I love when the NBA Play Offs begin as it means two months of competitive basketball that usually does provide plenty of drama and big moments.
I have ranked the last 16 teams remaining in order of their highest chance of winning it all in June down to those that might struggle to make it out of the First Round which can be read here.
Any time I make picks from the First Round of the Play Offs, I will add them to this post and hopefully the Play Offs will be a good period for the picks.
Saturday 18th April
Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors Pick: This is the First Round series where I am expecting the upset the most as I do think the Washington Wizards have gotten healthy at the right time of the season. They also have the experience of winning a First Round series from last season and a nice mix of veteran players with young talent that could take them into the Eastern Conference Semi Finals for the second year in a row.
Compare that to the Toronto Raptors who have a decent back court with both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan capable of taking over a game, but the injury concerns about Lowry has to put the brakes on this team. The Raptors have also been a little inconsistent down the stretch and that is another concern for them.
I was hoping the spread would be a couple of points higher in favour of Washington, especially as they had been swept by the Raptors in the regular season. The Wizards can go through patches in games where they really struggle offensively and that has to be a concern when the spread is as small as this one.
All the pressure is on Toronto to get things right in front of their own fans after losing in seven games in this Round last season and they have to play better than they have been recently. Games between these teams should be close over the next two weeks and I will take the points from this one.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Golden State Warriors Pick: There is a real difference between the regular season and the Play Offs, but good luck to any team that has to go into the Oracle Arena and try and steal one off of the Golden State Warriors.
It is why they are my favourites to win the NBA Championship and I think the New Orleans Pelicans will be in for a tough time in this first game. The Pelicans don't have a lot of Play Off experience and there might just be a lull in the performance having finally booked a place in the post-season on the final day of the regular season.
They can pick their poison with Golden State who are capable of pounding teams in the paint or from beyond the three point arc and I think the Pelicans are clutching at straws by trying to use 'scrimmaging' as a motivational tool. That is how Golden State described a game in New Orleans last week, but it was clearly not meant as disrespect and the Warriors should be too good for the Pelicans in the first game of the series.
Golden State have gone 10-1 against the spread this season when coming in with two days rest between games, another edge for them in the Play Offs you would think, and they have blasted teams at home. Double digit underdogs have also struggled in the Play Offs over the last twelve seasons and I like the Warriors to put a marker down on Saturday.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Chicago Bulls Pick: This is likely to be the ugliest of the First Round match ups I think as both teams can be offensively challenged and the games in the regular season were far from inspiring.
Derrick Rose should be good to go for the Chicago Bulls which will make them a more dangerous team, but both of these teams rely on their strong defensive play to earn them the wins. The Bulls are definitely the better team, but they have been so uninspiring at times this season that not many will trust them.
Milwaukee have lost their way down the stretch too so there isn't a lot of confidence in them springing the surprise, but this can be a lot of points when you consider how both teams have played. However, a better option might be picking the game to produce fewer than 185 total points as Chicago have limited Milwaukee to an average of under 85 points per game this season, but have also averaged just 92 points per game in those contests.
Dallas Mavericks @ Houston Rockets Pick: This could be a fast paced series with both teams looking to push the tempo where they can and the winner is likely to be the one which can get hot more consistently than the other.
The return of Dwight Howard could be huge for the Rockets as it will just open things up a little more for their players from the three point range, but James Harden has to bring his regular season form into the post-season.
Rick Carlisle can't be underestimated as the Head Coach of Dallas, a man who can find the right formula to surprise better teams, while the Mavericks are not terribly short of talent themselves. However, I think the Houston team is a little better and I like them to make a winning start by covering the spread in the first game of this First Round series.
Sunday 19th April
It was a 0.500 day for the picks on Saturday, but I have to say I feel that isn't down to 'bad picks', but 'bad luck'. The Golden State Warriors were up by 18 going into the Fourth Quarter but were outscored by 11 when they put their foot off the accelerator and New Orleans just hit everything.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls barely got over 185 points despite combining for 110 first half points and I would be surprised if they get anything like another half of Offense like we saw in Game 1. I would have been extremely mad if Washington had blown their big lead from the final five minutes of their game, but they came through in Overtime to steal home court, and Houston should really have won by a much bigger margin than their eventual 10 point win.
