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CNOTES
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Preview: Pacers (49-32) at Hawks (44-38)

Date: April 29, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


ATLANTA (AP) - When Ivan Johnson is banging around in the lane and staring down opponents, the Atlanta Hawks are a different team.

They hope the bearded, bruising forward can keep it up in Game 4 of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.

While Al Horford was the star of Atlanta's Game 3 rout, it was Johnson who set the physical tone the Hawks so desperately needed after losing the first two games in Indianapolis. He played more than 26 minutes off the bench, scoring seven points, grabbing seven rebounds and picking up five fouls in 90-69 blowout.

``The thing that frustrates the opposition more than anything is the fact that this kid plays hard,' coach Larry Drew said Sunday, when both teams practiced at Philips Arena to prepare for Game 4. ``He doesn't take possessions off. He will stand up to any challenge, whoever he has to defend. He's a physical, rugged player. A lot of guys don't like playing against guys like that.'

Johnson isn't exactly a kid, even though this is just his second year in the league. The 29-year-old has a notorious temper, which resulted in a lifetime ban from the South Korean league for flashing an obscene gesture during a playoff game, and it took a long time before any NBA team was willing to take a chance on him.

The Hawks are glad they did, though Johnson has struggled at times to keep his emotions in check. He was sent home last season for conduct detrimental to the team and, judging by the ominous stare he flashes anytime things don't go his way, he always seems on the verge of crossing the line again.

``The unfortunate thing about Ivan is he has a little bit of a reputation,' Drew said. ``If he can work at it hard enough, he can shake that. He's just too skilled. A big guy, with his size, with his ability and his mobility, he frustrates a lot of people. He knows how to play. He's got a good knack for the game.'

Johnson's defensive presence helped free up Horford to focus more on the offensive end. He responded with 26 points, along with 16 rebounds, as the Hawks built a commanding 24-point lead by halftime and were never seriously threatened.

Atlanta will try to even the best-of-seven series at two wins apiece on Monday night.

The Hawks hope to stick with the lineup that worked so well in their victory - 7-footer Johan Petro starting at center, with Horford moving to power forward and Josh Smith shifting down to small forward.

Petro missed practice Sunday, returning home to Miami to be with his wife during the birth of their child. She was scheduled to deliver in time for her husband to get back to Atlanta for Game 4.

The bigger lineup - 3-point specialist Kyle Korver came off the bench - allowed the Hawks to match up much better with the Pacers at both ends of the court. Guarded by Smith, Paul George was held to 16 points after averaging 25 in the first two games. Indiana's 7-2 center, Roy Hibbert, managed just 8 points after scoring 15.5 per contest in Indiana.

``The whole thing helped us size-wise,' Horford said. ``We were able to get Petro in there, which made an impact on Hibbert. Then Ivan came in and did the same. They freed me up to get more offensive minded. It just goes hand in hand.'

The Pacers turned in a stunningly poor performance after playing so well on their home court, where they averaged 110 points and a 16-point margin of victory. They shot just 27 percent (22 of 81) and turned the ball over 22 times, leading to 24 Atlanta points.

``We really just beat ourselves,' George said. ``We've got to play tougher and with more of an edge.'

Indiana made four of its first six shots, building an 8-1 lead that prompted Drew to call a timeout less than 3 minutes into the game. After that, it was all Hawks. The Pacers missed 30 of their next 36 attempts, trailed 54-30 at halftime, and matched the lowest-scoring first half in the franchise's playoff history.

``Shots weren't falling, but we allowed those shots not to fall,' George said. ``We weren't aggressive. We weren't taking up our own air space. They were making us catch the ball where they wanted. We really weren't fighting for spots.'

If Petro isn't available for Game 4, the Hawks will be in a bit of predicament. The 6-foot-8 Johnson could get the start at center, allowing Horford and Smith to stay in the roles that worked so well Saturday.

Then again, Drew prefers to use Johnson as a backup.

``I don't want to disrupt that,' the coach said. ``He's done such a good job bringing us energy off the bench. I would hate to lose that if I put him in the starting lineup.'

Johnson will accept whatever role he's given.

``I'm just trying to make my presence felt,' he told reporters after the game. ``That's a matter of being a big man. We've got to throw our bodies around to get what we want.'

The Pacers know they'll have to contend with Johnson if they want to regain control of the series.

``He's a great energy guy, a guy that just constantly battles,' George said. ``He's an emotional player. The whole team feeds off his energy and his motor.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 05:41 AM
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Preview: Thunder (60-22) at Rockets (45-37)

Date: April 29, 2013 9:30 PM EDT


HOUSTON (AP) - Kevin Durant felt strange playing without injured All-Star Russell Westbrook for the first time in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets.

He did, however, enjoy handling the ball more in the point guard's absence.

Durant's 41 points helped the Thunder to the win on Saturday night. A victory on Monday would complete the four-game sweep and send them to the second round of the playoffs.

He broke into a huge grin when asked how it felt to run the offense without Westbrook, who had season-ending knee surgery Saturday.

``I tell you, it's fun,' he said. ``I feel like I'm playing street ball again, just having the ball in my hands all the time and initiating the offense.'

The Rockets, of course, didn't share Durant's delight in having the ball more. Durant scored 27 points before halftime on Saturday as Oklahoma City built a huge lead.

Houston coach Kevin McHale alternated defenders Chandler Parsons and Francisco Garcia to try to slow him down, but knows they'll have to do better if they expect to win on Monday.

``It's more difficult,' McHale said of dealing with Durant with Westbrook out. ``But when he does give it up you've got to deny him and try to keep him from getting it. I thought (Garcia) did a better job of that. Chandler's got to do a better job of that. When he does finally give it up - thank goodness - letting him get it right back is not a very good option for us.'

Though Durant tied a career high for points in the playoffs on Saturday night, he wasn't satisfied with his work. He had four turnovers in that game, which was his high in this postseason.

``I've got to make better decisions,' he said. ``I turned the ball over a few times and I think I should have made stronger passes. But it's a learning process so I've got to continue to keep working at it.'

Coach Scott Brooks acknowledged that his staff was scrambling to adjust after Westbrook's injury and that they'll make some minor tweaks for Game 4.

``We don't want to change everything and throw so many things at guys and expect them to pick things up,' he said. ``We just want to do a few things. As the playoffs go on we can adjust more on the fly.'

The Thunder are also focused on staying aggressive after being up by double digits in each of the past two games only to have Houston fight back to go on top in the fourth quarter.

Still, Durant said the team's ability to close out both of those games after losing the lead also shows the maturity of the Thunder.

McHale is proud of his young team for fighting back in the past two games. On Monday, he hopes the Rockets can get off to a good start so they don't find themselves playing catch-up the whole game.

``The last couple of games we put ourselves in position to win,' McHale said. ``(Monday) night we've got to put ourselves over the top and make them make big, big plays down the stretch.'

The Rockets lament their missed chances in the past two games, but say the close calls gave them confidence that they can beat this team. They're undaunted by the fact that no NBA team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a best-of-seven playoff series.

``Eventually someone's going to do it,' Parsons said. ``So we've got a perfect opportunity to go out here and shock the world.'

Houston could be without point guard Jeremy Lin on Monday. He missed the second half of Game 2 after bruising his chest muscle before returning on Saturday night. But he was largely ineffective in about 18 minutes and finished with just two points.

Lin said he was hurting on Sunday and didn't know if he'd be ready for Monday.

``That's a big decision for us to make,' McHale said. ``I know Jeremy really wants to play, but he could not do a lot of stuff last night. We're going to have to wait and see, because it doesn't do any good for him to play if he can't help us.'

Though Durant carried the team on Saturday night, the Thunder also got a big contribution from Serge Ibaka, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

In the days leading up to Game 3, Brooks discussed the need for everyone to do a little more to make up for Westbrook being out. Ibaka did just that, making key plays down the stretch to help Oklahoma City secure the win.

``Serge had some very big moments last night, just his presence around the basket, his offensive rebounds, his shot-making ability,' Brooks said. ``He's understanding the game much more as the years have gone by ... his game last night, if we didn't have it it would have been a tough game for us to win.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 05:42 AM
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Monday's Playoff Tips

April 29, 2013


The Heat and Spurs have already advanced to the second round with sweeps, as the Bulls and Thunder are looking to join that class tonight with victories. Chicago heads to Brooklyn after its epic triple-overtime triumph on Saturday, while Oklahoma City battles Houston at the Toyota Center. We'll begin in Atlanta as the Pacers look to rebound from a horrible performance in Game 3.

