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NBA Playoff Prediction: San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Hornets |
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Written by Scott Burgess
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Thursday, 15 May 2008
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 The San Antonio Spurs hope to stave off elimination tonight when they host the New Orleans Hornets who have a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference Semi-final best of seven series. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com like their chances as the Spurs are 7-point favorites over the Hornets with the over/under listed at 184. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
The Spurs are a perfect 5-0 SU at home where they averaged 104 PPG and they are 2-0-2 ATS. Their defense at home is much better than on the road. On the road they allow an average of 95 PPG. Game 4 was a much better performance from the defending Champs, they were difficult to counter on either end of the court. Duncan had his best game of the series and the Hornets struggled throughout. In Game 4 Duncan finished with 22pts and 15 rebounds, in Game 5 he finished with 10pts and 23 rebounds. As a team they were 29 for 77 from the field, 9 of 23 from beyond the arch and 12 for 18 at the line. To succeed against the Hornets their field goal shooting has to improve. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili must drive the lane and their 3-point shooters must hit their targets. The Spurs are the ones who may be panicking, but their veteran status and deep playoff experience are just the kind of assets that could keep them cool and confident in Game 6.
The Hornets just keep driving the lane and shooting from wherever they get a look. They outshot the Spurs from the field, they made more 3-pointers and were better from the free throw line. The finished with more points in the paint and at one point had a commanding 22 point lead. Chris Paul and David West have been outstanding throughout the playoffs and during the regular season. Paul helped in Game 5 with 22pts and 14 assists, but it was David West who carried the Hornets to victory with career playoff highs of 38 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots. They can find their way to the hoop regardless of how many Spurs are in the way. The Hornets are averaging 96 PPG in their last five games and they are 28-21 ATS on one day rest. They average 98 PPG on the road. David West and Tyson Chandler are listed as probable for tonight.
Recent Trends to Consider- Hornets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Hornets are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Hornets are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 Thursday games.
- Spurs are 15-3-2 ATS in their last 20 playoff games as a favorite.
- Spurs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
- Spurs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
- Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
- Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
- Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in San Antonio.
GAME: New Orleans Hornets (63-29) at San Antonio Spurs (62-30)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 15 - 9:00 PM EST
SPREAD: BetUS.com TOTAL: 184
PICK: San Antonio -7
The Bottom Line: The Spurs aren’t going out like this at home. Expect a big game from Parker, Duncan, Ginobili and their bench. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
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