Hopefully the picks on Sunday have a little more luck behind them to get into the victory circle.
Boston Celtic @ Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: The last time LeBron James played a Play Off game for the Cleveland Cavaliers was against the Boston Celtics and his latest attempt to win a NBA Championship for a city shorn of success begins against that same franchise. There is a marked difference as to how the roster looks these days in Boston, but Head Coach Brad Stevens is one of the brightest young minds who is tasked with slowing down the favourites in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics will have some confidence having beaten Cleveland twice last week and also played them very close in another game, while they can believe in their depth to remain competitive. However, there is a clear talent difference between the starting fives and the Cavaliers have to show that their relative post-season inexperience won't be a factor in the coming two months.
You always have to admire a team like Boston that won't roll over for anyone, but I think this could be a statement game for Cleveland to set out a marker for the rest of the post-season. Double digit underdogs usually struggle in this Round too so backing the Cavaliers to cover a big number is my call.
Brooklyn Nets @ Atlanta Hawks Pick: The regular season was a sweep for the Atlanta Hawks and there is little doubt in my mind they are going to have too much scoring, consistency, defense and just about anything for the veteran Brooklyn Nets. This would be the biggest surprise of the Round, in my opinion at least, if the Nets were to beat the Number 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference.
Being swept in the regular season was one thing, but Brooklyn were humbled by the Atlanta Hawks in the first three games and then were beaten when the latter rested players too. That came while Brooklyn were fighting for their Play Off future and I think they will do well to get away with a gentleman's sweep in this one.
The first game is all about how Atlanta handle the nerves having come into the Play Offs with no pressure twelve months ago. This time they will be expected to get to the Eastern Conference Finals at least, but this match up looks a good one to get started with. It is another double digit spread in the Game 1's being played, but I do like the favourites to set their stall out in this one and I am backing Atlanta to cover the number.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Memphis Grizzlies Pick: Another team that swept the regular season series is expected to win Game 1 of this First Round series as the Memphis Grizzles host the Portland Trail Blazers.
Both teams have been hurt by injuries over the last couple of months, but Mike Conley and Tony Allen are expected to return for this game and that is a huge boost for Memphis. Allen's defensive ability is going to give Damian Lilliard something to think about, while Conley is another who has the speed to stick with him and can also give Lilliard lots to think about on the other side of the court.
The size that Memphis have in the front court means LaMarcus Aldridge has a difficult time earning his points and the loss of Wesley Matthews and Arron Afflalo are huge for Portland. Add in that Nicolas Batum is a doubt for this one and I think the Trail Blazers may have a hard time in this game and the series as the match up doesn't look the best one for them.
Games between the teams might be competitive because Memphis are known for their defensive play and that will always give Portland a chance to stay competitive, but I like the Grizzlies to cover in Game 1.
Monday 20th April
The biggest game on Sunday was between the LA Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs and it was surprising to see that the Clippers had won so comfortably in Game 1 of that series. San Antonio were sloppy Offensively and I expect Gregg Popovich to make the adjustments in Game 2 to bring the Spurs back into the series.
Cleveland, Atlanta and Portland all won their opening games which means only the Toronto Raptors have lost home court advantage in the First Round series after one game has been played. A lot of people will put faith in the zig-zag theory over the coming days, but I am not convinced that is a reasonable play as much as it used to be.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Chicago Bulls Pick: The zig-zag theory would suggest backing the 'desperate' Milwaukee Bucks to cover the spread in the second game of this First Round series, but I like the Chicago Bulls to make it two from two in this game.
Derrick Rose was so strong in Game 1 and has a clear match up advantage against Michael Carter-Williams at the Point Guard position at both ends of the court. The Chicago Bulls also have a size advantage which has seen them control the glass in all three of their home wins over Milwaukee this season and each of those wins have come by at least eight points.