Pacers at Hawks (-1 ½, 186) - 7:35 PM EST - NBATV

This series hasn't been very competitive even though Atlanta has a chance to even things up at 2-2 with a home win tonight. The Hawks routed the Pacers from start to finish on Saturday night, 90-69 to cash easily as two-point favorites. Indiana shot a dreadful 27% from the field, while putting up just 30 points in the first half. Atlanta actually shot its worst percentage from the floor in the series (42%), but Al Horford stepped up with a 26-point, 16-rebound effort to give the Hawks their 12th straight home victory over the Pacers.

Now, Indiana needs to find a way to win in Atlanta for the first time since 2007, while its starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined to shoot 2-of-15 for seven points in Game 3. In six of the last seven visits to Philips Arena, the Pacers have been limited to 93 points or below. Since Frank Vogel took over as head coach in 2011, Indiana has won just three of eight road postseason games, with two of those victories coming against Orlando in the opening round last season.

The Hawks snapped a seven-game ATS skid at home with Saturday's blowout, while posting a 7-2 mark to the 'under' the last nine contests at Philips Arena. Since Game 2 of the first round in 2010, Atlanta owns an incredible 13-2 record to the 'under' at home, with the two 'overs' hitting against Chicago in 2011 on totals of 178.

Bulls at Nets (-5 ½, 180) - 7:05 PM EST - TNT

Even though this is the early tip-off tonight, we had to give them some more to time to breathe after Saturday's incredible comeback by Chicago. Even though it took three overtimes, the Bulls rallied from a late 14-point deficit thanks to Nate Robinson's one-man show, scoring 29 points in the final 17 minutes to win 142-134. Chicago may have buried Brooklyn with a 3-1 series edge, but the Nets can send the series back to the United Center with a victory tonight.

Back to Saturday's classic, as the game cashed the 'over' for the first time since Game 1, but don't be misled by the final score. Things were tied at 111-111 at the end of regulation, the first time since 2010 these two teams each eclipsed the 100-point mark in a meeting. Both clubs shot well on Saturday, but the Nets doomed themselves with a 29-of-45 performance from the charity stripe.

The Bulls cashed as 2 ½-point favorites on Saturday, but no team has covered in consecutive games in this series. Does that mean an automatic look at Brooklyn tonight? The Nets own a modest 4-0 ATS record the last four games off an ATS loss, while winning each of their last three home games off a defeat by an average of eight points. Since the All-Star break, the Bulls are a coin-toss proposition as a road 'dog, posting an 8-8 ATS mark.

Thunder (-1 ½, 206) at Rockets - 9:35 PM EST - TNT

Oklahoma City's chance at repeating as Western Conference champions took a major hit with Russell Westbrook's knee injury, which sidelines the All-Star guard for the remainder of the postseason. However, the Thunder is one win away from advancing to the second round after holding off the Rockets on Saturday, 104-101 to take a commanding 3-0 series advantage.

The victory didn't come without drama, as OKC squandered a 26-point edge, but Kevin Durant stepped up by scoring 41 points, including a divine intervention three-pointer to put the Thunder up for good in the final minute. The game finished shy of the 206 ½-point total, even though the two teams combined for 115 points in the opening half. The Rockets received solid performances off the bench from Francisco Garcia and Carlos Delfino, who combined to knock down seven three-pointers, but Houston shot just 12-of-37 from long-distance.

Jeremy Lin is listed as questionable with a chest injury that limited the Rockets' guard to two points in 18 minutes of Game 3. All three games of this series have finished 'under' the total, but Game 1 and Game 3 each ended three points shy of an 'over.' This is only the third time the Thunder has been listed as a road favorite in the playoffs, winning against the Lakers and Mavericks last postseason. The Rockets are 11-2 to the 'under' the last 13 home contests, with the two 'overs' coming against defenseless Sacramento and Orlando.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 07:14 PM
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CNOTES
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2013 NBA Playoff Results

April 29, 2013


2012 Playoff Results

NBA First Round

-- Home teams are 22-8
-- Favorites are 23-7 straight up
-- Favorites are 17-13 against the spread
-- The Under has gone 17-13

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result


Saturday Apr. 20, 2013

Boston New York (-7.5) 85-78 Underdog Under (189)

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 97-95 Underdog Under (211.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-4.5) 106-89 Favorite Over (181.5)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 112-91 Favorite Over (178.5)


Sunday Apr. 21, 2013

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 107-90 Favorite Over (185.5)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 91-79 Favorite Under (191)

Milwaukee Miami (-13.5) 110-87 Favorite Under (197.5)

Houston Oklahoma City (-10.5) 120-91 Favorite Under (214)


Monday Apr. 22, 2013

Chicago (+5.5, +190) Brooklyn 90-82 Underdog Under (183)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 93-91 Underdog Over (180.5)


Tuesday Apr. 23, 2013

Milwaukee Miami (-14) 98-86 Underdog Under (197)

Boston New York (-6.5) 87-71 Favorite Under (186.5)

Golden State (+8.5, +350) Denver 131-117 Underdog Over (208.5)


Wednesday Apr. 24, 2013

Houston Oklahoma City (-11) 105-102 Underdog Under (213.5)

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 113-98 Favorite Over (187)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 102-91 Favorite Over (188.5)


Thursday Apr. 25, 2013

Miami (-7) Milwaukee 104-91 Favorite Under (195.5)

Brooklyn Chicago (-3.5) 79-76 Underdog Under (182)

L.A. Clippers Memphis (-4.5) 94-82
Favorite
Under (178.5)


Friday Apr. 26, 2013

New York (+2.5, +125) Boston 90-76 Underdog Under (183)

San Antonio (-6) L.A. Lakers 120-89 Favorite Over (184.5)

Denver Golden State (+1.5, +115) 110-108 Underdog Over (210.5)


Saturday Apr. 27, 2013

Brooklyn Chicago (-2.5) 142-134 (3OT) Favorite Over (177)

L.A. Clippers Memphis (-3) 104-83 Favorite Over (177.5)

Indiana Atlanta (-2) 90-69 Favorite Under (188.5)

Oklahoma City (+1, +105) Houston 104-101 Underdog Under (206.5)


Sunday Apr. 28, 2013

New York Boston (+1.5, +115) 97-90 (OT) Underdog Over (181.5)

Miami (-9) Milwaukee 88-77 Favorite Under (195)

San Antonio (-11) L.A. Lakers 103-82 Favorite Under (190)

Denver Golden State (+2, +115) 115-101 Underdog Over (213)

Monday Apr. 29, 2013
Indiana Atlanta - - -
Chicago Brooklyn - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013
Golden State Denver - - -
Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

Wednesday May 1, 2013
Boston New York - - -
Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -

Thursday May 2, 2013
*Brooklyn Chicago - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Friday May 3, 2013
*New York Boston - - -
*Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Saturday May 4, 2013
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

Sunday May 5, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

*If Neccessary




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 07:19 PM
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CNOTES
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NBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Brooklyn
The Nets look to stay alive in the series and take advantage of a Chicago team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games following a SU win. Brooklyn is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Nets favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, APRIL 29

Game 517-518: Indiana at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 114.929; Atlanta 119.661
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-1 1/2); Under

Game 519-520: Chicago at Brooklyn (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.087; Brooklyn 124.622
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 10 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 5 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-5 1/2); Over

Game 521-522: Oklahoma City at Houston (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.476; Houston 124.011
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 1; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+1 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, April 29

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDIANA (51 - 33) at ATLANTA (45 - 40) - 4/29/2013, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-6 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 8-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (48 - 38) at BROOKLYN (50 - 36) - 4/29/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 38-47 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 16-26 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BROOKLYN is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-7 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA CITY (63 - 22) at HOUSTON (45 - 40) - 4/29/2013, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 29

After winning first two games at home by 17-15 points, Pacers lost by 21 in Game 3, shooting 27.2% from floor; their subs were 6-33 in game they trailed by 24 at half. Home side won all seven Atlanta-Indiana games this season; Pacers lost its visits to Atlanta this year, by 3-9-21 points, with five of seven in series going over total. Atlanta is 3-7 in its last ten games overall, with six of last eight going over total. Horford had 26 points, 16 boards in Game 3. Under is 16-14-1 in playoffs, 8-6-1 in Eastern Conference.

Five of seven Chicago-Brooklyn games this season were decided by 4 or less points or in OT; Nets led by 14 with 3:00 in Game 4, lost in triple OT- how do they bounce back here? Robinson scored 29 points in last 27:00 of Game 4, as Chicago bench outscored the Brooklyn subs 55-22. Home favorites are 13-9 vs spread league-wide so far in playoffs, 7-5 in Eastern Conference. Nets took 16 more FTs than Chicago last game but missed 16 of 45- only series game they won, Brooklyn shot 55.8% from floor- they shot 35.4/34.6/49.5% in losing last three games.

