Bulls, Warriors looking to close tonight
Published on Thursday, 5/2/13, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.
By Brian Edwards
With a 3-2 series lead as this best-of-seven series shifts back to the Windy City, Chicago will try to insert the dagger into Brooklyn tonight at 8:05 p.m. Eastern on TNT. Most betting shops have installed the Bulls as 1.5-point home favorites with a total of 184.
The Nets are +105 on the money line (risk $100 to win $105).
Chicago veteran guard Kirk Hinrich is listed as ‘doubtful’ with a bruised calf. Hinrich was averaging 11.2 points per game in the first four games of the series, dishing out 23 assists compared to eight turnovers.
After losing a triple-overtime heartbreaker in Game 4, Brooklyn bounced back by capturing a 110-91 win as a 6.5-point home ‘chalk’ in Monday’s Game 5. The 201 combined points soared ‘over’ the 180.5-point total.
Brook Lopez led the way with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Deron Williams finished with 23 points and 10 assists. In the losing effort, Nate Robinson had 20 points and eight assists for the Bulls.
In the late game on TNT at 10:35 p.m. Eastern, Golden St. will host Denver as a one-point home favorite. The Warriors own a 3-2 series advantage going into tonight’s Game 6. The total is 211.
Denver dodged elimination with Tuesday’s 107-100 win as an eight-point home favorites. The Warriors trailed by 19 with nine minutes remaining, but they were able to post the backdoor cover thanks to an 18-4 run.
In fact, Mark Jackson’s squad pulled to within 96-91 at the five-minute mark and had several chances to get closer. The 207 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 211-point tally.
Jackson ‘went Phil Jackson’ following the Game 5 defeat, complaining that the Nuggets were taking cheap shots at Steph Curry. Truth be told, the Nugs just made Curry uncomfortable with a few playoff ‘love taps,’ but I’m ok with Jackson’s remarks because he’s simply trying to call attention to the refs for tonight.
My NBA picks have been on fire recently. Since April 25, I have compiled a 15-3 record, including a 7-0 mark the last two nights. My record for the season is now 104-72 (59%) for 25.76 units of profit.
You can check out my two picks for tonight or get signed up for the rest of the playoffs.
