Posted on
5/13/2008 5:21:05 PM
NBA Playoff Betting – Series Is Even As Hornets Host Spurs
By Eric Williams
The San Antonio Spurs, (62-29 SU, 40-47-3 ATS, 40-49-1 O/U) have gotten back to their online betting winning ways in a hurry after pounding the New Orleans Hornets, (62-29 SU, 55-33-2 ATS, 44-43-3 O/U) and sports betting enthusiasts are overjoyed. Twice at home the Spurs dominated the court to even their second round Western Conference playoffs series at two games apiece.
After losing to San Antonio 110-99 on Thursday, the Hornets fell to the Spurs in even more emphatic fashion in Game 4, getting routed 100-80 on Sunday in a game that was never close.
"We've got to understand defense is what got us to this particular point," Scott said. "We've got to come out and make sure we put some pressure on them on the defensive end. ... We can't worry about the offense, to be honest with you."
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said he realizes his team will face a different opponent than the one that meekly left San Antonio with two whopping losses on their collective backs.
"Every game in the playoffs is difficult and for the most part, more difficult on the road than at home, that's for sure," Popovich said. "We're going to have to play a really, really good game to come away with a win" in New Orleans.
Popovich’s adjustments in the series, which have included replacing Michael Finley in the starting lineup with Manu Ginobili and moving defensive ace Bruce Bowen over to cover Peja Stojakovic instead of Chris Paul, jave worked like gems.
The Spurs now say they want to contain the Hornets scoring runs heading into Game 5 in the BetUS Sportsbook.
"We played at a better pace," Ginobili said. "It's easier to do that at home than over there with their fans. So we're going to have to try and maintain our composure for 48 minutes over there. Don't let them get in one of those runs where they become really dangerous."
Hornets point guard Chris Paul sounded confident his team would bounce back from their consecutive defeats, even going as far as saying the Hornets would not lose Game 5 at home.
"We're not down 0-3. It's 2-2," Paul said. "We're still in a great situation. We're back here at home. We'll go back up 3-2 with a win. ... We're not in panic mode."
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Picks.
The Spurs are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Spurs are 1-5 ATS in their last six playoff games as an underdog.
The Hornets are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
The Hornets are 7-0 ATS in their last seven playoff games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
The Over is 5-1-1 in Spurs last seven games following a S.U. win.
The Over is 5-0-2 in Hornets last seven games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
The Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
The Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: While it looks like the home teams have a big-time advantage this postseason, I am going to remain very cautious of the veteran Spurs in this contest. While I like the Hornets to win, backed by their raucous home crowd, I think this game will be a bit tighter than anyone suspects. In the end however, I have to go with the Hornets because of their own emphatic home victories in the series’ first two games.
NBA Free Picks: Hornets 98 Spurs 92
09:35 PM EST NBA Odds
San Antonio Spurs +3½ -110
New Orleans Hornets -3½ -110
Over 186½ -110
Under 186½ -110
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