Posted on
4/25/2008 6:16:54 PM
NBA Playoff Picks 2008 - Weekend Picks For the East
By Tim Furious
Orlando Magic (52-30) vs. Toronto Raptors (41-41)
Friday, April 26th --- Air Canada Centre, Toronto --- 3:00pm EST
Series: ORL 2-1
NBA Betting Line: Toronto -3.5 (203.5)
Toronto stayed the course in Game 3 and rewarded their betting faithful by trouncing Orlando 108-94. Chris Bosh poured in 15 points, but he wasn’t the big story. The big deal in this game was the fact that the tandem of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon is still working. The two guards totaled 39 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds and made life a living hell for Jameer Nelson. Basically, the two of them combined as are good as one Chris Paul.
Toronto’s defense stepped up in a huge way, clogging the lane and “limiting” Howard to 19-12 instead of his monster 20+ games. The Raptors are now 4-1 SU in their past 5 games at home and are officially 10-3 ATS when playing Orlando in the last thirteen. With Toronto playing at home again, they’re a solid bet even as favorites.
NBA Free Picks: Toronto -3.5 (OVER)
Boston Celtics (66-16) vs. Atlanta Hawks (37-45)
Friday, April 26th --- Philips Arena, Atlanta --- 8:00pm EST
Series: BOS 2-0
NBA Betting Line: Boston -8.0 (187)
Well, there goes the thought that Atlanta could keep up with Boston. This is the typical homer spread, saying that “basically we think Boston can win by +16 again, but we’ll spit it because Atlanta’s at home and you never know”. But you DO know. Atlanta has looked like a petulant child to Boston’s’ big bully attitude.
The boys from Beantown won by an average margin of 21-points in the opening two games. Now they go to Atlanta, where the Hawks have been dangerous at home. There are concerns about Peirce’s injury, after he took a big hit from an overzealous Josh Smith. But all you need to know is that Kevin Garnett won’t let this game get close. He has been ruthless in the post season, and killed the total in these games reaffirming his Defensive Player of the Year title.
The trend recently has been the underdog winning Game 3 at home. But that’s a trend you can’t bank on. Boston takes this game, easily, while suffocating the Hawks offense.
NBA Free Picks: Boston -8.0 (UNDER)
Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37) vs. Washington Wizards (43-39)
Friday, April 26th --- Verizon Center, Washington --- 1:00pm EST
Series: CLE 2-1
NBA Betting Line: Washington -4.5
Washington needed luck to win a game in this series – and they got it. Cleveland committed 15 turnovers in the first half and the crowd berated LeBron with chants of “over rated!” whenever he stepped to the line. Game 3 was an aberration, and can hardly be held as the standard.
LeBron will respond in Game 4 to backup his comments. He was rightfully rattled by the presence of Soulja Boy in the stands, and Cleveland committed far too many errors to be taken seriously in that game. But you can bet that the respond and pop the momentum balloon for Washington following a monster performance by the King. And do not be surprised if Daniel Gibson erupts for one of his marquee playoff performances, to make up for the horrendous performance in Game 3.
NBA Free Picks: Cleveland +4.5 (OVER)
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