Westbrook is out for year; Thunder scored 105-104 points in winning last two games, after scoring 119+ in last four wins vs Houston, which rallied back from down 17 at half but still fell short. Fisher (+14) split PG with BC alum Jackson (-9) for OC, which held Rockets to 12-37 on arc (30-108 in series). Durant was 13-30 from floor last game, scored 41 points, with Ibaka next with 17. For OC to win next series, they'll need to develop another consistent scoring threat (Martin?). Lin played only 18 minutes last game, so he is hurting; Rockets can't stop Durant, so if they win this game, their season ends in Game 5.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 07:27 PM
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NBA

Monday, April 29

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's NBA playoffs: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-5.5, 180)

Bulls lead best-of-seven series 3-1.

The Chicago Bulls look to close out the first-round series and the Brooklyn Nets attempt to bounce back from Saturday’s collapse as the teams square off in Monday’s Game 5 in Brooklyn. The Bulls won a 142-134 triple-overtime classic to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven series. Chicago rebounded from a 14-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation behind backup guard Nate Robinson. The Nets were 8-of-27 shooting during the three overtimes.

Brooklyn didn’t practice Sunday and coach P.J. Carlesimo aims to have the team forget about the Game 4 setback. “We have to move away from the disappointment and channel it into anger or resolve or whatever else,” Carlesimo said in a Sunday conference call. “We can’t focus on Saturday. We’ve got to focus on Monday – got to be ready at 7 o’clock. We’ve got a one-game season. It’s as simple as that.” Chicago would like to slam the door shut and not give the Nets a chance to get back into the series. “We’ve been fighting through adversity and things all year,” Bulls center Joakim Noah said. “To be in this position now going to Brooklyn – but it’s not going to be easy.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, My9 (Brooklyn),

ABOUT THE BULLS: Robinson had a quarter for the ages when he poured in 23 of his 34 points in Saturday’s fourth quarter. He scored 12 straight points during the game-tying 14-0 run and finished 14-of-23 from the field. “Whenever I’m in the game, I just play with a lot of confidence,” Robinson said afterward. “You kind of have to lie to yourself and feel like you can’t miss.” The 23-point quarter was the second most in franchise history behind Michael Jordan’s 24-point quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1990 playoffs. “It was big shot after big shot,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “That’s what he does. That’s what makes him so valuable. It doesn’t take much to get him going. Once he gets going, he can have a great run.” Robinson scored 35 total points in the first three games.

ABOUT THE NETS: Guard Joe Johnson had 22 points and played 48 minutes in Game 4 despite a painful foot injury. Johnson forced the first overtime with a last-second floater to continue a trend of making clutch shots for Brooklyn. “If you look at the 86 games we’ve played, I think Joe would be up there in terms of last-second or end-of-game (or) overtime plays for the year,” Carlesimo said. In the history of the NBA, has somebody had a better season? Probably. But it’s scary to think about what this year would’ve been like without Joe Johnson.” Johnson is averaging 17.5 points during the series.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a win.
* Over is 8-1 in Nets’ last nine games following a loss.
* Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Noah played nearly 39 minutes in the triple-overtime game, which were 14 more than the target due to his bout with plantar fasciitis.

2. Nets C Brook Lopez had 26 points in Game 4 and has topped 20 in each game. He is averaging 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocked shots.

3. Bulls PG Kirk Hinrich had 18 points and 14 assists in Game 4 after totaling just nine assists over the first three games.


Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks (-2, 186)

Pacers lead best-of-seven series 2-1.

The Atlanta Hawks were dominated physically in the first two games of the series and had little hope of stopping anything the Indiana Pacers were doing offensively. Coming home seemed to rejuvenate the Hawks in a strong Game 3 performance, and they will be looking to even up the best-of-seven series when they host the Pacers again on Monday. Al Horford led the way as Atlanta went to a bigger lineup and slowed the pace.

The Hawks stifled Indiana in the half court and held it to 27.2 percent shooting in Game 3, including 4-of-25 from beyond the arc. That was a far cry from the first two contests, when the Pacers totaled 220 points and looked like they were on their way to an easy series sweep. Atlanta’s bigger lineup put Josh Smith on Paul George defensively, and the Pacers’ star had some trouble dealing with the added length. The Hawks had that game in hand at the half and gained some momentum going forward.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Indiana, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), NBATV

ABOUT THE PACERS: It’s Indiana’s turn to regroup after a dismal performance. The Pacers’ starting backcourt of George Hill and Lance Stephenson combined to shoot 2-for-15 while reserve guards D.J. Augustin and Orlando Johnson backed them up with a combined 0-for-9 effort. “They came out with a lot of energy, put us on our heels early, and the rest is history,” Hill told reporters. “We turned the ball over a lot and we weren’t getting to the places that we want to get to on the offensive end.” The Hawks made an obvious effort to play with more aggression and Indiana did not respond well to the increased physicality. George posted a triple-double in Game 1 and went for 27 points in Game 2 but was held to 16 on 4-of-11 shooting on Saturday in Atlanta.

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Petro’s move into the starting lineup and the extended use of Ivan Johnson off the bench in the center spot allowed Horford to focus on the offensive end in Game 3. Petro returned home to Miami on Sunday for the birth of his child but is expected to be back in time for Monday’s game. The rotation change also benefited Kyle Korver, who struggled going up directly against George in the first two games as the starter but was free to focus more on the offensive end off the bench and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. The 54-30 halftime lead marked the franchise record for the fewest points allowed in the first half of a playoff game, and included a key play that Atlanta’s players pointed to after the game. Horford was taken down by a flagrant foul in the second quarter and point guard Jeff Teague rushed to his defense, shoving Indiana forward David West and refusing to back down.

TRENDS:

* Pacers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Hawks are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Over is 9-1 in Pacers’ last 10 games following a loss.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hawks have won 12 straight over the Pacers in Atlanta.

2. West (7-for-14) and Ian Mahinmi (1-for-2) were the only Indiana players to shoot at least 50 percent from the field on Saturday.

3. Horford’s 26 points and 16 rebounds in Game 3 marked the first time an Atlanta player had reached at least 25 and 15 in a playoff game since Dikembe Mutombo in 1997.



Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets (+1.5, 206.5)

Thunder lead best-of-seven series 3-0.

The Oklahoma City Thunder found a way to win without Russell Westbrook and now look to finish off the host Houston Rockets in Monday’s Game 4. The Thunder learned Saturday that Westbrook is done for the postseason after undergoing knee surgery and they edged the Rockets later that night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference best-of-seven series. Houston recovered from a 26-point deficit to take the lead before succumbing 104-101.

The Rockets are attempting to avoid the sweep and they are lamenting missed opportunities in two of the first three games. “You’ve got to find a way to win these games,” forward Chandler Parsons said after the Game 3 loss. “I think we are learning a lot and growing a lot right now but it is very frustrating. We feel we should be up 2-1 right now and yet we’re down 0-3.” Oklahoma City standout Kevin Durant matched his personal playoff career high with 41 points and hit the decisive 3-pointer while taking 30 shots with Westbrook out. “I just go out there on the court and I knew I had to give it my all no matter what,” Durant said afterward. “That’s what I’m going to do for however many more games we have to play.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Fox Sports Oklahoma, Comcast SportsNet Houston

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Second-year guard Reggie Jackson had 14 points in 25 minutes while making his first career start due to Westbrook’s injury. He went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, including two big ones with eight seconds left to provide the final margin. “Reggie did a terrific job,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks. “I’m proud of him, I’m proud of the way he played. He kept his composure during some tough moments of the game.” Durant took over much of the ball-handling responsibilities to take the pressure off Jackson and veteran Derek Fisher spelled Jackson and scored nine points in 24 minutes off the bench.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Veteran swingman Francisco Garcia provided a boost by scoring 18 points in 32 minutes off the bench in Game 3. Garcia shadowed Durant most of the second half after Durant scored at will in the first half with 27 points. Garcia figures to again receive a lot of minutes in Game 4 with Houston’s season on the line. Standout James Harden scored 30 points and is averaging 28.7 points in the series but also missed five free throws in Game 3. He shot 85.1 percent from the free-throw line in the regular season. Harden has two 30-point games in the series and three in his career.

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games.
* Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Rockets’ last four overall.
* Under is 8-2-1 in Thunder’s last 11 road games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Houston has made 30 3-pointers in the series but is shooting just 27.8 percent from behind the arc.

2. Thunder PF Serge Ibaka had 17 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3 for his second double-double of the series.

