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The San Antonio Spurs will attempt to retake the lead in the Western Conference semifinals, as they host Houston as a 5 point spread favorite with the series tied at 2-2.
San Antonio (2nd seed) didn`t start well at all, being murdered by Houston in Game 1 and losing Tony Parker for the rest of the playoffs at the end of Game 2. The series was tied at 1-1 and Houston seemed to play better, but San Antonio came back strong and showed their experience by winning Game 3 on the road. Houston won Game 4 and here we are with the series tied at 2-2.
Houston (3rd seed) had an amazing night from three point range in Game 4, coming up big in what was a crucial match for them after losing the previous two and seemingly being on the back foot. The Rockets hit 19 shots from deep and shot well over 50% overall, but they will have to find a way to beat the Spurs even when they don`t shoot as well – especially now that their impact backup center, Nene, injured himself.
Bet on Spurs vs Rockets and get your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet.com now!Team news: Spurs continue to miss Tony Parker, while Houston also lost an important rotation piece, Nene, who was very good in these playoffs but got injured early in Game 4.
The Spurs showed their experience and championship pedigree in Game 3, winning on the road in a critical situation despite having to make quick adjustments to play without Tony Parker. Even if they lost Game 4, you have to feel that they regained control of the series – especially with Nene now out for the Rockets.
Houston simply had an outstanding shooting night in Game 4 (just like they did in Game 1), shooting 45% from three point range for their 21 point victory. You can`t beat a team when it goes 19-43 from three. However, Houston was never able to put together two consecutive nights of good shooting in this series. Actually, a great shooting night was usually followed by a horrendous one.
A very good sign for San Antonio was that Lamarcus Aldridge finally found some rhythm in the last two games, looking like the second scoring option he was supposed to be. If Aldridge continues playing decent and Houston doesn`t shoot 45% from three again, there should be no problems for the Spurs here. Look for them to dominate the paing with Aldridge back in form and with Nene out for Houston.
Popovich and Spurs seem to have made the proper adjustments and they have gotten used to play without Tony Parker. Fact is that Spurs won 2 of the last 3 games, are the better team overall, have more experience and are brilliantly coached – so it`s hard to believe they will let this series slip from their hands in Game 5 at home after they worked hard to get back into it in Houston.
All games so far in this series were settled by 9 or more points and I don`t see why this one would be different. My tip is San Antonio to cover the 5 point handicap and I will invest reasonably high stakes on the bet. Prediction: San Antonio Spurs – Houston Rockets 116 – 101.
Pick: Spurs -5
Odds: 1.88 @ 18Bet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.04
Event date: 9 May
