New York (10-9, 4-4 V) fell behind 3-0 less than 10 minutes into the game, but managed to tie it in the opening minute of the third period. However, a goal with less than five minutes remaining by Devils fourth-line forward Ryan Carter finished the Rangers for good. Brandon Prust brought New York within 3-1 before the first period was over, and Ryan Callahan made it a one-goal game in the first minute of the second. The Garden really rocked when Marian Gaborik tied it at 3 just 17 seconds into the third. The loss was New York’s first in these playoffs in which it scored at least three goals.

Coach John Tortorella said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist will rebound from a subpar performance in Game 5 and “play his best game tomorrow night.” He echoed that sentiment for top-line forward Brad Richards, who also struggled on Wednesday.

New York has embraced desperation much more than prosperity this post-season. The Rangers have won two in a row in a series only once and have never enjoyed a two-game lead in any of their three matchups. However, they are 3-0 when facing elimination — including Game 7 victories over Ottawa and Washington.

New Jersey (11-6, 5-2 H) got a hard-fought 5-3 win in Game 5, improving to 7-0 when leading after two periods so far in the postseason. Stephen Gionta and Patrick Elias scored within the first 4:13 before Travis Zajac made it 3-0. Then the Rangers woke up. New Jersey was outshot 28-17 overall and had only six shots in the third period, but two went in.

When the Rangers had all the momentum, it looked like they might find a way to win a series that has been largely controlled by the Devils, but after New Jersey stole a win, in a game in which they were outplayed, the Blueshirts now face a huge challenge, needing a win on the road in Game Six, just in order to have a chance to win the series in Game Seven. One thing is certain, if Henrik Lundqvist isn’t at the top of his game (unlike Game Five, when he stopped just 12 of 16 shots), then the Rangers won’t have a chance.

The Bottom Line: I think the Devils are in the heads of the Rangers and they send them packing tonight. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 4-1-3 in the last 8 meetings in New Jersey.
Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 Friday games.
Rangers are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Devils are 6-1 in their last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Devils are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
Devils are 13-3 in their last 16 games playing on 1 days rest.
Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.
Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
When: Friday, May 25th@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Rangers -130

Point-Spreads recommends you check the New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

Miami (7-3, 2-2 V) put together a second straight dominating performance on Tuesday in South Florida during a 115-83 rout to take a 3-2 series lead over the Pacers. The duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade went to work again by combining for 58 points in the thumping that resulted in the Heat making a franchise playoff record 61 percent of their shots. James scored 30 points to go with 10 rebounds and eight assists while Wade added 28 points in the rout. Shane Battier was an unlikely spark with 13 points.

The Heat are down two more big men tonight after both Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman were suspended by the NBA for their actions on Tuesday. Haslem received a one-game suspension. Pittman will miss Miami’s next three games. Both had been assessed flagrant 1 fouls Tuesday. “Yes, there’s been some physical contact, there’s been some hard fouls both ways,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “If you look at it objectively, Wade and LeBron (James) have taken more hits to the head in this series than any other series or any other games.”

Indiana’s (6-4, 3-2 H) top scorer was Paul George with 11 points after making 3-of-9, while David West was limited to 10 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Danny Granger, their leading scorer in the regular season, scored 10 points before leaving with an ankle injury early in the third quarter. Granger was unable to practice Wednesday but expects to try to play and said he’s on a regimen of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. “Very much hoping he’ll be available,” Vogel said. “He’s a gamer. I’m thinking he’ll play. But his ankle’s pretty bad, so we’ll see.”

Pacers’ basketball chief Larry Bird, the NBA Executive of the Year who criticized his team for being “soft” in Game 5. “I can’t believe my team went soft,” Bird told the Indianapolis Star. “S-O-F- T. I’m disappointed. I never thought it would happen.” He’s calling for more competitive toughness, a renewed will and belief and effort.
“It was disheartening,” Granger said. “The whole night was. Everything we said we needed to do to win, we did none of it. We abandoned the game plan.”

This Pacers team has been tough-minded and resilient all season. It has had some bad performances, but the bad basketball hasn’t lingered. Pacers coach Frank Vogel said the other day, “They haven’t seen our best game.” Tonight, with the season on the line, the Heat will get the Pacers’ best game, even if it means Granger plays on one leg.

The Bottom Line: The Pacers season ends tonight, unless they push hard and drive to the hoop. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NBA Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NBA Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Heat are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Indiana.
Heat are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-1 in Pacers last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 7-1 in Heat last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 7-1 in Heat last 8 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 5-1 in Heat last 6 road games.

Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers
When: Thursday, May 24th@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Heat -3.5

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers 2012 NBA Point Spreads before the tip-off.

New Jersey (10-6, 5-4 V) got a 4-1 win on Monday during Game 4 in New Jersey. Zach Parise was the best player on either side of the ice in Game 4, scoring twice and adding a beautiful setup on Travis Zajac’s first-period goal. The Devils victory was punctuated by the first fight of the series, and an incident that saw the Rangers’ Mike Rupp deliver a stiff-arm punch to the chest of New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur.

“It’s a good sign, I guess, when they take liberties on players,” Brodeur said after making 28 saves en route to his 10th postseason win. “That means they’re getting off their game a little bit. We’ve been working really hard, putting our head down, taking a lot of shots throughout the playoffs.

Brodeur recorded an assist Monday to become the first goaltender in NHL history to record four points in a single postseason. No one is overlooking how well Martin Brodeur has played against the Rangers. It is remarkable. The Great Brodeur is two victories away from going to the Stanley Cup final 17 years after his first trip to the ball. And while everyone keeps waiting for him to surrender the one that will tip the tide, he instead has been steadfast.

New York’s (10-8, 6-4 H) lone goal came from Ruslan Fedotenko via Brad Richards  and Michael Del Zotto. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist stopped 26 of 29 shots for the loss. The Rangers were undisciplined. They took six penalties and one led to Parise’s first goal early in the third.

Following a brief practice at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Tortorella was asked what he can do to get top-six forwards like Ryan Callahan, Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin going during the Eastern Conference Finals. The Rangers have nine goals through four games of this series — two are empty-netters, three are from defensemen and three are from rookie Chris Kreider. Callahan, Richards, Gaborik and Hagelin have combined for one goal and four assists, with Gaborik and Hagelin failing to register a point.

The Blueshirts’ heavy legs are the price the team is paying for not taking care of business in Game 4 in DC and allowing itself to be dragged into a seven-game series against a Washington team that really wasn’t all that good or played all that well. But nothing can be done about that now. Tonight will mark their 19th playoff game in 42 days. Somehow the Rangers have held a lead after two periods in only four of them. No breathing room in April, no breathing room in May. This though is their fate. This now is their only road map to June.

The Bottom Line: The Rangers play better on home ice and they must put the dirty play behind them and stay out of the penalty box. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings.
Under is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings in New York.
Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Devils are 6-0 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 games as an underdog.
Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.
Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
When: Wednesday, May 23rd@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Rangers -130

Point-Spreads recommends you check the New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

Boston (7-4, 2-3 V) took a 3-2 series lead with a strong second-half performance on Monday en route to a 101-85 victory. 83.3 percent of the teams that have won Game 5 in a seven-game series go on to win. Brandon Bass was the surprise player during Boston’s win. Bass scored 18 of his 27 points in the third quarter and torturing the Sixers’ Thaddeus Young at both ends of the floor in a five- minute stretch of basketball that could prove to be the Sixers’ undoing. Kevin Garnett added 20 points, Paul Pierce had 16 and Rajon Rondo scored 13 with 14 assists for the Celtics, who held a double-digit lead for the last 11 minutes and went up by as many as 20 down the stretch.

Rajon Rondo is a true facilitator and on the floor he gets where he wants to go. At times, he gambles, but opponents have a difficult time impeding his play. Rondo had seven turnovers in Game 1, but since has a combined nine in four games. Holiday said the Sixers will try to put more pressure on the three-time All-Star in Game 6, but now in his sixth NBA season there is little Rondo hasn’t had thrown at Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday defensively. In addition to his playoff-leading assists per game, Rondo is also averaging better than 14 points and almost three steals.

Philadelphia’s (6-5, 4-1 H) Elton Brand led the Sixers with 19 points — just seven in the second half — Lavoy Allen scored 12 off the bench and Evan Turner had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lou Williams, the team’s leading scoring, is shooting 35 percent in this series and is 4 for 16 from three-point range.

Philadelphia now hopes its home floor and the fact the team is 4-0 this postseason in games following a loss can get them a Game 7 back in Boston on Saturday. “We have that same opportunity,” Collins said. “Let’s give ourselves that chance. Let’s get ourselves back to Boston with a Game 7 and see what we can do.”

Since 2008 when the big three plus Rondo were brought together, the Celtics played 12 road close-out games in the playoffs. Boston’s record in those contests is 2-10. The Sixers know the cliche: Wednesday is win or go home. Victory is the only option in their minds. “It is kind of like it’s the end of the world,” Holiday said. “We have to want it more than they do, that is the only way you can look at it. You really just have to go out there and fight and battle.”

The Bottom Line: If any team has to win a close out a game on the road, the Celtics are the ones to do it. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NBA Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NBA Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Philadelphia.
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
When: Wednesday, May 23rd@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Celtics +1.5

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers 2012 NBA Point Spreads before the tip-off.

Indiana’s (6-3, 3-1 V) Danny Granger led the Pacers with 20 points, Darren Collison had 16 off the bench, Paul George scored 13 and Roy Hibbert chipped in 10 with nine rebounds. Hibbert and David West, who scored eight, both played in foul trouble.

Home-court advantage is now back with the Heat but Coach Frank Vogel remains confident that Miami still hasn’t seen Indiana’s best effort. “We’re ready to go,” Vogel said. “We still have a great deal of belief. They haven’t beaten our best.”

The most obvious way for the Pacers to win tonight is by stopping Miami’s superb duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Shutting down those two is unlikely, especially James, so the Pacers have to make them use a lot of energy to score while also addressing a number of other issues. “We’ve got to be more precise,” Pacers forward David West said. “We allowed too much freedom. I don’t think they felt us enough when it came to their comfort level.”

West and Hibbert are the Pacers’ only low-post threats on offense and they’re the team’s best defenders and rebounders. The two combined for 18 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks Sunday. Those numbers have to double if the Pacers expect to have a chance.

Miami’s (6-3, 3-1 H) LeBron James and Dwyane Wade went out and showed why they are considered two of the very best players in the NBA. The two combined for 70 points in Game 4 and dominated the second half to lead the Miami Heat to a 101-93 victory, evening the series at 2-2. Udonis Haslem picked up some of the slack down the stretch, scoring eight of his 14 points in the final quarter. James was spectacular, piecing together one of the great postseason performances of all-time with 40 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Meanwhile, after a bad first half, Wade was just a step behind, adding 30 points, nine boards and six helpers in the Heat’s best performance since All- Star big man Chris Bosh went down with a strained abdominal muscle in Game 1.

Tonight’s game will hinge on whether LeBron James and Dwyane Wade can approach their extraordinary efforts of Game 4. But the outcome also will rest, in part, on the work of the Heat’s patchwork crew of power rotation players — a group that left an imprint on Sunday’s critical win. Udonis Haslem, who struggled with his midrange jumper all season, hit four in the final 5:57, aided by a change in strategy suggested by James and Wade. After Bosh was injured, “LeBron and D-Wade suggested I get back to what I do — pick and pop,” Haslem said. That means popping out into open space after he sets a screen — something he did successfully for many years here — instead of rolling to the basket, as he has often done this season.

The Bottom Line: Beating the Heat at home will be tough, but they can cover the spread. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NBA Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NBA Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Miami.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Pacers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.
Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Heat are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.

Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat
When: Tuesday, May 22nd@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Heat -6.5

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat 2012 NBA Point Spreads before the tip-off.

LA (11-2, 7-0 V) goalie Jonathan Quick stopped 19 shots for the Kings, who suffered their first loss since April 18th against the visiting Vancouver Canucks in Game 4 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

The Kings have tied an NHL record with seven consecutive wins away from LA. and their 7-0 road ledger to start the playoffs ties another NHL mark set by the 1999 Colorado Avalanche. Additionally, they’ve won nine straight on the road dating back to last spring and that matches a league mark for the most road wins spanning consecutive postseasons held by the New York Islanders (1982-83).

“We are still in a good position; that’s why we have to hit the reset button, refocus, and make sure we have a lot of energy for Tuesday,” said Kings forward Anze Kopitar, who had his point streak snapped at six games.

Phoenix (9-6, 4-5 H) still has a pulse thanks in large part to the performance of goaltender Mike Smith in Sunday’s Game 4 at the Staples Center. Smith posted his third shutout of the postseason, turning aside 36 shots to help anchor Phoenix in the 2-0 win. He also helped kill off all six of L.A.’s power-play opportunities in Game 3. Phoenix has yet to allow a power-play goal on the road this postseason (27-for-27 killing penalties). Shane Doan scored both goals for Phoenix.

The reality of the situation still is grim. Elimination remains a possibility, and with the series shifting to the dessert, the Kings’ success in this building is daunting. Not only did they nab consecutive victories here to build a 2-0 head start, but they remain undefeated on the road with a 7-0 record in the playoffs. “It’s why they’re up 3-1,” winger Radim Vrbata said. “We lost the first two home games. If we want this series to continue, we have to win. It’s that simple. If we do, their streak will be over. But I don’t think we’re looking at any streaks — who won how many on the road — we just have to win the next game again.”

The Bottom Line: I believe the Kings can rebound, they must get the first goal and avoid the penalty box. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 5-2-1 in the last 8 meetings in Phoenix.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Kings are 7-0 in their last 7 road games.
Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Kings are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Kings are 7-0 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Kings are 8-1 in their last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.
Coyotes are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Coyotes are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Kings are 13-3 in their last 16 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.

Los Angeles Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes
When: Tuesday, May 22nd@9:00 PM EST
Pick: Kings -125

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Los Angeles Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

LA (5-6, 1-4 V) blew a fourth-quarter lead to the Thunder in Game 4 on Friday. Kobe Bryant lashed out at his teammates for not being aggressive enough, pointing an accusatory finger at Spanish teammate Pau Gasol. Kobe Bryant, who scored eight of his team’s final 10 points in Friday’s Game 3 win, had 38 to pace Los Angeles.

As much as the Lakers can point fingers at each other’s missed shots and missed plays in this series, they also can look to Durant and Russell Westbrook for the reasons they’re in their predicament. Those two have been dynamic. There’s been no one capable of responding consistently for the Lakers, however. “It is what it is,” Bryant said. “We’ve got to go to OKC and take care of business. We’re all upset and extremely frustrated. “(But) I don’t think anybody is particularly worried about going to OKC and getting a win.”

The Lakers, who were behind 2-0 in this series heading into this past weekend, are just 2-17 all-time in playoff series when facing such a deficit.

The past three games have been decided in the final minutes, with the Thunder winning twice. The past three games have been played at the Lakers’ desired pace, slower rather than faster, but the Lakers haven’t excelled at finishing off the Thunder. The Lakers offense went stagnant and their defense was broken down. “It’s one play, one mistake,” Gasol said. “There were a lot of mistakes in that fourth quarter, a lot of mistakes throughout the game, so obviously if I could have gone back, maybe I could have shot it and I would have.”

OKC (7-1, 4-0 H) trailed by as many as 13 in Game 4 but closed with a 25-9 run to put the Lakers on the brink. Kevin Durant finished with 31 points, Russell Westbrook had a team-high 37 and the Oklahoma City franchise earned its first road playoff win over the Lakers in its last 15 tries.

All postseason, OKC has closed out games in grand fashion. The Lakers, in Game 4, simply became the latest victim of the Thunder and its ability to storm back from a fourth-quarter deficit and secure a win. That trait, not Westbrook’s explosiveness or Kevin Durant’s daggers or James Harden’s surgeon-like precision in the pick-and-roll, has been the most impressive thing about the Thunder’s playoff run thus far. Four of the Thunder’s seven playoff wins have come by three points or less. Another victory was decided by just six points. Of those five wins, the Thunder trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter of two games, by seven in the fourth period of two others and by one with a minute remaining in the other.

The Bottom Line: For the Lakers to win, every starter has to contribute, just like OKC. But, I think the Lakers are in trouble tonight. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NBA Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NBA Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Oklahoma City.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Lakers are 2-5-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Thunder are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Thunder are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Thunder are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
Lakers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. loss.
Lakers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog.
Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
When: Monday, May 21st@9:30 PM EST
Pick: OKC -7.5

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Point Spreads before the tip-off.

Philadelphia (6-4, 2-3 V) rallied from 18 points down in the third quarter to win Friday’s Game 4 and reignite talk of notching a second-round upset. Lou Williams scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half as Philadelphia overcame its dismal start to take a 92-83 victory over the Celtics to even their series at two games apiece. The 76ers have recovered from double-digit deficits to win three times this postseason. Andre Iguodala added 16 points with seven rebounds and four assists for the Sixers, whose bench outscored Boston’s 44-12. Evan Turner also dropped in 16 points, despite 5-of-22 shooting, while Thaddeus Young had 12 and Jrue Holiday netted 11 in the win.

The extra day of rest between games may help the aged Celtics, but it also should do wonders for the Sixers. For one thing, Evan Turner shoots the ball better with an extra day between games. In games after two days of rest, Evan Turner’s field goal percentage climbed to 63.8 percent compared to 43.5 percent with one day of rest. Additionally, his scoring average jumps from 8.8 with one day of rest to 13.8 with two days of rest. With three days of rest, Turner averages 16.3 points per game. So, after a 5-for-22 shooting performance in Game 4, maybe the extra day will serve Turner well. For Elton Brand the extra day off should help his injured neck and shoulder, too.

Boston’s (6-4, 4-1 H) Paul Pierce scored a game-high 24 points and Rajon Rondo had 15 points and 15 assists in a losing effort. “I thought we lost out composure. Once we did, I thought we really never returned to playing basketball the way we played in the first half,” Doc Rivers said.

The question for tonight’s Game 5 at TD Garden is whether Rivers will stick with the same lineup again down the stretch. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Avery Bradley, and Rajon Rondo could do little to stop Philadelphia in the fourth quarter. With no legitimate big man besides Garnett in the paint, the Celtics were helpless against the duo of Thaddeus Young and Lavoy Allen. Brandon Bass played three seconds of the fourth quarter and reserve center Ryan Hollins played 14 seconds. Ray Allen played the entire fourth quarter, but Rivers acknowledged Allen’s defense has suffered because of his ailing right ankle.

“It goes game to game, it really does,’’ Rivers said when asked about the effectiveness of his small lineup. “I think honestly if we made one mistake we should have went back to Bass [and the bigger lineup]. The first three games our small lineup was a better lineup than our big lineup. Statistically in Game 4, the big lineup was better. The big lineup is what got us the lead. The big lineup is what in the beginning of the third got us off to a good start. Both times when we went small, it actually hurt us.

The 34-year-old Paul Pierce has been dealing with a sprained MCL is his left knee, while the 36-year-old Ray Allen is hampered by bone spurs in his right ankle. Kevin Garnett is relatively healthy but turned 36 over the weekend and finally looked like it in Game 4, finishing 3-for-12 from the floor with nine points. Also, Avery Bradley, Boston’s top perimeter defender, continues to deal with a left shoulder that has popped out of its socket at least four times this season.

