NBA Playoffs Betting Recap: Bulls, Clippers Cover Against The Spread

The NBA Playoffs continue chugging toward the Finals with conference semifinal action heating up at the biggest sport betting sites.

We take a look at the current series showdowns and how the betting market has managed so far:

Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards

The Wizards stunned the No. 1 seed in the East with a 104-98 victory in Game 1. Washington has won three in a row on the road as an underdog, heading into Tuesday’s Game 2 in Atlanta. The Wizards are getting tremendous production from their backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal, along with veteran grittiness from Paul Pierce. The Hawks, as of Game 2, have covered just twice in their last 10 games going back to the regular season, including a 2-5 ATS mark in the postseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls

The loss of Kevin Love was an obvious sore spot for the Cavaliers in Game 1’s loss to Chicago, with Bulls forward Pau Gasol dominating inside. Cleveland lacks the beef down low to push Chicago’s big men around, and we may find LeBron James asked to battle on the blocks as this series stretches on.

The Bulls’ dynamic duo of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler combined for 45 points in the opener, and gave the Bulls their 13th ATS victory in the last 17 clashes with the Cavs.

Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Golden State took care of business in the series opener, winning 101-86 as a 10.5-point favorite.

Memphis’ fate could rest in the fragile face of point guard Mike Conley, who underwent surgery after catching an elbow to the face in Round 1. Conley not only dictates the offensive pace but is the top perimeter defender for the Grizzlies – a role that is especially important against the combo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

He was hoping to play heading into Game 2 and his health could make or break this series.

Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets

Most expected L.A. to suffer a classic letdown spot in Game 1 versus Houston, coming off a Game 7 thriller against the defending champion Spurs – and without injured point guard Chris Paul.

However, the Clippers showed some toughness with a Game 1 road win, covering at the sport betting sites for the seventh time in their last nine versus Houston. Rockets star guard James Harden had a messy game in the opener and will likely rebound with a strong showing in Game 2, especially with Paul still on the mend with a hamstring injury.