Game One on Saturday was all Toronto as the Raptors went on to defeat Philadelphia by a score of 108-95 to cover as a 6.5-point favorite. The victory marked Toronto’s fifth consecutive win. We stay in Toronto for game which opened with another 6.5 spread? Keith Franks looks at why we should expect a different result and gives his Sixer/Raptors free pick.
The Clippers simply will not go away as they won their second game this series on the road in Oakland. This is quite a feat as the playoff atmosphere in “The Town” has been known to be one of the most intimidating and challenging in the NBA. Can they take momentum to LA and stun the Warriors again or at least help Clip Show backers stay within 10?
Of all the first round playoff series the Bucks looked most primed to sweep their opponent, the Detroit Pistons. Now up 3-0 and with a 12 point game 4 spread, the bookmakers agree that Milwaukee is likely moving on after tonight. But are the Deer positioned to to cover another massive spread with Blake Griffin in the lineup as they did on Saturday? Keith Franks gives his analysis and NBA pick.
A big question in this series has been the status of Philadelphia Center Joel Embiid. Embiid has been battling soreness in his left knee that rendered him on the side-line for Game Three. Despite losing the All-Star that averages 13.6 rebounds per contest and 27.5 points per game, the Sixers did just fine without him. That has left most series bettors believing the Nets do not have a path to a series win. Franks has your game 4 pick!
After the Warriors defeated the Clippers by a score of 121-104 in Game One in Oakland, it seemed like Golden State was on their way to getting their broom ready against their divisional rivals. The Warriors covered the 13.5 point spread. In game two, they were again listed -13.5 and we all know what happened to them and their homecourt advantage. Is this a series? Is GSW -8 too low? Franks gives his NBA prediction.
For those that love high-scoring playoff hoops, Game One was certainly not for you. The Celtics and Pacers played a hard-fought defensive-oriented game that resulted in the C’s dispatching the P’s by a score of 84-74. It was a thowback to what playoff ball used to be. Who does this style of ball favor in game 2? Keith has an NBA Prediction!
Repeating a 48.3% shooting performance from three-point range will be hard to replicate for the Magic so they will have to turn their calling card which has helped them all season, their defense. The Magic finished with a top-five scoring defense that surrendered just 106.6 points per contest (5th in the NBA). Can they hold the Raptors to under 107 and will that give them a cover against the spread as 10 point underdogs?
There are several injury concerns for both teams heading into Game One. But Indiana has Center Myles Turner, Shooting Guard Wesley Matthews, Power Forward Thaddeus Young, and Small Forward Bojan Bogdanovic all listed as questionable. Should the Celtics win against the spread easily? Franks has the breakdown and prediction!
The Magic are riding a four-game winning streak. Orlando had to perform at an extremely high level to come from the back of the pack and secure a playoff berth that seemed destined to go to legend Dwayne Wade and his Miami Heat. Is Orlando ripe for a letdown after having to run at top gear during a time when many teams are resting starters? Franks has your NBA prediction.
Boston will likely be playing this game without the services of Small Forward Jayson Tatum and Point Guard Marcus Smart as both are listed as questionable for this contest. The Celtics are keen to enter into the playoffs at full health and will not risk any of their key starters or personnel to injuries in a game that has no meaning. Still, the C’s would like to close out the season on a high note and bettors will be tempted to take the 5.5 points! Franks gives his NBA pick.