The Bottom Line: The Celtics rebound big when dissed about their age. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NBA Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NBA Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
76ers are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
76ers are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Boston.
76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Celtics are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Celtics are 4-17 ATS in their last 21 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
Celtics are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
When: Monday, May 21st@7:00 PM EST
Pick: Celtics -5.5

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics 2012 NBA Point Spreads before the tip-off.

New York (10-7, 4-3 V) got three third-period goals in a 3-0 victory over New Jersey in Game 3. Ryan Callahan had a goal and an assist while Dan Girardi and Chris Kreider also scored for the Rangers. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist posted his second shutout of this series and third of this year’s playoffs thanks to 36 saves in Saturday’s triumph. Lundqvist, who is a finalist for both the Vezina and Hart Trophies this season, has a 1.57 goals-against average and .942 save percentage to go with his three shutouts in the 2012 postseason.

Dan Girardi leads all defenseman in points in the playoffs with 11 and all three of his goals have been game-winners.

The Rangers will not have forward Brandon Prust for tonight’s contest, as he was suspended one game for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the head on Saturday. Volchenkov was shaken up on the play but finished the game and did not suffer an injury.

New Jersey (9-6, 4-2 H) goaltender Martin Brodeur gave up two goals on 21 shots Saturday’s loss. New Jersey went 0-for-5 on the power play in the game and have scored only once on 12 opportunities with the man advantage in this series.

“We didn’t play that bad today, we did some good things,” said New Jersey center Travis Zajac. “We just have to get Game 4 because we know it’s going to be a long series. No one in this locker room thought it was going to be an easy series.”

“They let us back in the series after Game 1, and I’m sure they’re going to try not to let us back in the series again,” Devils goalie Martin Brodeur said. “It’s hard to talk about. If I didn’t see a good attitude in here, I might say something. This morning, nobody looked down. We’ll be OK. It’s trust, and it’s been there all along.”

The Bottom Line: The Devils are the favorites because they’re at home, but I think the Rangers have the edge with the hotter goalie. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings in New Jersey.
Under is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Devils are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Devils are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Devils are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
Devils are 8-2 in their last 10 home games.
Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Rangers are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
Devils are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Devils are 0-5 in their last 5 Monday games.

New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
When: Monday, May 21st@8:00 PM EST
Pick: Devils -120

Point-Spreads recommends you check the New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

I’ll Have Another did, indeed, have another, overcoming Bodemeister on the back stretch, yet again, to win the 137th Running of the Preakness Stakes by a nose.The colt recording a an official winning time of 1:55.90.

Many felt the shorter distance of the Preakness would provide Bodemeister an edge it did not have in the 1 1/4 miles Derby, but that thinking was proved false in dramatic fashion. Jockey Mario Gutierrez paced I’ll Have Another well throughout the race, keeping the colt near the front and toward the outside, but when he called on him late, he answered just as he did at Churchill Downs two weekends ago.

I’ll Have Another broke from the pack and slowly reeled in Bodemeister, who did not exhibit the same signs of late fatigue that he did at the Derby, to become the 33rd horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The son of Flower Alley, a product of Distorted Humor, now has an opportunity to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed completed the famed trifecta in 1978.

Trainer Doug O’Neill indicated after yesterday’s race that I’ll Have Another will, barring an injury or unforeseen health issue, run in the 144th Belmont Stakes. The final leg of the Triple Crown Series will take place on Saturday, June 9th at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Want to dominate the books this Triple Crown season with winning Pro Picks Horses? Sign up right now with some of the best Horse Racing Odds experts in the business and receive Free Horses Picks!

2012 Preakness Stakes Results:

#9 I’ll Have Another  $8.40 (Win) $3.80 (Place) $2.80 (Show)
#7 Bodemeister $3.20 (Place) $2.80 (Show)
#6 Creative Cause $3.60 (Show)
# 4Zetterholm
#2 Teeth of the Dog
#10 Optimizer
#11 Cozzetti
#1 Tiger Walk
# 8 Daddy Nose Best
#5 Went the Day Well
#3 Pretention