NBA- (8:05 ET, ESPN) Detroit at Chicago
Chicago made the determination it was not time for the season
2007-05-17
NBA Basketball Betting
Chicago made the determination it was not time for the season to be completed and has since given two domineering performances over Detroit, winning by 15 and 16 points. While the Bulls Game 4 win could be written off as the Pistons just not caring, Game 5 at Detroit can not be. Chicago shooters like Ben Gordon were oblivious to Detroit defenders shooting 57.3%. Looking at covering the spread runs, Chauncey Billups and his teammates have failed to cover the spread three straight times just once since January 19. Chicago is 8-3 ATS after covering twice in a row in last 11 attempts. The Pistons are 5-3 straight up and against the spread in the Windy City the last three years.
Why Detroit covers – The Pistons have now played uninspired betting basketball for 10 of the last dozen quarters. If this team has the championship pedigree they profess, they find a way to win this game and end the series. If Detroit plays with presumed sense of urgency, they were one of the best road teams in the NBA betting with 30-15 and 30-14-1 ATS record. One of the faults of Chris Webber was his common occurrence to disappear in NBA playoff games. In the last three contests he has averaged 3 points a game and 4 rebounds. He needs to play with the urgency required of the moment. The Pistons are 11-1 ATS in the road uniforms revenging a straight up loss vs. opponent as a favorite.
Why Chicago covers – The Bulls are once again playing like they did against Miami. Maybe it was the hangover of that series, it is hard to explain, no denying Chicago is one bad half at home from playing to win this series instead of trying to tie it. The Bulls are 5-2 in last seven home games and seemed to have figured out how to break down Detroit’s defense more effectively. Luol Deng’s presence gliding thru the paint has opened up shooting lanes for Chicago who is 4-0 ATS after shooting better then 50 percent. Detroit is just 1-5 against the number when a NBA playoff underdog of 4.5 or less points.
Sportsbook Line – Chicago -1.5, 184.5
Top Totals NBA Trends – Detroit is 13-3 UNDER in road games in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Chicago is 8-1 UNDER in home games after playing a game as a road underdog.
Pick- As much fun as it would be to see Chicago extend this series, Detroit comes back to the United Center ready and focused. The Pistons veteran cast realizes they have let Chicago back into series and now they have to be up to the challenge to corral the Bulls. Detroit is 11-3 ATS in road games after having lost two of their last three games. Scott Skiles Bulls are 8-17 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 and 1-8 ATS after playing two consecutive games as an underdog this NBA betting season. After a couple games off, look for the Under to return in a more defensive contest.
Detroit is 12-3 in closeout series games after losing last two and will try for what has become an unlucky 13 starting at 8:05 Eastern on ESPN. Look to the NBA Live Odds page for the latest line moves on the side and total in today’s sports action.
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