NBA Pacific Update: Lakers and Clippers Feeling Good
It is playoff time in Los Angeles. No other city is more excited about this than L.A. The Stapes Center will be a busy place during the first round with the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Memphis Grizzlies for the first two games of the series and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the third and fourth games against the San Antonio Spurs if their first round series.
Both L.A. teams have to feel good about their chances to advance to the second round. The Clippers will have to bring their best effort when they face the tough Grizzlies. The two teams finished the season with identical 56-26 records. Plus, these two went seven games a year ago with the Clippers advancing over the Grizzlies. Don’t think Memphis has forgotten about that.
The Lakers have to really love their chances considering how bad the Spurs have been playing lately. They go into the series with no Kobe Bryant, but on a five game win streak. The Spurs go in on a three game losing skid, one of which was to the Lakers after Kobe went down for the season. This series could be a six or seven game affair.
The Golden State Warriors will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round. These two high scoring teams promise to put on a show. Stephen Curry is as good as there is at shooting the three point shot. David Lee is a 20 point and 20 rebound per night player. With the Nuggets up tempo attack, the action in this series should be fun to watch.
Oddsmaker has future on the Pacific Division teams wining the championship:
Los Angeles Clippers +2000- The Clippers are a very talented team. But many wonder if they can play enough defense in the playoffs to win in a seven game series. One thing is for sure, they do have a very deep bench. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are going to need to dominate in order for the Clippers to make a deep run.
Golden State Warriors +5000- The Warriors can score. The big question with them is will they play enough defense? At +5000, they would be worth placing a small wager to win it all. If Curry and Lee can get hot enough, it could happen.
Los Angeles Lakers +5000- It is tough to ever count the Lakers out. Without Kobe, it won’t be easy. But something about those gold and purple uniforms this time of the year makes it tough to pass up these kind of odds. Put a small wager on the Lakers. Also, bet on them to beat the Spurs, especially if you get points.
