The battle for the final two playoff slots in the NBA Western Conference has become a free-for-all between three teams, Los Angeles' Lakers, Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. Currently the Lakers are holding down the seventh spot but with only a half game lead over the Clippers and Warriors, a loss could put the Lakers on the outside looking in of the playoff race. And the same goes for the other two; with three games left in the regular season, each game is a must-win situation.
On Sunday Golden State probably has the best match-up with a home date with shorthanded Minnesota while the Clippers host the Kings in the afternoon game at STAPLES CENTER followed by Kobe Bryant and the Lakers hosting the Sonics in the same building tonight.
Coach Don Nelson has Golden State playing the best basketball in the conference winning seven of its last 10 games SU and has covered five of its last six games against the spread. Without Kevin Garnett, the T-Wolves will have a difficult time stopping Barren Davis, Stephen Jackson and company.
The betting line opened up favoring the Golden State by -15 points but has since moved out to -16 at several offshore sportsbooks. Golden State has gone 7-2 against the spread in its last nine home games. The total has gone OVER in nine of the Warriors last 10 games. Today’s total is currently set at 221 after opening at 218. In spite of the large double-digit line, Golden State is getting most of the public’s attention with 72 per cent of wagering ATS going on the Warriors. With the total going up, 58 per cent of the money favors the UNDER in today’s game.
The Clippers are favored by -9 ½ points in their game with the Kings and the total is set at 206. LA is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games and 9-4 SU over its last 13 games. The total has gone OVER in three straight Clippers games.
The Lakers have been installed favorites by a -11 point chalk at most offshore sportsbooks with a 209 total. LA has gone 2-8 in its last ten games and is in danger of not making the playoffs. A loss today coupled with a win by both the Clippers and Warriors could be a death blow to LA’s favorite franchise. The Lakers have not fared well ATS either losing seven of their last 10.
I like all three underdogs ATS and am curious how the home teams will fare with all the pressure. Today will be very interesting to say the least.
