The last game between the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns had to go into double-overtime before there was a winner. If this is any indication of things to come, it’s going to be a long series. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com have the Spurs as 1 1/2-point favs over the Spurs with the over/under set at 191. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
The Suns had the game, but foul trouble late in the game gave the Spurs a 117-115 win. Shaq spent a lot of time on the bench due to foul troubles which opened up the floor for Tim Duncan. They allowed the Spurs 72pts in the paint compared to their 46pts. At the half the Suns had a 16pt lead over the Spurs. Amare Stoudemire had 33pts and he made 13 of 26 from the field. Steve Nash had 25pts and 13 assists. As a team the Suns shot 50% from the field, made 5 of 16 3-pointers and shot 73% from the free throw line. The Suns will be tweaking their plan with a focus on closing out the game; they'll go back to Arizona happy if they can take one away from the Spurs on their home court. Grant Hill has been suffering from a groin injury and he should be 100 percent for tonight’s game. Steve Nash, who had the flu, is fully recovered. The Suns have averaged 104 PPG in their last five and on the road they are averaging 108 PPG. Their defense has allowed an average 100 PPG in their last five and on the road their giving up 105 PPG.
The Spurs trailed by 16pts at the half, where they shot just 38% from the field, they rallied back to win after shooting 58% from the field, hitting five 3-pointers and outrebounding the Suns 25-18. Tim Duncan hit a 3-pointer to send it into double-overtime before Manu Ginobili made the winning layup with 1.8 seconds left. Duncan had 40pts on the night while Tony Parker had 26pts, with the flu. As a team they shot 50% from the field and they made 6 of 17 3-pointers. The Spurs offense has averaged 101 PPG in their last five and at home they are averaging 98 PPG. Their defense has allowed an average 94 PPG in their last five and at home their giving up 89 PPG.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
- Suns are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in San Antonio.
- Suns are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
GAME: Phoenix Suns (55-28) at San Antonio Spurs (57-26)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 22 – 9:30 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 191
PICK: Phoenix +1 ½
The Bottom Line: The Suns should have had the last game, but this time they will take it. Shaq needs to stay in the game to defend against Duncan. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