I am expecting Milwaukee to be a lot stronger defensively in this game, but am also expecting the same from the Bulls who have dominated the head to head between these teams. As long as Rose remains healthy, Chicago are a real threat in the Eastern Conference and should have too much scoring for Milwaukee in this second game and put themselves in a strong position in the First Round series.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Golden State Warriors Pick: It was only an incredible performance from Anthony Davis and some complacency in the Golden State Warriors team that prevented them from crushing the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1. Instead, the Warriors were holding on a little towards the end of the game on Saturday, but were still handy winners.
The performance of the Pelicans in the Fourth Quarter has given them the belief that they can earn a surprise win in the series, especially by ripping home court from Golden State, but I am not convinced. On another day, Golden State would have won by 20 plus points and I am going to stick with them to be more dominant in Game 2 and win by double the margin they recorded in the first game.
Golden State are a team that had an incredible record at home through the regular season and I liked Andrew Bogut's comments that the team need to finish teams when they have them down. I will expect Steve Kerr can get a full performance from this team on Monday and I think they will be heading to New Orleans with a 2-0 lead, but this time I expect them to cover the double digit spread.
Tuesday 21st April
Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors Pick: The Washington Wizards have stolen home court advantage, but they must have had their hearts their mouths after blowing a big fourth quarter lead and requiring overtime to beat the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. There is a concern that Washington come out in this game with a care-free attitude having taken home court away from the Raptors, but they didn't allow that to slow them down last season in the series with the Chicago Bulls and I like the Wizards with the points again.
You have to think Toronto will be much better shooting the ball in Game 2 after DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Lou Williams all struggled from the back court, but Washington may also be expecting more out of John Wall and Bradley Beal. The Wizards also have a real advantage attacking the glass and out rebounding Toronto for the second straight game will give them a very good chance of a second upset.
The Wizards aren't a great road underdog to back, but Toronto have struggled as a home favourite of less than 6 points as they are 5-11 against the spread in those games this season. All the pressure is on the Raptors too as they can't afford to fall into a 0-2 hole in this series and Toronto have a poor 3-10 record against the spread this season when trying to earn revenge as the home favourite.
The last three games between these teams have been very close with two of those games needing overtime to separate them and the five points given to Washington are too appealing to ignore.
Dallas Mavericks @ Houston Rockets Pick: Both teams will feel there is room for improvement after Game 1, but the Dallas Mavericks might feel there is slightly more in their favour even though they were only beaten by 10 points. The first game was much more comfortable for Houston than that final margin may suggest, but I like Rick Carlisle as a Head Coach and I think he makes the adjustments to make this a much closer game.
There is no love lost between these teams with Mark Cuban firing some barbs at Houston prior to the series beginning, but none of that matters to the Mavericks who look to avoid a two game hole. That urgency coupled with Carlisle's smarts should give Dallas a better opportunity in this one, especially if they can keep tabs on James Harden as they did in the first game.
Dallas have to really get their own Offense going though and find more consistency from their role players, but there was enough out of Game 1 to think the adjustments can be made. Games between these rivals have been very competitive and another one could make the 5.5 point head start look a lot in favour of the Mavericks.
My concern is that Dallas have been poor as the road underdog this season and Houston are a strong home favourite, but this is Play Off time and I like the desperate Mavericks to come close to ripping home court advantage from the Rockets.
Wednesday 22nd April
Brooklyn Nets @ Atlanta Hawks Pick: Game 1 was never as close as it looked on the scoreboard, but the Atlanta Hawks might be missing Al Horford in this one after he dislocated a finger on his shooting hand. Horford's status is up in the air and Paul Millsap is still working his way back to form and that does mean the Brooklyn Nets might win the battle on the glass again, which was a real factor in them keeping things close when they met on Sunday.
It was a sloppy game from the Atlanta Hawks as they admitted themselves that they should have finished Brooklyn off when they had they had the chance, but the ball movement is critical to the Hawks success. The Nets have also been given some confidence from their performance in Game 1 after coming into the series with an inferior complex about their chances, but Brooklyn need to find more from their veteran roster.
The Hawks need to be more efficient with their looks if they are going to make this 2-0 but they do have the Indian Sign over Brooklyn this season. Atlanta have depth which should cover the absence of Horford if he sits or needs an extended rest between playing time, but I think the Hawks have gotten through Game 1 and can now relax into the Play Offs.
