OffshoreInsiders.com Shea Matthews now takes a look at more NBA playoff info.
Yesterday, we prepped for playoff NBA betting by examining trends in the rough, tough East. Today, let's look at the high-flying West's NBA matchups.
Jazz vs Nuggets
The Nuggets look like a safe bet to open this series strong. Utah doesn't do well against the spread on the road against good teams; it's lost 14 of 18 ATS as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5 points. Also, the Nuggets have beaten the spread in each of their last five conference quarter-final matchups.
Thunder vs Lakers
Is it possible that the Kevin Durant factor will make Oklahoma City tougher on the Lakers than most sports betting blog pundits predict? The Thunder are 20-8 ATS over their last 28 against teams with winning home records and 12-5 ATS over their last 17 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Considering the Lakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games as a home favorite, I see a Game-1 nailbiter in the cards.
Spurs vs Mavericks
This is a tough series to predict, especially early on. The Mavs have won six of seven ATS against San Antonio and the last five meetings at home. They struggled to beat the spread against other teams at home this season but seem to have San Antonio's number. I'd consider betting the under early in this series, as it's 6-1 in Dallas' last seven home games.
Trail Blazers vs Suns
The Blazers play Phoenix tough against the sportsbook spread, going 4-0-1 in the last five meetings. But Steve Nash and the high-octane Phoenix offense have delivered consistently at home this season and gashed open spreads. As a home favorite of 5.0-10.5 points, the Suns are 11-1-1 in their last 13 games. I do expect a long series but Phoenix may overwhelm Portland in the opener.
