After a grueling 82 team regular season, 16 teams try to win 16 more games and claim the NBA Championship. That journey begins today as eight teams open up the 2013 NBA Playoffs. I’ll give you my ATS thoughts on each game of the playoffs so check back daily to see which side I recommend and hopefully you can capitalize on them.
See how what the formula says for each of today’s games here.
Check out our odds for each team to win their conference and NBA Championship as well as our projected 2013 NBA Playoff Records.
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks
The first game of the day is from what I expect to be the best first round series, Celtics vs. Knicks. Congratulations to Carmelo Anthony on his scoring title. His performance over the past month of the season has been impressive. He has elevated his game. Now is where he needs to show he’s truly an elite NBA player and put up big numbers in the playoffs and get his team through the first round. Boston should be rested and hopes to have KG back to 100% or as close to it as he can be. The Celtics are a battle tested team but the Knicks have really developed a great chemistry. The Celtics have experience but I see the Knicks wanting this game more. I think MSG will be rocking for this game and say the Knicks thrive on that energy.
The Play: New York Knicks -7
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets
The Kenneth Faried injury has me very concerned with this game so I’d stay away from the sides. If Faried is healthy, I could see the Nuggets blowing them out if he is but if he’s not David Lee could have a big game for the Warriors. With so many Warriors making their playoff debut, I think the play here is with the total. I think they’ll play tight.
The Play: Under 210.5
Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets
After a dismal start and horrid Christmas Day performance, a coaching change was made that helped vault the Nets to the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Play: Chicago Bulls +4.5
Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers
I can’t see this series ending before game 7. They had a great series last year and this should be as well. They matchup well against one another and will have a grind it out series where point guard play will be the difference. The Clippers won their division and enter with playoffs with expectations. How will they respond to that? I think this game goes down to the final minute. Take the points.
The Play: Memphis Grizzlies +5
Best of luck!
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following all 3! good luck mat
Better luck this after noon Matt. Waiting for today’s picks.