The New Orleans Hornets look to even out their best of seven series, at home, against the Denver Nuggets tonight, April 27, in the Western Conference playoffs. The Hornets won Game 3, 95-93 at home, thanks to a 32 point night from Chris Paul. NBA oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Hornets as -2.5 point home favs over the Nuggets with the over/under set at 194.5 points. Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs New Orleans Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Pick in now at Sportsbook.com
The Nuggets will run Chris Paul and hopes he suffers fatigue after playing more minutes in tonight’s game. "We feel like he has to play that many minutes for them to have a shot," said Chauncey Billups. "His responsibility for his team is probably more than anybody's in the league. We have to try to take advantage of him on the other end of the court, make him defend and try to wear him down a little bit." Game 3 had a lot of rough stuff going on, there were 58 personal fouls called, 29 on each team as the bumps and bruises piled up. Carmelo Anthony had ice on his right elbow after Sunday's practice and he was treating a contusion he suffered in the fourth quarter of Game 3. Anthony said he would definitely play. Anthony has averaged 20 ppg in his last three games against the Nuggets, while Chauncey Billups is good for an average 27.6 ppg. The Nuggets finished their regular season averaging 1100.7 ppg on the road and they gave up an average 101 ppg.
The Hornets let Chris Paul play more minutes in Game 3 than their first two games and it paid off. In Game 1 Paul played 34 minutes for 21pts, in Game 2 he played 38 minutes for 14pts as they lost their first two games by double digits. But in Game 3 Coach Byron Scott figures he can no longer afford the luxury of resting his All-Star point guard. He played 42 minutes and finished the game with 32pts and 12 assists to get the slim victory. "It's the playoffs. There's nothing to save and Chris is such a passionate player, he wants to be out there," Hornets center Tyson Chandler said after practice on Sunday. "It's like you almost have to peal him off the court. He does a good job of letting coaches know when he's really gassed so he can get a breather and get back out there." Chandler injured his ankle last game which might affect his mobility tonight. The Hornets finished the regular season averaging 96.3 ppg at home and they gave up an average 91.7 ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
- Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
- Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Southwest.
- Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
- Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
2009 NBA Playoffs New Orleans Hornets vs Denver Nuggets
When: Mon, April 27, 2009 8:30 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Nuggets +2.5
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs New Orleans Hornets vs Denver Nuggets
The Bottom Line: It always takes a game to understand how a team performs at home in the playoffs. Now that the Nuggets know what they have to do, they’ll DO IT! Go Nuggets! Be sure to get your 2009 NBA Playoffs New Orleans Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Pick in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit
