🏀NBA Playoffs Game 1 & Game 7 Action
Indiana Pacers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
🕒 Time: 4:00 PM PT
📍 Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland)
Spread: Pacers +8.5 (-115) | Cavaliers -8.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Pacers +290 | Cavaliers -380
Total: 229.5 (O -110, U -110)
Game #1 – Second Round Playoffs(Chron, New York Post, CBSSports.com)
Matchup Breakdown:
The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the second round after a dominant sweep of the Miami Heat, showcasing the league's top offensive rating during the first round. Donovan Mitchell led the charge, averaging 23.8 points per game. However, the status of All-Star guard Darius Garland is uncertain due to a toe injury; he is listed as questionable for Game 1.
The Indiana Pacers, fresh off a 4-1 series victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, bring momentum into this matchup. Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental, averaging 11.6 assists per game in the playoffs. The Pacers' fast-paced offense and improved defense will be tested against Cleveland's depth and home-court advantage.
I feel like this spread should be a little smaller considering Garland may not play. Pacers are going to be a really tough out for CLE and there’s a chance they come out strong and have a shot at taking game 1. We’ll see how it goes.
Key Trends:
Cavaliers are 4-0 in the playoffs, with an average winning margin of 18.5 points.
Pacers have won 3 of their last 4 road games.
The total has gone over in 6 of the last 8 meetings between these teams.
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Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM PT
📍 Location: Toyota Center (Houston)
Spread: Warriors +2.5 (-110) | Rockets -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Warriors +120 | Rockets -140
Total: 206.0 (O -105, U -115)
Game #7 – First Round Playoffs, Series tied 3-3
Matchup Breakdown:
The Golden State Warriors, after leading the series 3-1, now face a decisive Game 7 on the road. Stephen Curry has been the focal point, averaging 29 points in the series, but the team has struggled against Houston's zone defense.
The Houston Rockets have rallied behind their young core and veteran leadership. Fred VanVleet's playmaking and the interior presence of Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams have been key factors in their comeback. Houston's defense has effectively limited Golden State's offensive rhythm in the past two games.
I think it’s going to be very tough for Houston to beat Golden State in three straight games. This is going to be a hell of a game with a slower pace and I am leaning towards Golden State’s experience taking this one (unless Jalen Green decides to show up and drop 30 - but not seeing that happening).
Key Trends:
Rockets have won 5 of their last 6 home games.
The total has gone under in 4 of the last 5 meetings in Houston.
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