The
Los Angeles Lakers made the NBA Playoffs and they even earned the seventh seed in the Western Conference by virtue of Wednesday’s results; however, their post season is expected to be short lived. Waiting for L.A. in the first round are the second seeded
San Antonio Spurs, who are favored at -650 odds to win the best of seven series. The latest
NBA Playoff Picks also have the Spurs listed as a favorite in today’s
Game 1 clash at the AT&T Center (3:30pm ET start time, ABC); San Antonio is a -8.5 against the spread play and a -500 moneyline selection ($500 wins $100). This afternoon’s game total is set at 190.5 points.
Los Angeles ended the season on a nice run, winning eight of its last nine games to ensure a post season appearance. The Lakers even beat the Spurs 91-86 last Sunday in L.A., and they did so without their star, the injured Kobe Bryant.
That ending stretch aside, Los Angeles is behind the eight ball today and in this series. San Antonio did not end the season in impressive fashion, losing seven of its last 10 games, but the team started looking toward the playoffs once it became apparent they would not move past the top seeded Thunder in the Western Conference.
Tony Parker played sparingly down the stretch in order to make sure he was healthy for the post season. When Parker is well, the Spurs are a major force and a championship threat.
Expect the Spurs and Parker to make a statement this afternoon, one that will brush aside the Lakers strong finish and set them up for an easy seven game series.
Notable Trend(s): The Under is 8-2 in the Spurs last 10 games as a home favorite with a spread between 8 and 10.5 points and total between 190 and 195 points. The Under is 9-1 in the Lakers last 10 games as a road dog at San Antonio with a total between 190 and 195 points.
NBA Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs NBA Odds:
Los Angeles Lakers +8.5 (-110), Over 190.5 (-110), +400 (Moneyline)
San Antonio Spurs -8.5 (-110), Under 190.5 (-110), -500 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs Betting
What pro basketball bettors need to know about Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs on Sunday (4/21/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo with Ken Thomson.