3. Rockets PG Jeremy Lin (chest) is questionable for Game 4. He attempted to play Saturday but left after 18 ineffective minutes.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 07:28 PM
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Monday, April 29

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Chicago +5.5 500 POD # 1

Brooklyn - Under 180.5 500 POD # 4



Indiana - 7:30 PM ET Atlanta -1.5 500 POD # 2

Atlanta - Over 186 500



Oklahoma City - 9:30 PM ET Houston +1.5 500

Houston - Under 206 500 POD # 3




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-29-13 11:33 PM
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Preview: Grizzlies (56-26) at Clippers (56-26)

Date: April 30, 2013 10:30 PM EDT


LOS ANGELES (AP) - Now that they've had a couple of days to digest those back-to-back losses the suddenly rejuvenated Grizzlies shoved down their throats in Memphis, the Clippers are back home and eager to swing the momentum back in their favor in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.

``Tomorrow's the biggest game of the season for us. We've got to win this game,' All-Star point guard Chris Paul said Monday at the team's Playa Vista practice facility.

``We hoped to go undefeated throughout this whole thing, but this definitely makes us stronger. Now it's a three-game series. So we've got to come out with more energy, obviously, and with the same intensity in Game 5 as we did in Game 1 and 2. We've got to fight and scratch and play the way we know we can.'

That will require a dramatic reversal by the Clippers, who were outplayed at both ends of the court by Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Co. during Games 3 and 4. The 21-point rout on Saturday that evened the series at two games apiece represented the most lopsided postseason victory in the history of the Grizzlies franchise.

But the Clippers don't feel the Grizzlies have gotten under their skin and into their heads. All they have to do is remind themselves of last season, when they beat the Grizzlies in the opening round with a Game 7 triumph at Memphis.

``That hasn't been the issue. The issue's been the execution,' coach Vinny Del Negro said. ``They've executed better than us the last couple of games at both ends, as we did the first couple of games. That's why it's all tied up. It really comes down to rebounding the basketball, second-chance points, not turning it over, and making plays in the fourth quarter.'

``It starts with us on the defensive end - having a physical presence there, making sure where our coverage is, and just locking in and having the intensity level go up as the game goes on,' Del Negro added.

All season, the Clippers relied on Paul, Blake Griffin, Caron Butler, DeAndre Jordan and Chauncey Billups - when he's healthy - to get the team off to fast starts and then let their deep bench widen the lead.

With the speed and quickness of reserves Jamal Crawford and Eric Bledsoe, the ferociousness and timely perimeter shooting of Matt Barnes, and the veteran savvy provided by forward Lamar Odom, that should have been enough to neutralize the presence of Randolph and Gasol, the NBA's defensive player of the year. But it hasn't turned out that way.

``It would probably be impossible to find another big-man combination like that in the league,' Paul said. ``They're like two old-school big guys. So it's going to take a collective unit. We can't just put all of it on our big guys. We all have to get in there and bang with them, and then we've got to run them. Those first couple of games here, we managed to get them into foul trouble.'

One thing that has held the Clippers back has been the shooting of Butler and Crawford, who was runner-up for sixth man of the year.

``It's a matter of getting clean looks,' Crawford said. ``When you fight to get clean looks, that makes it a little bit more difficult. But we'll adjust. We've put in some new things and we saw some things that we can address.'

In the first two games of the series, the Clippers had an 87-61 rebounding edge and resembled the team that knocked the Grizzlies out of the playoffs in the opening round last year. But once the venue shifted to Memphis, the Grizzlies turned into terrors on the boards while fast-breaking the Clips into submission.

Quincy Pondexter, who converted his missed free throw into a pivotal four-point play that helped Memphis win Game 3 and get back in the series, said the Grizzlies have to ``Bring some of the mojo we built here in the Grindhouse, and hopefully we can get a win in the Staples Center before bringing it back home. We're a grit-grind team - defense, rebounding, getting stops. We kind of got away from that in games 1 and 2, and we're back to it right now.'

The Grizzlies outrebounded Los Angeles 92-61 in the two games at Memphis - including a 27-9 margin on the offensive glass - and outscored them 44-6 in second-chance points.

``They played desperate basketball in Memphis, and we have to do the same thing now,' Billups said. ``That's why you work so hard for home court. If we had two games left in Memphis and one at home, then obviously the pressure would be on us. But it's not on us. We just have to make a few adjustments, but it's going to be our turn now to play with that same sense of urgency. We've got to box out, get after loose balls and compete in the fourth quarter.'

No one has to tell the Grizzlies that they have to win at least once game in Los Angeles to advance to the next round. And with the increased confidence they've gained over the last two games, they have every reason to expect to.

``We've got to understand we are going into a hostile environment,' said Tony Allen. ``Staying together, playing hard, playing together, having great focus - I just think from one through 14 all guys are locked in. And I think when you have that kind of mindset going on the road, you are able to get wins.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

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Preview: Warriors (47-35) at Nuggets (57-25)

Date: April 30, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


DENVER (AP) - The Denver Nuggets left behind a hole in the wall just inside the visiting locker room at Oracle Arena, courtesy of frustrated forward Kenneth Faried's size 16 sneaker.

Escaping the hole they're in against the Golden State Warriors won't be so easy.

The sixth-seeded Warriors have won three straight games since losing All-Star David Lee, the league's leader in double-doubles, to a season-ending hip injury in the series opener.

They're one win away from closing out George Karl's third-seeded band of speedsters who rolled into the playoffs on a 23-3 run and an NBA franchise-best 57-win season that included 23 straight home wins.

Denver, which is facing the prospect of getting bounced from the first round for the ninth time in 10 years, had designs on a deep playoff run like they had in 2008-09 but have been outsmarted, outhustled, outshot and outrebounded this entire series.

Only Andre Miller's twisting layup with a second left in Game 1 stands between the Nuggets and a four-game sweep. Golden State coach Mark Jackson surprised Karl with what was essentially a four-guard starting lineup for Game 2 and the Warriors haven't missed Lee - or many shots, for that matter - ever since.

The Warriors were 3-18 when playing without Lee over the last three regular seasons but are 3-0 without him in the playoffs as Jackson's rotations have messed up Karl's matchups and many maneuvers.

``We're not doing things right and they're doing everything right,' Miller said.

Andrew Bogut's pre-eminence in the post after an injury-filled regular season in which he didn't play in any of Golden State's four games against Denver has been among the biggest surprises of the series.

``He's brought a defensive physicality to their front line,' Karl said.

The Nuggets have found no answers for Stephen Curry and the rest of the uncannily accurate Warriors, whose barrage of 3-point baskets, high shooting percentages and surprising dominance in the paint and on the glass have sapped the Nuggets' energy along with their vaunted transition game.

``When they come down and just hit 3s when you've just crossed halfcourt, you can't scheme around that. You can't stop that,' Faried said. ``We just have to find a way to not let them do that.'

When someone suggested in the aftermath of Denver's 115-101 loss Sunday night that the good news is the Nuggets were heading back to the Pepsi Center for Game 5 Tuesday night, the flustered forward retorted, ``There's no good news.'

That about sums it up for Denver, which is on the verge of yet another early exit from the playoffs.

This is the Nuggets' 10th straight trip to the postseason but they've advanced past the first round just once during that decade.

Karl's counting on the homecourt helping the Nuggets snap out of their funk, noting ``it usually takes one game to turn around your confidence.'

Exhibit A in that argument is Golden State's Game 2 win when they handed the Nuggets their first home loss in three months, then rode that wave of momentum to two wins in Oakland.

``We do got them at home and I hope our crowd can get as loud as their crowd was,' Faried said. ``It was deafening. You really can't hear much and their crowd really gets behind them. I respect that. Our crowd really gets behind us when we get going. Hopefully we can feed off ours and show them a thing or two.'

A Nuggets win might also finally put some pressure on the Warriors, who have relished the underdog role so far while showing not a bit of nerves despite being the playoff newbies they are.

Faried has an idea of what has to change Tuesday night, besides the venue.

``Everything,' he said. ``We just need to throw everything out the book and come back with a better game plan. Right now we're not playing Nuggets basketball. We're not looking for the open man. It just looked bad out there.'

Curry is leading the charge for Golden State. He has swished 18 3-pointers, more than any player in NBA history in the first four playoff games of his career. And he scored 22 of his career playoff-high 31 points in the decisive third quarter Sunday night.

By no means is he a one-man show, though.

``I'll probably start on him the next game,' Andre Iguodala said. ``We'll try that. But when you look at it, he's not the only one hurting us. He's making a lot of plays, making some great shots. Give him credit but Jarrett Jack's playing really well for them. Bogut was incredible for them in the first quarter. (Harrison) Barnes has hurt us, as well. It's not just one guy.