There will be bigger tests to come for Atlanta if they are to win it all, but I think they have the perfect match up and I expect them to cover in Game 2 to underline that.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Memphis Grizzlies Pick: If David Joerger was a little more sadistic, he would likely have kept his starters in a lot longer as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Portland Trail Blazers for the fifth time this season, but importantly to take a 1-0 lead in this First Round series. Joerger called off the dogs in that game as the Grizzlies cruised to 14 point win, but it will all be for nought if the Grizzles can't make it 2-0 before heading to Oregon.
The match up looked a bad one for the Trail Blazers prior to the start of the series, but only got worse when Memphis announced all their players that were injury doubts returned. Those are some key names too as Mike Conley, Tony Allen and Jeff Green all played their part in the win and the pressure is on Portland to adjust.
Unfortunately they are unlikely to have Arron Afflalo back for this game and Wesley Matthews has already been lost for the season. Portland struggle against the size of the Memphis front court, although they did surprisingly win the battle on the glass, but the bigger question is what adjustments can they make to attack this Memphis Defensive unit.
Complacency is probably the biggest issue for the Memphis Grizzlies as Portland have struggled on the road all season and have matched up badly against them. You have to think the Trail Blazers make this more competitive than Game 1, but I still like the Grizzlies to cover.
San Antonio Spurs @ LA Clippers Pick: It is hard to imagine a situation where Gregg Popovich sees his San Antonio Spurs fall into a 2-0 hole in the First Round, but that is what they are facing going back to the Staples Center.
The LA Clippers blew out San Antonio in the first game thanks to a strong Offensive performance, but I think Popovich will make the adjustments to make his Spurs much more competitive. However, it is hard to ignore the fact that they have lost three in a row to the Clippers and the absence of Tiago Splitter is proving to be tough to replace.
Splitter had limited minutes in Game 1, but he might have more time on the court in this one as the main player the Spurs want to put on Blake Griffin. Kahwi Leonard may be matched up against Chris Paul to try and limit that avenue of Offense for the Clippers too and I am looking for San Antonio to make the adjustments to get back to Texas with a split in the series.
It won't be easy for them against a quality Head Coach like Doc Rivers guiding the Clippers, but I think San Antonio are better than they showed on Sunday and will take the points.
Thursday 23rd April
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics Pick: Before the series began, I suggested the Cleveland Cavaliers would complete a 'gentleman's sweep' of the Boston Celtics, but even that might be beyond the Celtics capabilities. Despite giving Cleveland a bit of a scare in both games of this First Round series, it is clear the Cavaliers have the talent differential to turn on the afterburners when they like and make sure they keep winning games.
LeBron James would have taken note of the easy in which other teams are coming through their First Round games and won't want Cleveland to have less time to rest any weary bodies, both mentally and physically.
As I said, Boston have given Cleveland a scare at times and got some runs together, especially off the bench, but Brad Stevens has to be concerned that it is the Cavaliers who have dominated the boards. If Boston can change that, they might have a chance to secure the upset, but Cleveland look like a team on a mission and they have too much consistent Offense for me.
You have to feel Boston are inspired at home, but I like Cleveland to pull to within one game of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals.
Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: I have accepted a long time ago that the line makers in Vegas are anything but silly so I always take a step back when they offer a spread like this one which seems way out of wack compared to what we have seen in this series so far.
Both the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks pride themselves on their Defense, but the Bulls have more players that can take over a game on the Offensive side of the court. Derrick Rose didn't have a great Game 2, but Jimmy Butler has been a match up nightmare in both games and Jason Kidd will have needed all of the two days rest to try and figure out a way to slow him down.
Kidd will also need to find a way to get some consistency out of the Milwaukee Bucks Offensively as they continue to struggle against the Bulls who held them to under 85 points per game in the regular season. Milwaukee did have a huge Fourth Quarter to beat Chicago here in the regular season at the start of the month, but I think they will have a hard time again and will only win if the Bulls are complacent.
The layers are tempting me with the spread they have produced and I am going to bite- I think Chicago are the much stronger team at both ends of the court and I expect them to move to 3-0 in this First Round series.
Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans Pick: The Golden State Warriors are 2-0 up in this First Round series, but they have failed to cover in both games, although I am going back to the well one more time as they travel to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans have been 'pesky' in the first two games, fighting back to make it look competitive in Game 1, and then taking a big lead in Game 2 that they couldn't hold onto. They are getting close to drinking in the last chance saloon so the question is whether they can find the right balance to knock the Warriors off their stride.
New Orleans have a very strong 8-2 record against the spread when set as the home underdog given 6 points or less so they have every chance of keeping this competitive if they have taken some motivation from being a home underdog. However, the Warriors do look a little too good for them on both sides of the court and I don't know if the Pelicans have enough to bridge the gap between the two teams.
It has been a bit closer than the Golden State Warriors would have liked in the first two games, but they have still won with a bit to spare and I'll back a third favourite to come through.
Friday 24th April
Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks Pick: It was only a matter of time that the relationship between Rick Carlisle and Rajon Rondo would break down irretrievably- these two have never been on the same page and the Dallas Mavericks attempt to push themselves as a serious contender in the Western Conference has failed to materialise.
Rondo has been ruled out for the rest of the post-season and Carlisle has said he doesn't think he'll ever suit up in a Dallas jersey again. The bigger issue may be the injury to Chandler Parsons that has ruled him out, although Devin Harris might be back for this Game 3 that Dallas have to win to make this a series.
Houston will make the relatively short trip to Dallas with plenty of confidence having 'held serve' by winning both home games. It was a big Fourth Quarter from Josh Smith and Dwight Howard that sparked Houston in Game 2 and they won't have any fears of trying to get the series done over the next few days on the road.
It is hard to guess how Dallas respond to the Rondo issue, but I am surprised they are set as the narrow favourite in this one. However, instead of backing Houston with the points, I am going to back this game to end under the total points which look on the high side. The under is 5-1 in the last six games between these inter-State rivals, and I think Dallas have been shorn of some of the swagger in the last couple of games and will need to tighten down on Defense if they are to get back into the series.
Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards Pick: This was the series that I believed had the highest chance of a lower Seeded team surprisingly moving into the Conference Semi Finals and the Washington Wizards are proving the point with two road wins to open a 2-0 lead. However, the Wizards are not a team that handles expectation that well and there will be plenty of fans coming to the Arena on Friday expecting to see Washington move 3-0 ahead.
The right noises are also coming out of the Toronto locker room as they head down to Washington with the belief not quite lost despite the consecutive home losses. Injuries are slowing down some of the players, but Toronto still need more from the back court if they are to get back into this.
The Washington Offense is inconsistent itself though and the Raptors have to find a way to stop them winning the battle on the boards which has offered up second chance points. Unfortunately for Toronto, they don't really have the size to do that consistently and have to better from the field to challenge what is a decent Washington Defense.
This was a series in which I wanted to stick with the underdog for much of it and I am interested to see how Washington handle the pressure of being the favourite. That is a marked difference than being the underdog and I will back the Raptors with the points against a Wizards team which is just 5-9 against the spread when favoured by 6 points or fewer at home this season.
LA Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs Pick: The San Antonio Spurs stole home court advantage in Game 2 and the LA Clippers have to be kicking themselves for some critical turnovers in the final minute of regulation which would have given them the chance to wrap up a two game home winning run.
The depth is clearly the biggest issue that the Clippers have to deal with as their bench has just not played well enough, but the starting five have been asked to play big minutes. With just two days between games, I do wonder if that will have an impact on the Clippers as they go to San Antonio for two games in three days.
However, they might have caught a break with Tony Parker suffering an injury to the achilles to join his knee issues and his effectiveness is in question even if he starts. Parker has struggled to cope with Chris Paul and missing extended time on the court will be an issue for the Spurs, although Patty Mills showed he is capable of putting on a show in the limited time he played.
Tim Duncan had a huge game for the Spurs, but it will be tough for him to replicate those numbers. I do think the LA Clippers actually match up well with San Antonio and I like getting the points in this one as they try and recover home court advantage.
