NBA Conference Semi Finals Are Underway
We are now beyond the opening round of the NBA Playoffs and we are into the Conference semi-finals. There were two games on Sunday night and we continue with two games on Monday. The Wizards drew first blood in their series, grabbing a massive away win in Atlanta, defeating the Hawks by a score of 98-104.
The Warriors showed their strength once again with a commanding home win against the Memphis Grizzlies, triumphing by a score of 101-86.
Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will be missing two starters in this game but they do have LeBron James, which is a position that most NBA teams would be happy with. The Chicago Bulls though have a fully fit squad but they know that they are facing their nemesis of recent years. Since 2010, LeBron James has knocked the Bulls out of the Playoffs three times. The absence of Kevin Love, who has undergone surgery, and JR Smith, who is suspended for Game 1 and Game 2 of this series will be a blow for the Cavaliers but with LeBron, anything is possible.
While the Cavs have had some rest since their made their way past the Celtics, it was a bruising series and they know that they are in for another tough time. The Bulls are tough and very defensively minded, so it won’t be easy for the Cavs in this series either. However, LeBron will point to the fact that he has never lost to the Bulls in the Playoffs, an achievement built on the back of wins with the Cavs and the Heat.
The Bulls are 54-34 for the season, including a 25-19 record on the road and an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. The Cavaliers are 57-29 for the season which includes a 33-10 record at home, and they too have an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. With respect to average points for, the Cavaliers lead 103.2 to 100.0 and for average points against, the Bulls lead 97.2 to 98.5.
Taking the Cleveland Cavaliers at -5, at odds of 1.90, is likely to be a safe bet. Bet Now!
Los Angeles Clippers @ Houston Rockets
The Rockets will have been resting up for almost a week by the time this game rolls around, a rest period that stands in stark contrast with what the Clippers have managed. The Los Angeles side didn’t make it through to this round until Saturday evening, when they ground out a series win over the San Antonio Spurs. Everyone wants to beat the champions, but it was the Clippers who claimed the accolade of ending the reign of the Spurs.
This is the first Western Conference for the Rockets since 2009, and it is the 13th time that they have made it to this stage. The Clippers are at this stage for the 4th time in their history and for the second year in a row. The Clippers are likely to be feeling tired but they may also be missing Chris Paul, who was struck down with a hamstring injury on Saturday night. The injury arose during the opening quarter and while he dropped out and then returned to sink the winning shot with a second left on the clock, there is no getting away from the fact that the player was struggling. He may struggle in this match if he is pitched into action but the Clippers will be hoping that he holds up. Coach Doc Rivers wasn’t too optimistic about Paul’s chances of playing in Game 1 but he may be planning on springing a surprise on the Rockets.
The Clippers are 60-29 for the season which includes a 28-16 record on the road and a 7-3 record in their last 10 games. The Rockets are 60-27 which includes a 33-11 record and they too are 7-3 in their 10 most recent games. With respect to average points for, the Clippers lead 106.4 to 104.5 and for average points against, the Clippers lead 100.4 to 101.0.
Taking the Houston Rockets at -6, with odds of 1.90, is a good way to get the series started and to get your NBA betting action off to a flier this week. Bet Now!
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