With their first round series tied the No. 6 San Antonio Spurs (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) visit the No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) Tuesday in pivotal Game Five. You can watch the game live on TNT.
In what is easily the most competitive first round series of any postseason matchup, the Spurs and Clippers is now a best-of-three competition after the Clippers responded with a 114-105 win Saturday to even the series at 2-2. The Spurs couldn’t build off their Game Three win and must win another game in LA if they are to advance.
The Clippers regained the homecourt advantage with Saturday’s win that followed a 27-point blowout loss in Game Three putting the pressure back on the defending champs. The Clips played with heart and emotion following the worst playoff loss in franchise history and have seized control of the back-and-forth series.
KEY INJURY
Several players on each side are banged up but playing in the series. Spurs guard Tony Parker has been playing through injuries to his left knee, left quadriceps and right Achilles tendon and still dropped 18 points on Sunday.
Clippers forward Matt Barnes has a sore right shoulder but will be available to play on Tuesday.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“It’s more than just shooting the ball. Our defense was better and our offensive execution was better. I think I got more shots because of the tempo of the game that we played at. We played downhill, we set screens; we’re tough when we play like that.” – Clippers guard Chris Paul after Sunday’s win
BETTING TRENDS
- San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games overall.
- Los Angeles is 1-6 ATS in its last seven home games.
- The UNDER is 7-3 in Los Angeles’ last 10 games overall.
KEY STATS
16: Clippers reserve guard Austin Rivers scored a postseason career-high 16 points Sunday making seven of eight field goal attempts.
238: Spurs center Tim Duncan played in his 238th career postseason game Sunday breaking a tie with Kevin Garnett for third all-time.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Spurs failed to take control of the series with a loss Sunday and now they’re faced with having to win a game in LA in order to advance. Not an unreasonable task but the Spurs will need to play better after a disappointing performance Sunday. “We didn’t execute sharply enough in what we wanted to do strategy-wise or just in general basketball play,” coach Gregg Popovich said. Kawhi Leonard continued his strong play with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists and is averaging 24.8 points in the series.
Los Angeles showed this year’s version isn’t the Clippers of old. After a blowout loss, playing on the defending champs’ floor the Clips answered their worst loss in playoff history with one of their most inspired victories. Chris Paul bounced back from a seven-point outing in Game Three to score 34 in a dominating performance and Blake Griffin added 20 with 19 rebounds but the play of reserve guard Austin Rivers provided the biggest impact.
The Spurs won Game Three with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili combining to score only 12 points. The three went for 50 on Sunday and the Spurs lost – go figure. The Clippers’ bench, considered to be the team’s weak spot, got a huge boost from the play of Austin Rivers on Sunday. The coach’s son scored 16 points making seven of eight shots giving the Clips another threat off the bench to go along with Jamal Crawford. This series has seven games written all over it and the Clips get the first chance to win it after a victory Tuesday.
Los Angeles 108, San Antonio 101
The NBA odds for this game will first open at BookMaker sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time odds and player props during the game. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The contest pitting the San Antonio Spurs versus the Los Angeles Clippers will commence Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 10:30 p.m. ET at Staples Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