Sunday 26th April
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics Pick: The hardest game to put away in a series can be the one to progress to the next Round and that is the situation Cleveland will be coming into at the TD Garden on Sunday.
However, I do think the talent differential is asking a lot of the Boston Celtics to make up, especially if Isaiah Thomas can be kept in check as he was in Game 3. Don't get me wrong, Boston haven't been blown out by the Cavaliers in any of the games they have played, but they've been kept at a comfortable distance once the the Cleveland 'Big Three' have taken over the game.
It is a big spread to cover, but Cleveland will know they can get a few more days rest than the Chicago Bulls who have been forced into a Game 5, and I like someone from the Cavaliers roster to have a big enough game to cover the number.
LA Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs Pick: I can't imagine the LA Clippers are going to be as bad as they were in Game 3 and I expect Doc Rivers is smart enough to make the right adjustments in this one.
However, my concern for the Clippers is still about whether they have enough depth to cope with San Antonio, although the starters will be well rested for this game. Game 3 was an easy win for the Spurs, but the Clippers have found a way to negate them all season and I will look for them to make the adjustments to make this game a lot closer.
Backing Los Angeles with the points seems reasonable enough to me.
Monday 27th April
Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets Pick: The Atlanta Hawks have not looked like the team that finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference in any of their three games against the Brooklyn Nets and have allowed the Number 8 Seed to get back into the series. The Hawks have allowed Brooklyn to hang around and some are even suggesting that they might be ripe for the upset in this First Round series.
I am not one of those though and I don't think they are that far away from finding the Offensive groove that has been missing at times. As bad as they played in Game 3, Atlanta were still close to moving 3-0 up in the series and I really don't think Brooklyn are ever that far away from really falling away.
Atlanta have to help give them a push in that direction, while Deron Williams might also be absent for Brooklyn, and I think the Hawks will find a way to get back to basics and move the ball around to open shots on the Offensive side of the court. If they can do that, they will be 3-1 up when heading home for Game 5 and I like the Hawks to cover the four point spread.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Chicago Bulls Pick: You can accuse the Chicago Bulls of some complacency in the last couple of games on the road, but I think the bigger picture has to be the impressive performances from a young Milwaukee Bucks team. However, the Bulls shot themselves in the foot in Game 4 with a ridiculous amount of turnovers and cleaning that up will set them up for the Eastern Conference Semi Final series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bulls have handled their business at home against Milwaukee with both wins coming by double digits and I think the Bucks have to really pick themselves up from two emotional games. The win will give them confidence they can play against the Chicago Bulls, but it took a huge amount of turnovers for them to find a way to make that close before the late mistake by Derrick Rose allowed a buzzer beating lay up to be converted.
It is the turnovers that Chicago had in Game 4 that is hard to expect Milwaukee to replicate and they weren't consistent enough Offensively without those to win that game. It is a lot of points for the Bulls to cover in Game 5, and they are a poor home favourite to back, but Chicago match up very well against Milwaukee and should have too much as long as they remain focused and look after the ball.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers Pick: I have picked the Memphis Grizzlies in all three games against the Portland Trail Blazers in the First Round series, but I think the loss of Mike Conley for Game 4 could give the Trail Blazers a chance to at least extend the series. Conley was banged up in Game 3 which is going to keep him out of this one as he returns to Memphis, while Beno Udrih is also likely to miss out as the back up Point Guard.
That could mean that Damian Lilliard finds a little more room after showing signs of life in Game 3 and Portland might be able to steal a game and prolong the series.
As good as Memphis are, being without the driving force behind the Offense is a tough position to be in and Portland are going to be desperate. The Trail Blazers have really struggled to match up with the Memphis Grizzlies all season and home court isn't a big advantage for them, but the absence of Conley and Udrih does seem to land in their favour.
The Golden State Warriors might already be waiting for the winner of the series, but Memphis might have to wait until they get back to the Grindhouse to move into the Western Conference Semi Finals.
Tuesday 28th April
I am away for a few days so only adding picks from the games left in the First Round of the Play Offs which can be found below.
Wednesday 29th April
Bit disappointing to go one out of two yesterday, especially as it looked like the LA Clippers might have come away with a win in Game 5 of their series with the San Antonio Spurs. Picks from Wednesday night games are below as I continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of Florence, Italy.
