3-1 yesterday, Chris Paul smashed my hopes of a sweep, 2-0 props was promising though.
1Q Toronto Raptors +0.5; This team plays with a lot of pride and heart at home, even if they are outmatched by the talent the Sixers have. They played the Sixers to a 10 point lead in first quarter of game 3, and a 1 point lead in game 2. They did end the game and OT kinda flat, I'm not sure if it's fatigue or shots not falling for them late, but I opted to take the early bet, as it seemed to take the Sixers a bit of time to get going in game 3. (might add Raptors +3 full game into some small parlay)
Dallas Mavericks +6; All we know is that Luka COULD come back today. I mainly added this bet last night because this line still seems big to me, for two teams that have been slugging it out every game so far. The possibility of Luka playing is just icing on this bet's cake. Even if he doesn't I still think +6 is a solid line for this game. I do expect the Jazz to try to compete and answer, but they don't seem to be able to match the Mavs in effort or defense. The Mavs have been shooting a lot of 3s but not making some absurd 50+% from the arc, they shot a good, but reasonable 42% in game 3 and I attribute a lot of this to the Jazz' poor perimeter defense. The Jazz seem out coached, out of steam, booed at home. I'll take the hot hand and stay with the Mavs, especially with the upside of maybe getting an MVP player back.
Celtics/Nets Over 222; This game was hard to decide for me. I have been on the Celtics line both of the first two games, and I think the Celtics are a much more complete and better team. If I had to pick a side, I would go with the Celtics, but I do expect the Nets to take one of these two home games. These games have been close, with massive momentum and scoring swings. Robert Williams will be back for the Celtics in this one, which will certainly help the Celtic's side with a monster inside presence. I am looking for this game to be a scorefest though. The Net's stars shots would not fall in game 2, Tatum and Brown also struggled until late in the fourth, and the total still hit 221. Williams will give the Celtics a great inside defensive presence, but I look to Steve Nash to cook up some offensive game plan to get two of the best offensive players in the league some decent production. (might add Celtics +3 into some small parlay)
Memphis Grizzlies -2; I told myself I wouldn't bet on the Grizzlies anymore after they were down 25+ last game, but somehow they came back and saved my ass. I really like this team, I have a small futures on them getting to the finals. They have all of the pieces, are young, defend well when they put their mind to it. I'll be honest when I say this game can probably go either way, but I am making this bet because of Taylor Jenkins. I think the Wolves are entirely and completely out coached. They have some good talent on their roster, but it seems misused and cobbled together at times. When the Wolves struggle with their shot, they spiral out of control real damn bad. Both sides struggled at different times last game, but I look to get a more consistent game from the Grizzlies on both sides of the floor this time around. Last game it seemed like they forgot to play the first half.
Have some good prop ideas for today, and will add them soon. Good luck everyone.