather than just making team history, they can make history that will shake the entire league.

The Magic are still +220 underdogs to win this series, but they have a lot of betting trends on their side. They know that the underdog and the road team in this series is now 8-2 SU and ATS in the L/10 clashes. The road team is 3-2 SU and ATS against the Eastern Conference Finals odds.

NBA Betting Odds: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Game 6

Sportsbook
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
+3
-3
189
Diamond Sportsbook
+3
-3
188.5
BetUS Sportsbook
+3
-3
189

 

 
May 25th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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In what could amount to be the most pivotal game of the Western Conference Finals, the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers will meet on Tuesday night in NBA playoff betting action.

Los Angeles Lakers (-1) @ Phoenix Suns
Tuesday May 25th, 2010
9:00 ET, US Airways Arena

Los Angeles Notes: You just know that G Kobe Bryant is going to be in the ears of his teammates after a Game 3 loss to the Suns two nights ago. Bryant did everything possible, as he scored 36 points, had 11 assists, and pulled down nine rebounds on the night. However, his team's inside game and its defense were absolutely woeful. C Andrew Bynum probably shouldn't be involved in this series any longer, as he only played eight minutes in Game 3 and committed four fouls. F Lamar Odom had a pair of big games in Tinseltown but didn't ultimately come up with the right stuff on Sunday when he shot 4/14 from the floor and tallied just ten points. Jackson will have to be careful about letting his team become three-happy, as taking 32 triples as the Lakers did in Game 3 probably won't cut it again, particularly if they plan on converting just 28.1 percent of those shots as they did that night. F Pau Gasol has had three great games in this series, averaging 24.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, but unless he is going to get plenty of help from some other big men, LA could be in some trouble.

Phoenix Notes: The Suns ran, and ran, and continued to run some more against the Lakers on Sunday night, but it was the defense that finally showed at least a bit of a pulse that trimmed this series deficit in half. LA "only" shot 48.3 percent from the floor, which was by far its worst percentage of the Western Conference Finals. Forcing 17 turnovers was critical, because it kept the tempo of the game up. Phoenix held an 18-3 advantage in fast break points in the game, a stat that it usually dominates. Speaking of domination, what about that effort that F Amare Stoudemire had in Game 3? The big man his 14 of his 22 shots from the field and converted on 14 more free throws to ultimately end up with a playoff high 42 points to go with 11 boards. His partner in crime on the inside helped out as well, as C Robin Lopez scored 20 points. HC Alvin Gentry has to be worried about his bench, though. The unit hit just three shots from the floor in Game 3. C Channing Frye has been particularly miserable, as he is shooting just 1/20 in this series.

Current NBA Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Game 4

Sportsbook
LA Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Total
JustBet Sportsbook
-1
+1
219.5
Diamond Sportsbook
-1
+1
220
BetUS Sportsbook
-1.5
+1.5
220.5

Trends of Note: Phoenix is now 37-18-1 ATS in its L/56 home games. The Suns are also 34-16-1 ATS in their L/51 games overall and are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS at US Airways Arena since losing to the Trail Blazers in the opening game of the postseason. Phoenix has covered four of its L/5 games as underdogs of less than five points and is 5-1 ATS in its L/6 games following an SU victory. As for the Lakers, they are 6-1 ATS in their L/7 games after scoring at least 100 points in their previous effort. They're also 5-1 ATS in their L/5 Western Conference Finals clashes, and are 4-1 ATS in their L/5 playoff betting affairs as favorites. In respect to the series between these teams, the home side is 8-1 ATS in the L/9 battles, while the favorite has covered four straight spreads.

The Final Word: Kobe and the gang aren't going to want to come back to Phoenix after they leave tonight. Winning Game 4 would be paramount for putting the Suns down once and for all. With the war of words going on between these two teams, giving Phoenix even a shred of hope in this series could be devastating. Expect the Lakers to come out and take care of business on the road, setting up what should be the fifth and final game of this series at Staples Center on Thursday night.

Free Picks: Los Angeles 106 – Phoenix 102