Thursday 30th April
I've moved on to Bologna now from Florence, but still have a couple of moments to put up the picks from the two First Round NBA Play Off games to be played today which can be found below.
Saturday 2nd May
San Antonio Spurs @ LA Clippers Pick: The only First Round Play Off series that has gone to Game 7 is the one that most would have tipped to do that as the San Antonio Spurs travel to the LA Clippers. Most of the attention is going to be on the 'Fight of the Century', but this game should have been completed before the two boxers get to the ring, although I am guessing viewing figures will be down.
It is still a huge game with the winner very capable of going all the way to the NBA Championship and one that is incredibly tough to call. The San Antonio Spurs have to respond after being described as 'soft' by Gregg Popovich and the defending Champions saw their starters struggle badly in Game 6.
However, the LA Clippers have continued to show that they don't have the depth to put away the Spurs and now could be missing Glen Davis which could be huge if DeAndre Jordan has to be taken out of the game because of 'Hack-A-Jordan' strategies that San Antonio have used.
Both teams have had big shooting nights, but San Antonio struggled in that regard in Game 6. I don't think that happens here and I will look for the game to go over the total points.
MY PICKS: 18/04 Washington Wizards + 4 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
18/04 Golden State Warriors - 12 Points @ 1.95 Boyle Sports (1 Unit)
18/04 Chicago Bulls-Milwaukee Bucks Under 185 Total Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
18/04 Houston Rockets - 4.5 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
19/04 Cleveland Cavaliers - 11.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
19/04 Atlanta Hawks - 10.5 Points @ 2.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
19/04 Memphis Grizzlies - 5 Points @ 1.95 Coral (1 Unit)
20/04 Chicago Bulls - 7.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
20/04 Golden State Warriors - 11.5 Points Bet Fred (1 Unit)
21/04 Washington Wizards + 5 Points @ 1.92 William Hill (1 Unit)
21/04 Dallas Mavericks + 5.5 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
22/04 Atlanta Hawks - 9.5 Points @ 1.93 Sporting Bet (1 Unit)
22/04 Memphis Grizzlies - 6 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
22/04 San Antonio Spurs + 1.5 Points @ 1.92 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
23/04 Cleveland Cavaliers - 5 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
23/04 Chicago Bulls - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
23/04 Golden State Warriors - 5 Points @ 1.95 Boyle Sports (1 Unit)
24/04 Dallas Mavericks-Houston Rockets Under 214.5 Total Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
24/04 Toronto Raptors + 4 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
24/04 LA Clippers + 4 Points @ 1.95 Coral (1 Unit)
26/04 Cleveland Cavaliers - 7 Points @ 1.92 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
26/04 LA Clippers + 6 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
27/04 Atlanta Hawks - 4 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
27/04 Chicago Bulls - 8.5 Points @ 1.92 William Hill (1 Unit)
27/04 Portland Trail Blazers - 3 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
28/04 Houston Rockets - 7.5 Points @ 1.92 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
28/04 LA Clippers - 2 Points 1.92 William Hill (1 Unit)
29/04 Atlanta Hawks-Brooklyn Nets Over 200 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
29/04 Memphis Grizzlies - 5.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
30/04 Chicago Bulls - 3.5 Points @ 1.92 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
30/04 San Antonio Spurs-LA Clippers Over 205.5 Total Points @ 1.92 Coral (1 Unit)
02/05 LA Clippers-San Antonio Spurs Over 203.5 Total Points @ 1.93 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
First Round Update: 18-14, + 2.73 Units
April Final: 12-11-2, + 0.32 Units
March Final: 14-15-3, - 2.01 Units
February Final: 11-16-1, - 5.70 Units
January Final: 18-10, + 6.67 Units
December Final: 3-6, - 3.31 Units
November Final: 14-11, + 1.70 Units
October Final: 2-4, - 2 Units
Season 2015: 74-73-5, - 4.32 Units
Final Season 2014: 58-72-1, - 16.86 Units
Final Season 2013: 105-93-3, + 10.49 Units
Final Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units
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