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Each game of the Knicks and Celtics thus far in the series has featured abysmal execution and offense that has led to all unders. It surely has been the most consistent playoff play thus far, and made many people very happy. The line continues to not budge and stays hovering around 181. This time around though I believe the game will go over the total. I do not believe both teams can continue to struggle the way they have been. Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith will figure out a way to get back on track. The Celtics seem to have figured out an offensive balanced attack. With Jason Terry finally scoring and Jeff Green taking the lead role, it is allowing Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to take on less of the burden.

This will finally be a time that the game reaches over the total

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In yet another possible closeout game in the NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder come back home in a game five. A probable sweep was extended in game four when a no-call chest foul on Omer Asik and a blown layup by Serge Ibaka was missed.

Houston’s game plan has been the same throughout the series offensively. They’ve played the same philosophy offense they have all year, and that is to run and gun constantly. Their elite player James Harden has struggled a bit but overall as a team they’ve played well. Their offense is ran awfully similar to the way Mike D’Antoni cranked things into high gear while the Phoenix Suns head coach years ago.

The blame offensively for Oklahoma City continues to go squarely on Kevin Durant from the media. I do not see it that way. With Russ Westbrook out of the lineup, the Thunder do not have extended options to shoot and score. Second year player Reggie Jackson is doing a solid job, but the rest of OKC’s cast is just not offensive minded. When you see Serge Ibaka attempting and reattempting twenty footers you have to realize there are other issues.

Look for Houston to play another competitive game even if they get down double digits. They have the offense to snap back from a big deficit. With the way the Thunder have offensive limitations it’s a bargain to take the Rockets plus the big point spread.

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Yesterday saw the heavy favorites cover in Vegas. That surely sent the sportsbooks into a bit of a frenzy with all the payouts. Repeat bettors should be leery of extending a “double up” favorite bet on todays action.

One that I believe is the top underdog to take tonight are the Chicago Bulls. The Brooklyn Nets just lost in three overtimes and have had to face the music of the New York media the past few days.

This team is not built to face adversity and has struggled the entire series. The Bulls are flying high off an incredible performance, and will have added carry over to try and end the series tonight.

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Both games to start off in the Knicks and Celtics series have fell under the total. Doc Rivers needs to switch things up to keep his team from having a second half lull. Half court offense is not working. Look for him to speed things up to keep the Knicks from setting up defensively. Playing to the home crowd will help the Celtics forget their woeful performances.

This total would likely be around 190-194 if it were not for two second half meltdowns by the Celtics. This time around it will be an entertaining game and eclipse the total with ease.

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Game one between the Knicks and Celtics was a good game for three quarters. Doc Rivers will make the necessary adjustments to boost his teams confidence heading into game two. This group of players knows their ride is nearing its end, and know how vital this game is to revive any chances of continuing this year. Their defense was fine in game one, but they’ll need more contributions from other role players. Jeff Green will need play at a higher level and Jason Terry needs to produce somewhat like he did with Dallas. Terry has always been a Robert Horry type, who elevates his play in the playoffs.

If Pierce and Garnett can see their other teammates into the game, it should revitalize their level of play as well. Carmelo has the New York pressure on him to take the Knicks and himself past the first round. JR Smith is also coming off the 6th man award. Expect both to shoot a bit below their regular field goal percentages in a low scoring game once again. Take Boston plus the points.

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In a hyped series the Lakers will take on the San Antonio Spurs with heavy media coverage. The Spurs are tagged as a team that could falter against the Lakers. Could it be the end of the dynasty as we know it in San Antonio? All eventually come to an end and the Spurs are fairly banged up. Tony Parker has not played to his full abilities because of injuries and will be playing at a percentage well below 100 for the whole series.

The Lakers are without Kobe, but have an inside presence that allows for them to dominate the post. This creates plenty of double teams that leaves shooters open to hit threes. Mike D’Antoni is an offensive guru and will get the Lakers to continue to score even without Kobe.

There was a reason why Popovich was resting his old veterans whenever he wanted. Preserving their bodies did not work, and if the Spurs are going to win they will have to resort to their offense. They can score when they choose to, and this entire playoffs they will have to. Their depth is not defensive minded, and with how banged up they are you can’t expect their defense to be stellar.

We already know the Lakers defensive woes. Take the over in todays game one matchup