NBA Basketball
2013-04-28 - San Antonio Spurs at LA Lakers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Sunday 28 April 2013 - Tip Off 7pm
Midnight (British Time)
Preview
There could be three series closed by the end of Sunday with the San Antonio Spurs the last of the teams that have that opportunity to take the court in their visit to the LA Lakers. It was another dominating performance from the Spurs in Game 3 as they completely overwhelmed the injury riddled Lakers, a team that received further bad news after that one was completed.
Metta World Peace has declared that he is unavailable for this game after needing his knees drained again and he joins the likes of Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Jody Meeks and Steve Nash on the sidelines. That will mean the Lakers will not be a recognisable starting line up outside of Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol and it will conclude a disappointing season for them after the hype of the off-season.
The Lakers were considered to be serious contenders in the Western Conference when putting together Howard, Nash and Bryant, but injuries and a lack of cohesion always made it tough for them. However, they don't want to remember injuries and some of their younger players will be looking to at least salvage some pride by taking the game back to Texas early next week.
The problem for the Lakers is that they won't be playing a team that is likely to take their foot off the gas and one that has a lot of experience of knowing they need to keep their foot on the throat of a team they have almost knocked out. San Antonio would also love to get some rest ahead of a potentially fast series with the winner of the Golden State-Denver First Round clash.
San Antonio are missing Thiago Splitter and Boris Diaw themselves, while Tony Parker received a slight scratch in the eye in Game 3. Their roster isn't the youngest either and getting an extended rest for Tim Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobili will be key to the new favourites to win the Western Conference.
Head to Head
San Antonio are now 5-1 in the season series with the Lakers after opening up a 3-0 lead in this First Round.
The Spurs have won 3 of their last 4 at the Lakers.
Prediction
It was incredibly tough for the LA Lakers to stop the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 and the further injury to Metta World Peace will maek it even tougher.
I expect the Spurs will be able to break 100 points themselves and I think the Lakers will show some fight and the over does look the call.
The Pick :
LA Lakers 91-103 San Antonio Spurs
