The NBA Playoffs continue chugging toward the Finals
with conference semifinal action heating up at the biggest sport betting
sites. We take a look at the current series showdowns and how the
betting market has managed so far:
Atlanta Hawks vs.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards stunned the No. 1 seed in the East with
a 104-98 victory in Game 1. Washington has won three in a row on the
road as an underdog, heading into Tuesday’s Game 2 in Atlanta. The
Wizards are getting tremendous production from their backcourt duo of
John Wall and Bradley Beal, along with veteran grittiness from Paul
Pierce. The Hawks, as of Game 2, have covered just twice in their last
10 games going back to the regular season, including a 2-5 ATS mark in
the postseason.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs.
Chicago Bulls
The loss of Kevin Love was an obvious sore spot for
the Cavaliers in Game 1’s loss to Chicago, with Bulls forward Pau Gasol
dominating inside. Cleveland lacks the beef down low to push Chicago’s
big men around, and we may find LeBron James asked to battle on the
blocks as this series stretches on.
The Bulls' dynamic duo of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler combined for 45
points in the opener, and gave the Bulls their 13th ATS victory in the
last 17 clashes with the Cavs.
Golden State Warriors vs.
Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State took care of business in the series
opener, winning 101-86 as a 10.5-point favorite.
Memphis’ fate could rest in the fragile face of point guard Mike
Conley, who underwent surgery after catching an elbow to the face in
Round 1. Conley not only dictates the offensive pace but is the top
perimeter defender for the Grizzlies – a role that is especially
important against the combo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. He was
hoping to play heading into Game 2 and his health could make or break
this series.
Los Angeles Clippers at
Houston Rockets
Most expected L.A. to suffer a classic letdown spot
in Game 1 versus Houston, coming off a Game 7 thriller against the
defending champion Spurs – and without injured point guard Chris Paul.
However, the Clippers showed some toughness with a Game 1 road win,
covering at the sport betting sites for the seventh time in their
last nine versus Houston. Rockets star guard James Harden had a messy
game in the opener and will likely rebound with a strong showing in
Game 2, especially with Paul still on the mend with a hamstring injury.