``Our team defense needs to improve and we have to trust one another. It comes down to the basics of basketball.'

Curry keeps springing free no matter who's guarding him, and Karl said he's not ruling anything out for Game 5: ``I think everybody's an option. That's the way it has to be when you're down 3-1. Two minutes here, two minutes there, you have to be ready. Whatever buttons we push, everybody has to be ready to go.'

While Faried had a heavy wrap around his left ankle and foot when he walked through the hotel lobby Monday, Curry is sporting a puffy right eye, which was accidentally poked by Corey Brewer late in the last game, to go with a sprained left ankle of his own.

``It's the playoffs. You don't have time for excuses,' said Curry, who got a pain injection in his ankle before tip-off. ``As long as you can play and suit up you got to take advantage of the opportunity.'

There's no reason to think Curry will be hampered Tuesday night.

``I saw him in the lounge, and he's doing fine,' Jackson said Monday. ``Obviously, he's not going to be doing much today, but it's important for him to get treatment, get ready and be ready for tomorrow night because we certainly need him.'

Jackson knows a close-out game with a young team is going to be an adventure, and the Warriors are certainly expecting the Nuggets' best shot in Game 5.

``We have to treat it as if it's a Game 7 situation because that's what they're going to (do),' Jack said. ``They have a great coach. George Karl is going to have them prepared too, so we're anticipating the biggest fight of the season we've had all year on our hands.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-30-13 01:43 PM
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Tuesday, April 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Golden State - 8:00 PM ET Golden State +8 500 POD # 1

Denver - Over 211.5 500 POD # 2

Memphis - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers -5.5 500 POD # 4

L.A. Clippers - Over 179.5 500 POD # 4




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-30-13 10:08 PM
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NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at LA Clippers
The Clippers look to bounce back from their 104-83 loss in Game 4 and build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games after allowing 100 points or more in the previous game. LA is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

Game 527-528: Golden State at Denver (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 124.796; Denver 124.214
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8; 213
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+8); Over

Game 529-530: Memphis at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 120.904; LA Clippers 130.213
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9 1/2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 5; 180 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, April 30

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GOLDEN STATE (50 - 36) at DENVER (58 - 28) - 4/30/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 49-37 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games this season.
DENVER is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DENVER is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-7 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-7 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMPHIS (58 - 28) at LA CLIPPERS (58 - 28) - 4/30/2013, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 53-36 ATS (+13.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
MEMPHIS is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 288-343 ATS (-89.3 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-99 ATS (-38.9 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 191-243 ATS (-76.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 147-203 ATS (-76.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 75-108 ATS (-43.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 11-10 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 13-9 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 30

First Round, Game Five (Golden State Leads, 3-1)
Golden State at Denver, 8:05 ET TNT
Golden State: 2-12 ATS off BB home wins
Denver: 24-10 ATS after playing as a road favorite

First Round, Game Five (Series Tied, 2-2)
Memphis at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET TNT
Memphis: 18-9 ATS off a win by 10+ points
LA Clippers: 26-12 Over off an ATS loss




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, April 30

Golden State shot 64.6/52.5/55.7%% from floor last three games, taking 3-1 series lead; they're 33-71 behind arc last three games.Warriors took 49 less FTs than Denver in series, but have made lot of low percentage shots and scored 119 ppg in wins, 95 in the loss. Denver is 25-1 in last 26 home games, but Game 2 loss, when Golden State shot 64.4% from floor, started Warriors' 3-game win streak. Curry had 31 Sunday, making 6-11 behind arc; Denver better find way to contain him, or else.

Home side won all four LA-Memphis games; Grizzlies bench was even in plus/minus last two games, after being -43 in Game 2- they held their own, let starters win game. Butler-Jordan-Billups combined to go 1-13 last game; LA needs much more, obviously; there is immense pressure on Clippers to win here. Clippers made 22-78 from arc in series- so far in series, their FG% has gone from 55.4% to 47.4% to 38.8% to 41.0% in series- they need more easy baskets. Memphis outrebounded LA by 27 in last three games, after being -24 in Game 1. Clippers have taken 32 less FTs than Griz so far in this series.




NBA

Tuesday, April 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 8 games at home


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-30-13 10:39 PM
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NBA

Tuesday, April 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's NBA playoffs: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets (-7.5, 213.5)

Golden State leads series 3-1

If the Denver Nuggets have any hope of extending their first-round playoff series with the Golden State Warriors, they need to figure out a way to stop Stephen Curry. The standout guard and the Warriors will try to close out the Nuggets in Game 5 on Tuesday. Every time it has looked like Golden State would fall behind in the last three games, Curry has put the team on his back and broken the heart of Denver.

Curry has shaken off an ankle injury and set a record for most 3-pointers made in his first four career playoff games (18). But Curry is not just coming off screens for spot-up shots, most of his 3-pointers have come off the dribble and in transition, including back-breaking shots from 30 feet and off-balance shots off one foot that improbably splash through. The Nuggets have not been able to counter that sort of long-range accuracy and have lost something on the inside while going to a small lineup to counter the Warriors’ quicker starting five.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry scored 22 points in the last 6:22 of the third quarter on Sunday after the Nuggets had cut the lead to four. The flurry included a personal 9-0 run in which Curry hit a spot-up 3-pointer from the top of the key, drove the lane and sent a left-handed floater over JaVale McGee to start a three-point play and finished with an off-balance 3-pointer in transition that rattled home and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Curry has had plenty of help from the likes of Jarrett Jack and Klay Thompson on the perimeter but Golden State also got frontcourt production in the 115-101 Game 4 victory. Andrew Bogut and Carl Landry scored 12 points apiece in the first half to keep the Warriors on top while Curry got his ankle loose. Golden State became the first team to win in Denver since January when they got 30 points and 13 assists from Curry in a dominating 131-117 victory in Game 2. That was the first game after All-Star David Lee had gone down, inspiring coach Mark Jackson to go with the smaller lineup that has flourished.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS: Denver has gotten plenty of production out of the point guard tandem of Ty Lawson and Andre Miller but everything else has been inconsistent. The Nuggets were forced to change up their lineup toward the end of the season when Danilo Gallinari was lost and Kenneth Faried had to miss time with an ankle injury. Faried is back in the starting lineup but coach George Karl has modified things further in the last two games by pushing starting center Kosta Koufos to the bench and using Faried and swingman Wilson Chandler in the frontcourt. That left Denver vulnerable to the Bogut-Landry pair in the first half of Game 4. The Nuggets also turned the ball over 23 times in Game 4, leading to 33 points for the Warriors. “They found some magic,” Karl said, “and we have to find a way to take it away.”

TRENDS:

* Warriors are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Nuggets have allowed an average of 118.7 points in the last three games - all losses.

2. Jack is shooting 73.7 percent since moving into the starting lineup in Game 2.

3. Denver has lost in the first round of the playoffs in eight of the last nine years.



Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 180)

Best-of-seven series tied 2-2.

The road team has yet to win in this Western Conference first-round series and the Memphis Grizzlies would like to change that when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers in Tuesday’s Game 5. Los Angeles opened the series with two home victories before the Grizzlies took the next two in Memphis to even the series. The Clippers averaged 102.5 points in their home wins and just 82.5 in their two losses. The Grizzlies’ wins were by a combined 33 points.

Memphis nearly notched a road victory in Game 2 but Chris Paul hit the game-winning basket with one-tenth of a second remaining. A victory in Game 5 would give the Grizzlies a chance to sew up the series at home in Game 6. “You can’t win a series without winning in L.A.,” Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said after Game 4. The Clippers appeared superior to the Grizzlies in their home wins and then were severely outmatched on the road. “We’ve got to take care of business in Game 5 at home in front of our fans,” Los Angeles coach Vinny Del Negro said after the 104-83 loss on Saturday. “But there’s no question we’re going to have to get back to playing the way we did the first couple games.”

