The first-round of NBA Playoff matchups are all on the verge of elimination. On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs will try to finish off a 3-2 series lead against the Dallas Mavericks. On Friday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try evening their series with the Los Angeles Lakers at three games apiece. Here are today's free picks:
Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) – Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET
San Antonio lost much of its momentum from a three-game winning streak with Tuesday's 103-81 loss in Dallas. The Spurs couldn't get any offense going whatsoever and shot just 35 percent from the field. San Antonio has only won five of its last 10 games and has been even worse at the sportsbook, going 4-5-1 in its last 10 games on NBA odds. Returning home for a game should make a big difference, as the Spurs have covered seven of their past 10 home games (plus one push).
Despite dropping three straight in this series, Dallas remains pretty solid over the past few weeks. The Mavericks are 7-3 in their past 10 games straight up and even a little better on NBA betting lines in the same span (7-2-1 ATS). Dallas is 5-1-1 in its last seven road games against the spread, though the loss and push both came in the last two games in San Antonio.
Tim Duncan looks really shaky right now (15 total points in the past two games). The Mavericks, on the other hand, have regained their mojo. Expect a big win and a Game 7 on the way.
Pick: Dallas
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