The NBA playoffs have been one constant thrill ride filled with unpredictability in almost every series. Only one higher seed has a two-game lead out of eight playoff series, and that’s Miami against Charlotte in the East. Every other series is either one in which it’s an outright dogfight or the lower seed has a multi-game lead. What’s going to happen next?
Game 3: Miami Heat @ Charlotte Bobcats
Saturday, 7:05 PM ET
Odds: Miami -5.5
The Heat have taken Charlotte’s best efforts in the first two games and have managed to win anyway. The Bobcats are not at full strength, because center Al Jefferson has been bothered by an ankle injury. Yet, Jefferson still got a double-double in Game 2 and has been able to hurt the Heat on the boards. Charlotte also caught a break when low-post player Josh McRoberts was not suspended for Game 3 of this series after hitting LeBron James in the face late in Game 2. Charlotte might not win this game; the Heat are so tough on so many levels. However, the Bobcats should keep this game close enough to bring it under the spread.
Pick: Charlotte +5.5
Game 4: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies
Saturday, 9:35 PM ET
Odds: Thunder -3
The Thunder have taken Memphis into overtime in each of the last two games after trailing late, but the Grizzlies have gotten the last word in overtime. Memphis is dictating the tempo of each game, and the Grizzlies are using their defense to wear down Oklahoma City, forcing the Thunder into impatient plays and a lot of poorly-chosen shots. Memphis has to feel great about being able to play this series on its terms, but on the other hand, the Grizzlies have been taken into overtime in two straight games despite playing exactly how they want to. If Oklahoma City can hit just a few more three-point shots, it seems this series can and should flow back to the Thunder.
Pick: Oklahoma City -3
