Another 2 wins on Wednesday took our NBA Playoffs tally to 15-7-1. With just the two games this Thursday, the 27th of April, we’ll be looking for another couple of wins as we preview both Chicago at Boston and Atlanta at Washington below.
Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (8am AEST)
The series between Atlanta and Washington has, so far, played out the way we expected it to when we predicted it to go the distance in our round one tips. The home team is yet to lose as Atlanta won games three and four to level the series at two games apiece. The interesting thing is that none of the games have really been close, with the smallest margin from the four games being 7 points. Both teams thrive at home so it’s no wonder that they are both getting it done in their respective arenas.
The point guards have been the telling factor in the series so far, with both John Wall and Dennis Schroder having fantastic games in their teams wins. While Dwight Howard isn’t exactly the offensive threat he used to be, he’s still a force to be reckoned with on defence and on the glass, racking up 15 rebounds in game four and keeping opposing centre Marcin Gortat to just 2 points.
There’s not much too separate these two teams, and in this situation I usually like to go with the home court advantage or whichever team has the best player on the floor. Since Washington have both of those factors in their favour, we’ll take them to win this one and cover.
TIP: Washington Wizards -5.5 - $1.95 at William Hill
Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics (10.30am AEST)
Contrary to the one above, the series between the Bulls and Celtics has been absolute shambles. After losing both of their home games, the Celtics have won games three and four in Chicago to level the series at two games apiece.
The injury to Rajon Rondo really hurt the Bulls, taking away their main playmaking guard. With just Wade and Butlers drive and kick ability to worry about now, the Celtics have been much more effective at defending the Bulls, all while still losing on the glass.
Isaiah Thomas stepped up in game four, scoring 33 points while newcomer to the starting lineup Gerald Green proved his worth as a stretch four, chipping in with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The smaller line-up the Celts have opted for to counter Robin Lopez’ dominance inside really gives the Bulls centre problems on defence, as we saw him play just 22 minutes in game four. The Celtics seem to have the Bulls figured out sans Rondo and we expect them to win again here.
TIP: Boston Celtics -7.5 - $1.95 at Sportsbet
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