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Fox Sports Tennessee (Memphis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Center Marc Gasol (24 points, 13 rebounds) and power forward Zach Randolph (24 points, nine rebounds) each had strong performances in Game 4 after being relatively quiet through the first three games. The double-double was Gasol’s first of the series while Randolph has put together back-to-back stellar outings after playing poorly in Los Angeles. Point guard Mike Conley had 23 assists against two turnovers in the two Memphis wins as he outplayed Paul. “I try to contain him as much as possible, but Mike is one of those guys that year-in and year-out just keeps getting better,” Paul said. “He’s a handful.” Conley set a Grizzlies’ postseason record with 13 assists in Game 4.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Paul and Blake Griffin each had 19 points in Saturday’s loss and could use some help from the other three starters. Center DeAndre Jordan had two points while forward Caron Butler and guard Chauncey Billups were both scoreless as the trio went a combined 1-of-13 from the field. The potent bench has also been struggling. Sixth man Jamal Crawford was just 7-of-21 shooting in the two road games and forward Matt Barnes was 5-of-14. Guard Eric Bledsoe was 3-for-12 after being 10-of-13 from the field in the two games in Los Angeles while forward Lamar Odom (6-of-17) has been subpar throughout the series.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
* Over is 7-1 in Clippers’ last eight home games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Grizzlies set a franchise postseason mark with the 21-point Game 4 victory. The previous top margin of victory was 18 points over San Antonio during the 2011 playoffs.

2. Griffin grabbed 10 rebounds in Game 4 for his first double-double since April 7.

3. Memphis was 15-3 during the regular season when Gasol notched a double-double.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-30-13 10:40 PM
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NBA

Tuesday, April 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA playoff betting notes: Nuggets' Faried battling ankle injury
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Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried is battling through a sprained left ankle and is probable Tuesday. Here is a look at some NBA playoff notes heading into Tuesday night's action.

Faried frustrated with ankle sprain

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried is probable to play Tuesday as he heals from a sprained left ankle.

Faried injured the ankle in Denver's April 14 game versus the Portland Trail Blazers.

He missed Game 1 due to the injury but played in the next three. Faried averages 28.1 minutes, nine points and seven rebounds per game. He came off the bench in Game 2, but has started Games 3 and 4.

"It's extremely frustrating," Faried told Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post. "Especially when it's taking away my most powerful weapon — my legs. I've just got to fight through it and hopefully I'll be all right."

Faried's frustration spilled over following Denver's Game 4 115-101 loss versus the Warriors. Faried reportedly kicked a hole in the wall inside the visitors locker room at Oracle Arena in Oakland. He was unsure of which foot he used to kick the wall.

Dooling questionable

Memphis Grizzlies guard Keyon Dooling is reportedly progressing from a neck strain that held him out of Game 4 Saturday. He is questionable for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The veteran is averaging 10.7 minutes, 4.3 points and one assist per game in the postseason.

Rookie guard Tony Wroten played five minutes in Dooling's absence in Game 4.

Andris Biedrins questionable for Game 5

Golden State Warriors center Andris Biedrins is questionable for Game 5 Tuesday versus the Denver Nuggets.

Biedrins has yet to play in the series due to lower back tightness.

The 7-footer has only played 30 minutes since March 1 and averaged 0.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in the regular season.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 04-30-13 10:41 PM
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Wednesday Playoff Tips

April 30, 2013


The three home teams taking the court on Wednesday night own a combined 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS record in games playing in their backyard in the NBA playoffs. The Knicks and Thunder can each advance to the second round with a victory, while the Pacers try to get on track after dropping a pair of games at Atlanta. We'll begin in the Big Apple with New York looking to finish off Boston after the Celtics survived another day with a Game 4 triumph.

Celtics at Knicks (-8, 180) - 7:05 PM EST - TNT

New York dominated Boston through the first three games, but couldn't pull off the sweep in Sunday's overtime defeat at TD Garden. The Celtics squandered a 20-point cushion, as the Knicks forced overtime with a 49-30 second half run. However, Jason Terry stepped up in the extra session by knocking down several key jumpers, including a three-pointer on a fast break to give Boston the lead for good to avoid the sweep.

Carmelo Anthony dominated the Celtics through the first three victories for New York, as the NBA scoring champion scored 36 points on 35 shots from the floor in the 97-90 loss. The Celtics managed a cover as 1 ½-point home 'dogs, while the game finished 'over' the total of 181 ½, the first game that didn't go 'under' in the entire series. The two Celtics that stepped up to dodge an early exit were Paul Pierce and Jeff Green, who combined to score 55 points, while Boston's defense held New York to just 34% shooting from the floor.

The Knicks will receive some scoring punch from J.R. Smith in Game 5, who returns after serving his one-game suspension for elbowing Terry in Game 3. New York is riding a 12-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden, dating back to early March (10-2 ATS). The only way for the Celtics to survive and move the series back to Boston is consistency in both halves. Doc Rivers' club has gone through 25, 23, 31, and 30 point halves in this series, including second half 'unders' in both games played at Madison Square Garden.

Hawks at Pacers (-7, 188) - 8:05 PM EST - NBATV

The forgotten series in the Eastern Conference is the lone one that is tied at two games apiece. The home team is a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS so far after the Hawks grabbed a pair of double-digit victories at Philips Arena to put the series back at square one. The Atlanta defense rose to the challenge after allowing an average of 110 points per game in the first two losses by limiting Indiana to a combined 160 points in the last two wins.

For the exception of a clunker in the third quarter (3-of-21 from the floor), the Hawks held control for the majority of Monday's 102-91 triumph to even the series at 2-2. The game was on the verge of going 'under' the total of 187 ½, but a late 10-point outburst on four consecutive possessions shattered any hopes of the second 'under' in the series. Josh Smith paced the Hawks with a game-high 29 points, while Kyle Korver drilled five three-pointers off the bench to give Atlanta its 12th consecutive home victory over Indiana.

Now the Pacers have to search for the offense that led them to a pair of blowouts in the first two games of this series. The only constant for Indiana is Paul George, who hasn't scored less than 16 points in any of the four games so far. However, George Hill averaged 20 points per game in the first two wins, but the point guard scored a combined 15 points in the two losses. Frank Vogel's squad owns an 8-3 SU and 7-4 ATS record at home off a defeat, while the Hawks are 4-7 ATS the last 11 games as a road.

Rockets at Thunder (-8 ½, 208) - 9:35 PM EST - TNT

Houston couldn't close out a victory in Games 2 and 3 of this series, but finally broke through the win column in Game 4. Serge Ibaka's missed layup at the buzzer cemented Houston's first victory in its first round series with Oklahoma City, 105-103 as 1 ½-point home underdogs. The two teams combined for just 33 points in the final quarter, barely hitting the 'over' of 206 ½, while the 'over' cashed for the first time in the series.

Kevin Durant shot an efficient 12-of-16 from the floor, as the NBA's second-leading scorer put up a game-high 38 points in his second game without fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook. Former Thunder teammate James Harden converted just four of 12 shots from the field, while turning the ball over 10 times in spite of the win. Chandler Parsons picked up the slack by scoring a playoff career-high 27 points, lifting the Rockets to their first postseason triumph since 2009.

The Thunder has won 12 of the last 13 games off a road loss dating back to Christmas, while posting a 10-3 ATS record. Scott Brooks' team owns a 7-1 ledger to the 'under' at home the last eight home contests, while holding six opponents to 95 points or less. The Rockets are 2-5 ATS the past seven opportunities as a road underdog, while their last road win against an above .500 team coming at Golden State on March 8.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-01-13 06:49 AM
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Preview: Celtics (41-40) at Knicks (54-28)

Date: May 01, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) - J.R. Smith may have altered a series with one poor decision. He certainly forced his midweek plans to change.

When he dropped Boston's Jason Terry with an elbow to the chin late in Game 3 on Friday night, Smith earned a suspension that left the New York Knicks without their No. 2 scorer during the regular season for Game 4 on Sunday.

The Knicks didn't have enough offense without him, losing 97-90 in overtime as Terry, not the Sixth Man of the Year, hit the big shots off the bench.

Had Smith been available, perhaps this series would already be over.

``It would've been,' Smith said Tuesday. ``I would've been playing golf today.'

Instead, he was practicing for Game 5.

The Knicks will host it Wednesday, their second attempt to close out their first series victory since 2000.

``We want to end it,' leading scorer Carmelo Anthony said. ``We came this far, did our job at home first two games, did our job on the road, got one on the road. We've got the opportunity to end it here on our home court.'

The Knicks won the first three games, holding the Celtics to an average of 75 points, before Boston broke out - sort of - on Sunday. The Celtics scored 54 points in the first half and led by 20 early in the third quarter before their offensive struggles returned, and they were limited to just 30 points in the third and fourth quarters.

Clean up those bad stretches, and the Celtics think they can keep climbing out of the mess they created for themselves.

``There's that one quarter where we have mental lapses,' forward Paul Pierce said. ``They pick up the energy. They pick up the defense, and they have us on our heels, so we have to be cautious of that.'

