The Miami Heat blew yet another 4th quarter lead in game #4 of the NBA Finals after being up 7 points following a Dwyane Wade lay-up at the 9:01 mark. Installed as three-point underdogs according to the NBA betting odds, Heat backers were essentially up 10 points with only nine minutes remaining before deja-vu kicked in and Dallas stormed back. The Dallas Mavericks once again rallied behind Dirk Nowitzki and closed it out following two straight free throws by Jason Terry to go up 86-83 with seven seconds left. This was the third straight game decided by three points or less between the two, which marked the first time this has happened in the title game since 1948 (The Baltimore Bullets and Philadelphia Warriors). Even with the victory over Miami and game #5 being played in Dallas, the Heat are still -235 to win the series and take home The Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy.
The sports betting world opened the Dallas Mavericks as a 2-point favorite over the Heat, but that number has been bet down all the way down to a "pick". The total on this game opened at 185.0 and has dropped slightly to 184.5 with the public basically split on the over and under. At last check, 70% of the betting public according to SportsbookSpy have their money on the Miami Heat and 56% were betting on the under.
NBA Free Pick: There is no question that the Miami Heat are the better team on paper. Whether you love, hate or are indifferent on Lebron and company they have one of the best starting line-ups in NBA history based off overall talent. Obviously you can't change the fact Miami has blown two decent sized 4th quarter leads, but tonight is a perfect spot for the Heat to rebound. Almost across the board, the Heat superstar lineup failed to show up in the 4th on Tuesday and we expect them to bounce back strong tonight. Take the Heat at a "pick" to win on Thursday outright over the Dallas Mavericks. We also suggest checking out 2011 NBA FINALS Gm 5 | Miami Heat at Dallas Mavs: 3 UNITS TOTAL by forum poster Stevebeav which is packed with some great NBA Finals betting information for game #5.
NBA Finals Game #5 Start Time:
When: Thursday June 9th at 9:00pm EST
Where: American Airlines Center (Dallas, Texas)
TV: ABC, TSN
Injury Updates: Dallas Mavericks C Brendan Haywood is doubtful to play due to a hip injury.
Officials: Joe Crawford, Mike Callahan, Bill Kennedy
Current Odds: Dallas Mavericks pick/ Miami Heat pick Over 184.5/ Under 184.5 (click for updated NBA betting odds)
Current Series Price: Miami Heat -235/ Dallas Mavericks +195
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