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NBA Playoffs Predictions
Hold Steadfast
By Mike Rothman
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Usually around this time in the NBA Playoffs,
the so-called experts, including myself, are
really starting to look foolish. The prediction
game is a crapshoot and we do what we can with the
information that is presented to us. But a
revelation has occurred thus far in the first
round of the 2006 NBA Playoffs; most of my
predictions have been right on point and the
playoffs have gone according to plan.
Western Conference
#1 Spurs vs. #8 Kings
The defending champs have looked like just that
and are playing at a high level once again. If it
hadn’t been for a lucky last second 94-93 victory
by the Kings on Friday night, this series would
have been a sweep. Tim Duncan is getting back into
playoffs shape and this is why the Spurs should
make it back to the finals. Don’t forget about
Tony Parker, who is averaging just under 20 points
and 7 assists per game in the playoffs. As always,
Ron Artest is acting like the thug he is and was
suspended for game two. Don’t worry fans, Artest
will be gone very soon, and the Spurs will move
on.
Bet the Spurs –4 o/u 188 @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
#2 Suns vs. #7 Lakers
This upset has gone exactly as predicted with
one little deviation. Kobe is not winning this
series by dominating the scoring as most thought
he would, but is simply making the team assembled
around him better. The Lakers are up in this
series 2-1, despite Kobe only averaging 22.7
points per game. The difference in the two
victories for the Lakers; all five starters have
been in double figures in scoring. This has only
happened three times all regular season. This is
why experience counts and Kobe is my MVP.
Bet the Lakers –140 to win the Series @
WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
#3 Nuggets vs. #6 Clippers
Wow! The Clippers are on the verge of winning
their first playoff series in 30 years. Saturday
night’s 100-86 victory gave the Clippers a 3-1
series edge and put them on the cusp of the second
round. The Nuggets just can’t handle Elton Brand
and Sam Cassell. We could actually have a second
round match-up of Los Angeles vs. Los Angeles with
the Clippers playing the Lakers.
Clippers –5.5 o/u 191 @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
#4 Mavericks vs. #5 Grizzles
This series was over before it started. The
Mavericks defeated the Grizzles in the first two
games by an average of 13 points and pulled out
game three in overtime. Paul Gasol has not been
playing like himself and looks to be hampered by
an injury. Simply said, the Grizzles, who are 0-11
in their playoffs history, just look outmatched by
the Mavericks, the team with the second best
record in the Western Conference. Look out Spurs,
the next round is going to be a battle.
Bet the Mavericks –2.5 o/u 178.5 @ WagwerWeb.com
Sportsbook
Eastern Conference
#1 Pistons vs. #8 Bucks
The Pistons got blown out of the water by the
Bucks in game three 124-104, but the team with the
best record in all the land was just having an off
night. The possibility of a sweep is now gone, but
if the Pistons win game four, the series will be
over in five. As usual, Ben Wallace has been a
beast in the middle, averaging 11 rebounds per
game. The Pistons have a solid veteran club and
will get back on track for game four.
The Pistons are a –115 Favorite to win the NBA
Championship @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
#2 Heat vs. #7 Bulls
The Bulls are a nice, fundamentally sound team
and came out with a surprising 109-90 victory in
game three at home. But this is simply a case of
too little, too late. The Baby Bulls are down 2-1
in this series and allowed the first two games in
Miami to slip away. The Heat will move on, but
need to improve for the next round. Shaq was held
to a career low 8 points in game three, due to
major foul trouble. The big man needs to step it
up if they hope to see the Pistons in the
conference final.
Miami Heat –1000 to win the Series @ WagerWeb.com
Sportsbook
#3 Nets vs. #6 Pacers
On Saturday night, the Nets evened the series
at two games a piece with a 97-88 victory at
Indiana. This turns the series into a best of
three and I think New Jersey has the edge. They
have regained home court advantage and Vince
Carter is averaging a hair under 30 points per
game. We’ll see the Nets in the next round.
Nets –6.5 o/u 180 @ WagerWeb.com Sportsbook
#4 Cavaliers vs. #5 Wizards
Two words: King James. Friday night, Lebron had
his second ridiculous game of the post-season. He
scored 41 points and hit the game-winning shot
with 5.7 seconds to go in the fourth quarter. His
41 points was also the highest ever for someone in
their road playoffs debut. If the Wizards can’t
figure out any way to contain the Chosen One,
we’ll definitely be seeing the Cavaliers in the
second round.
Lebron James 49 Points + Rebounds + Assists @
WagerWeb.com
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