The Knick had their own problems Sunday, shooting 34 percent from the field and making just 7 of 30 3-pointers (23 percent). Anthony, perhaps feeling pressure to force things with Smith unavailable, scored 36 points but was 10 of 35, missed all seven 3-point attempts and committed seven turnovers.

Smith averaged a career-best 18.1 points during the regular season, and his recognition as the NBA's top reserve was as much a credit to his improved maturity and decision-making as it was to his scoring streaks.

But those qualities went missing Friday when Smith threw his elbow into Terry with the Knicks 7:06 away from wrapping up an easy victory. Coach Mike Woodson appeared to be lecturing Smith before he left the court, and they had another talk Sunday.

``We had a major discussion before he left Boston to come to New York,' Woodson said. ``J.R.'s in a good place. We're fine with J.R.'

But the Knicks' offense wasn't. Though Raymond Felton continued his excellent series with 27 points Sunday, the Knicks' bench that had dominated Boston's managed only seven points. Terry scored 18 by himself.

``We missed 18 points the other night and still put ourselves in position to win the ballgame,' Woodson said. ``J.R. is a big piece to the puzzle and I hope he's learned his lesson, and we've got to move on with it and he's got to be ready to go tomorrow night.'

No team has blown a 3-0 lead in the NBA playoffs, so the Knicks remain confident, especially after rallying to take a fourth-quarter lead Sunday. The Celtics would send the series back to Boston for a Game 6 on Friday with a victory, and they know the only way they can get it is by coming out with the same energy they had Sunday.

``Without a doubt. We have to bring it. It's the only way we have a chance to win the game. We just have to play all out,' forward Jeff Green said.

``We can't go in with the same outlook (as Game 4), because I'm pretty sure they're going to have different schemes on how they're going to attack the pressure situations and how we came at Melo.'

A strong game from Smith would be the easiest way for the Knicks to address that, but they insist he doesn't owe them one after being forced to watch Game 4 from the hotel.

``We all owe each other a good game tomorrow,' Woodson said. ``It's not on just J.R.'s head. Everybody's got to play well to come out of here with a win.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-01-13 06:52 AM
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Preview: Hawks (44-38) at Pacers (49-32)

Date: May 01, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Hawks were feeling a lot better about themselves Tuesday. There were plenty of smiles and good-natured ribbing, especially during a 3-point contest between Jeff Teague and Josh Smith to close out practice.

Once Teague had finished off his teammate, it was time to head to the airport.

Back to reality.

While the Hawks have plenty of momentum - their playoff series with the Pacers is all even at two games apiece after a pair of wins on their home court - the weight of history is heavy on this franchise heading into Game 5 at Indianapolis on Wednesday night.

Since moving to Atlanta in 1968, the Hawks are a dismal 21-84 in postseason road games. Not surprising, really, that they've won only two series in all those years without having a home-court edge. More troubling, over the past two decades they've managed to win a measly two road games - out of 11 tries - when a best-of-seven series reaches this stage or later.

Sure, all teams tend to play better at home than on the road.

But the emotionally fragile Hawks are the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde in the playoffs.

``I'm pleased with how we came home, how we handled our business,' coach Larry Drew said. ``Now we need to go to Indiana and do the same.'

Easy to say. A lot tougher to accomplish.

Indiana dominated the Hawks in the first two games, averaging 110 points and a 16-point margin of victory. Clearly, the Pacers are counting on the home court to help them regain control of the series. While they've lost 13 consecutive games in Atlanta, a streak that dates to 2006, they merely have to keep winning at home to advance to the second round.

``That's a great Atlanta team over there,' Pacers guard George Hill said. ``We knew it was going to be a tough series. We knew they weren't going to lay down. But we know we have two more games at home in this series if necessary.'

The Hawks, on the other hand, know they've got to steal at least one win at Indy.

``When you play on the road, there's a certain mentality you've got to have,' Drew said. ``That's something we talk about as a team. It's not just playing on the road, but learning how to play on the road. It's not easy. It's not just a matter of going out there and doing everything you do at home. There's a certainly style you do have to play. You are who you are, but there's those things you have to do a little bit differently.'

Actually, the Hawks will have a major difference on this trip to the heartland.

After losing Game 2, Drew went to a bigger lineup, inserting 7-footer Johan Petro at center and bringing Kyle Korver off the bench. Petro isn't much of an offensive threat but he's done a good job defending 7-2 Roy Hibbert, whose scoring has dipped from 15.5 points in the first two games to 11.0 over the last two.

More important, by inserting Petro at center, the Hawks were able to move Al Horford to power forward and Josh Smith to small forward. Horford is much more effective matched against David West, while Smith has the size and athleticism to give fits to Indiana star Paul George at both ends of the court.

George led the Pacers with 21 points in Game 4, but was largely ineffective through the first three quarters. Smith, meanwhile, set a career playoff high with 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and finished off a brilliant all-around performance with four assists, three steals and a block.

The enigmatic Smith has certainly risen to the challenge of going head-to-head with Indiana's best player.

``He's one of the up-and-coming young players in this league,' Smith said. ``I like to be able to guard somebody who has a complex game like him. I get up for it. He's a catalyst for that team at both ends of the floor. I'm just trying to match his intensity.'

Now, it's up to George to step up his game against Smith.

``He's getting the boards, he's shooting 3s, and he's making shots,' the Indiana forward said. ``He's being active and getting to the free-throw line. He's just playing with a lot more energy.'

But, like Hill, George feels a lot more comfortable knowing the next game is at Indy.

``We know we play well at home,' he said. ``The road is somewhere we're still learning to get wins and learning to play together. But at home, we're very comfortable.'

The Hawks are feeling a lot more encouraged with their bigger lineup, so much so that Drew conceded he should've made the switch before Game 2 rather than waiting until Atlanta came home. Another benefit was apparent in Monday's win, when Korver made five 3s off the bench and finished with 19 points, taking advantage of an Indiana defense that kept sagging down low trying to defend Smith and Horford (who had 18 points).

``Certainly making that adjustment has had an effect on both teams,' Drew said. ``Josh has done a superb job guarding Paul George. You have to make him work. Plus, the big guys have done a solid job with their bigs as well - Al on West, Petro doing a good job with Hibbert. The big lineup has certainly been good to us. Hopefully that will continue.'

If it does, the Hawks just might be able to write some new history.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-01-13 06:53 AM
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Preview: Rockets (45-37) at Thunder (60-22)

Date: May 01, 2013 9:30 PM EDT


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Houston Rockets are heating up from 3-point range, just in time to avoid playoff elimination and create some drama in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After setting a franchise record for 3s in the regular season, Houston has steadily improved its accuracy over the course of the series against Oklahoma City before hitting 44 percent from behind the arc in a 105-103 victory in Game 4.

Still trailing 3-1, the Rockets are at least carrying some momentum into Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

``It changes everything,' said Chandler Parsons, who had 27 points and 10 rebounds in Game 4. ``We know we can beat them now.'

Houston came awfully close in Games 2 and 3, losing both by 3 points, before finally gaining some real traction during the third quarter on Monday night. Coming out of halftime facing a seven-point deficit, the Rockets outscored the Thunder 38-24 and led by as much as 13 during the period.

That opening stretch of the second half was under the microscope at Oklahoma City's practice facility Tuesday, the most glaring example of the Thunder's diminishing defense.

``We do not want to give up 30-point quarters, and we nearly gave a 40-point quarter,' coach Scott Brooks said. ``So, we just have to focus on being consistently defensive-minded because this team, they put so many 3-point shooters on the floor and we just have to just be really focused on guarding every possession and not having as many breakdowns.'

Houston has been able to make a bigger dent in Oklahoma City's defense as the series has worn on, making just 22 percent from 3-point range in the opener and then improving to 29 percent and 32 percent before the Game 4 sharpshooting.

The Rockets have combined that with a 136-82 scoring advantage in the paint over the past three games, and coach Kevin McHale says there are no big changes to that game plan that have made the series competitive.

``Obviously they're a great offensive team, but we feel like we can score on anybody in the league,' Parsons said. ``We've had success scoring on them, so I think all our focus needs to be on defense and primarily (Kevin) Durant.'

Durant has been the driver of Oklahoma City's offense since fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook was lost for the remainder of the playoffs prior to Game 3. Durant has become the primary ball-handler, attracting even more attention from the Rockets' defense.

He had 38 points on just 16 shots, making 12, along with eight rebounds and six assists in Game 4. Durant had 30 shots in Game 3, but made only 13 and finished with 41 points.

``Kevin's not going to get the 30 shots that everybody wants him to take because the other team does not want Kevin to shoot the 30 shots that people want him to take,' Brooks said. ``If he gets 30 shots one game, the next game a lot of teams aren't going to give you those same shots. They were throwing two or three guys on him, and I thought we did a good enough job to win the game.'

