* Record 4-1*
I can’t lie, I’m feeling good right now. Riding a three game win streak, let’s keep the money pouring in. Tonight is going to be tough. The Raptors host the Heat with the series tied at 2-2 and the Trail Blazers venture to Oakland facing a possible elimination game. Let’s see what I can do.
Miami Heat @ Toronto Raptors
The Raptors will again be without center Jonas Valanciunas, who proved to be one of the more efficient players on the Raptors this postseason. When Valanciunas played in Game 3, the Raptors shot a postseason best 47.1%, but without him, they shot a series worst 39.3% in Game 4. JV is a huge loss for the Raptors (more reasons can be found in NBA Playoff Predictions- May 9th), but the biggest storyline this series is the revival of vintage Dwyane Wade. In Game 3 and 4, Wade scored 38 and 30 points, while shooting 52% and 54% respectively. Stamina, which has hindered Wade in the past, seemed to be a non factor, as he scored 9 points in the last 6 1/2 minutes of Game 4. With Lowry and DeRozan shooting 33% this postseason, I like Wade and the Heat to take advantage of a struggling Raptors’ offense. Raptors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games, which leads me to take the Heat tonight as the 4.5 point underdog.
Prediction: Miami Heat (+4.5, -110)
Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors
Who’s that guy the Warriors got back last game? Some guy named Curry? Oh yeah, Steph Curry, the NBA’s first unanimous MVP, thats him. Curry shook off a rusty first half in Game 4 to finish with 40 points on 50% shooting, carrying his team to an overtime victory. The Trail Blazers face a possible elimination game on the road, with the league’s MVP back in the starting lineup. Slated as the 13 point favorite, I have to go with the Warriors in this one. The Warriors are 7-0 SU and ATS in their last 7 home games, while the Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, as well as their last 5 road games. Not to mention, 27% of people betting this game are taking the Warriors with the spread. Its never a bad thing to be on the House’s side because after all, the House always wins. Expect Warriors to close out the series tonight in dominate fashion and remind us why they are one of the best in NBA history.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors (-13, -110)
