NBA Basketball
2013-04-21 - Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Sunday 21 April 2013 - Tip Off 7pm
Midnight (British Time)
Preview
The Miami Heat are the overwhelming favourites to win back to back NBA Championships this season and they are absolutely monster favourites to win this series. That is the case in most people's minds too, although Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks is a big voice going the other way.
Jennings once again made it clear that he feels the Bucks match up very well against the Miami Heat and he has stated that he feels Milwaukee will win this series in 6 games.
It is unlikely that the Heat needed much motivation at this time of the season, but if complacency was setting in at all, those comments will inspire them. Bulletin board material like the one that Jennings provided has been all the talk leading up to Game 1 of the series and it is unsurprising that the Heat refuse to take the bait.
Miami don't want to enter this series playing angry, but they are clearly looking to make a point in Game 1 and it could be a tough day in the office for the Bucks. There was a huge difference between these teams in the regular season in terms of record, although the games were fairly close.
The bottom line is that Milwaukee are the only team in the post-season with a losing record, while Miami are 30-2 since the All-Star break. Milwaukee will need all the three point shooting they can get to keep this close and will need Jennings and Monta Ellis to play fast and to dominate the boards.
Head to Head
Miami won the season series between these teams 3-1, although those games were split 2-2 against the spread.
The Bucks are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 visits to Miami.
Prediction
I expect Miami to make a statement in this game after the comments from Brandon Jennings, but it might not be enough to cover the big spread as the three point shooting of the Bucks could keep them close.
However, I do expect it to come in a defensive performance that highlighted the run to the Championship last season and so backing the under 199 total points is my pick.
The Pick :
Miami Heat 94-82 Milwaukee Bucks
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Under 199 Points 1.95