Without Westbrook, the Thunder have been far less effective on the fast break, scoring just 15 points in the last two games after totaling 45 in the first two. Their points in the paint have also dropped off, with a series-low 22 in Game 4.

For Brooks, though, the bigger concern is on the opposite end of the court.

``We're working through some things, but we all know how to play defense,' Brooks said. ``That doesn't change no matter who you put on the floor.'

Game 5 will be the first game in Oklahoma City since the full extent of Westbrook's injury was determined. He was hurt in Game 2 when Houston's Patrick Beverley lunged for a steal and slammed into Westbrook's knee.

``It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to all the boos and stuff,' Beverley said. ``I understand the crowd is going to be amped up and I hope that's going to get us that much more focused.'

Added McHale: ``In the famous words of Bill Walton, `If they're cheering you in the opposing gym, you're doing something wrong.' I don't think they'll be cheering, so he must be doing something right.'

It's uncertain whether Houston could get starting point guard Jeremy Lin back for Game 5. He missed all of Game 4, was ineffective in Game 3 and sat out the second half of Game 2 with a bruised chest.

``Today I felt better, I definitely felt better,' he said Tuesday. ``It's just time. It's one of those things where you just have to wait it out.'




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-01-13 06:55 AM
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2013 NBA Playoff Results

April 30, 2013

2012 Playoff Results

NBA First Round

-- Home teams are 26-9
-- Favorites are 26-9 straight up
-- Favorites are 19-16 against the spread
-- The Under has gone 18-17

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Saturday Apr. 20, 2013

Boston New York (-7.5) 85-78 Underdog Under (189)

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 97-95 Underdog Under (211.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-4.5) 106-89 Favorite Over (181.5)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 112-91 Favorite Over (178.5)


Sunday Apr. 21, 2013

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 107-90 Favorite Over (185.5)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 91-79 Favorite Under (191)

Milwaukee Miami (-13.5) 110-87 Favorite Under (197.5)

Houston Oklahoma City (-10.5) 120-91 Favorite Under (214)


Monday Apr. 22, 2013

Chicago (+5.5, +190) Brooklyn 90-82 Underdog Under (183)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 93-91 Underdog Over (180.5)


Tuesday Apr. 23, 2013

Milwaukee Miami (-14) 98-86 Underdog Under (197)

Boston New York (-6.5) 87-71 Favorite Under (186.5)

Golden State (+8.5, +350) Denver 131-117 Underdog Over (208.5)


Wednesday Apr. 24, 2013

Houston Oklahoma City (-11) 105-102 Underdog Under (213.5)

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 113-98 Favorite Over (187)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 102-91 Favorite Over (188.5)


Thursday Apr. 25, 2013

Miami (-7) Milwaukee 104-91 Favorite Under (195.5)

Brooklyn Chicago (-3.5) 79-76 Underdog Under (182)

L.A. Clippers Memphis (-4.5) 94-82

Favorite
Under (178.5)


Friday Apr. 26, 2013

New York (+2.5, +125) Boston 90-76 Underdog Under (183)

San Antonio (-6) L.A. Lakers 120-89 Favorite Over (184.5)

Denver Golden State (+1.5, +115) 110-108 Underdog Over (210.5)


Saturday Apr. 27, 2013

Brooklyn Chicago (-2.5) 142-134 (3OT) Favorite Over (177)

L.A. Clippers Memphis (-3) 104-83 Favorite Over (177.5)

Indiana Atlanta (-2) 90-69 Favorite Under (188.5)

Oklahoma City (+1, +105) Houston 104-101 Underdog Under (206.5)


Sunday Apr. 28, 2013

New York Boston (+1.5, +115) 97-90 (OT) Underdog Over (181.5)

Miami (-9) Milwaukee 88-77 Favorite Under (195)

San Antonio (-11) L.A. Lakers 103-82 Favorite
Under (190)

Denver Golden State (+2, +115) 115-101 Underdog Over (213)


Monday Apr. 29, 2013

Indiana Atlanta (-1.5) 102-91 Favorite Over (187.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-6.5) 110-91 Favorite Over (180.5)

Oklahoma City Houston (+1.5, +115) 105-103 Underdog Over (206.5)


Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 107-100 Underdog Under (212)

Memphis (+5.5, +190) L.A. Clippers 103-93 Underdog Over (180.5)

Wednesday May 1, 2013
Boston New York - - -
Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -

Thursday May 2, 2013
*Brooklyn Chicago - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Friday May 3, 2013
*New York Boston - - -
*Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Saturday May 4, 2013
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

Sunday May 5, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

*If Neccessary




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-01-13 03:39 PM
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Wednesday, May 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 7:00 PM ET Boston +9 500 POD # 2

New York - Under 182 500 POD # 4



Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Atlanta +7 500

Indiana - Over 187.5 500 POD # 3



Houston - 9:30 PM ET Oklahoma City -8.5 500 POD # 1

Oklahoma City - Under 208 500 POD # 5




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-02-13 12:36 AM
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Thursday Playoff Tips

May 2, 2013


The two Game 6’s on the Thursday NBA card involve home teams that get a second crack at advancing to the conference semifinals. The Warriors head back to the friendly confines of Oracle Arena looking to advance to the second round for the first time since shocking the top-seeded Mavericks in 2007. The night begins in the Windy City as the Bulls try to avoid a return trip to Brooklyn with a victory.

Nets at Bulls – 8:05 PM EST – TNT

Chicago and Brooklyn have played to three blowouts so far in this series, but the Nets are one win away from sending this series to a seventh game at Barclays Center. The Nets extended the series to this point with a 110-91 rout of the Bulls in Monday's Game 5 to easily cash as 6 ½-point favorites. Brook Lopez led Brooklyn with 28 points, while Deron Williams bounced back from a poor ending in Game 4 as the point guard put up 23 points in Monday's win.

The Nets threw away a late 14-point advantage in the Game 4 triple-overtime defeat at Chicago, but P.J. Carlisemo's club punctuated the Game 5 rout with a 33-18 fourth quarter run. Now, Brooklyn heads to the United Center, where the Nets have not only twice in this series, but own an 0-4 mark in the Windy City this season. Neither team has covered twice in a row in this series, as the Nets try to bring the series back to New York on Saturday.

The 'over' is suddenly the hot play in this series, hitting in each of the last two games, while undoubtedly cashing in regulation of Game 4 despite the extra 15 minutes of play. The key for the Bulls tonight is the potential return of point guard Kirk Hinrich, who sat out Monday's loss with a calf injury. Chicago has suffered without the former lottery pick in the lineup, posting a 7-15 record this season, including a 2-7 mark at home.

Tom Thibodeau's team enters tonight's action winning four of their last six home games off a loss. However, the Bulls are just 1-4 ATS in this stretch in the favorite role, as the last win in this situation came against the Knicks last month (as an underdog), snapping New York's 13-game winning streak. Since the All-Star break, the Nets have been scorching as a road 'dog off a win, putting together a 7-1 ATS record.

Nuggets at Warriors - 10:30 PM EST - TNT

Golden State returns to Oracle Arena tonight looking to shut the door on Denver's season. The Nuggets survived another day with Tuesday's 107-100 home victory, but the Warriors grabbed the money as 7 ½-point 'dogs after rallying from a 20-point deficit. Mark Jackson's club cooled off after several hot-shooting games in the first four contests, as the Warriors hit just 43% of their shots from the field.

The story coming out of Game 5 involved Stephen Curry and the rough play on him throughout the game by the Nuggets. The league's three-point leader knocked down just 7-of-19 shots on Tuesday, while getting harassed all night by a normally non-aggressive Denver defense. Andre Iguodala put up his best game of the series with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler each scored 19 apiece. The game finished 'under' the total for the second time at the Pepsi Center, as both 'unders' occurred with odd tip-off times (3:30 PM in Game 1 and 6:00 PM in Game 5).

Golden State has cashed in all five games of this series, while being listed as an underdog each time. Things will change tonight as the Warriors are set as short one-point favorites, the first time Golden State is 'chalk' since an April 14 victory over San Antonio (who the Warriors can face in the next round). The Nuggets are listed as a 'dog for the first time in nearly a month, as Denver won outright at Utah as three-point 'dogs, 113-96 on April 3. George Karl's team is 6-3 ATS the previous nine opportunities when receiving points, while the Warriors are a home favorite against the Nuggets for just the third time in the last 11 meetings. The last time Golden State cashed against Denver as home 'chalk' came in November 2008, as not one active member of the Nuggets was on the roster at that time.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-02-13 03:57 PM
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