The second round of the NBA playoffs will continue with two games Tuesday.
The NBA playoffs record so far is 15-24-1. Odds are provided by Oddsshark.com.
Chicago at Cleveland (-5.5)
This series just keeps getting better.
Will there be another buzzer beater? Will Pau Gasol return? Will LeBron James be the head coach?
There may be more questions than answers so far in the first four games, but it makes for quality entertainment for all involved. As far as betting, the Cavs and Bulls have split the series and split against the spread.
Now, both teams will return to Cleveland, where Chicago overwhelmed the Cavs in game 1, and the Cavs returned the favor in game 2.
The media will hound the Cavs about the spat between James and head coach David Blatt. If that becomes a distraction, the Bulls may just sneak away with one at Cleveland.
However, Gasol’s injury worries me. Gasol gives Chicago an edge down low that could have been the difference in this series. He’s doubtful for game five, making me doubt the Bulls’ ability to keep up with the Cavs. Pick – Cleveland
LA Clippers at Houston (+2.5)
Will Houston’s defense ever wake up in the playoffs?
The betting public at least doesn’t think so.
The Rockets opened game five as a 1.5-point favorite. The line is now a 2.5-point spread, in favor of the Clippers. Gamblers are already conceding this series in favor of the Clippers, and I can’t blame them.
Houston’s defense is dreadful and I doubt that will change now that LA has a 3-1 series lead. This series is over and the Clippers will end this on the road Tuesday. Pick – LA Clippers
