By Greg Dempson
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers, (1:00 ET on ABC)
Four games are on the NBA schedule today/tonight with the Pacers trailing 3-0 in their series vs. Cleveland they most certainly let one get away in game three as they were crushing the Cavaliers 74-49 at half-time only to lay an egg in the second half and lose 114-106. Can the Pacers bounce back in game 4? Here are thoughts on the first and the remaining three games for Sunday on the hardwood.
First Half Systems
· Play against all road teams when leading in a playoff series in the first half. This system is 7-2 ATS this season as well as 337-236 = 59% in the first half since 1996 and +77.40-units.
· In the first half, play on any team off two consecutive losses vs. a division rival. This system is 10-03 ATS this season as well as 72-32 = 69% ATS the last five seasons.
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder, (3:30 ET on ABC)
The Rockets lost game three and are still in control of home court with game 4 set for 3:30 ET on ABC. The first half favors the road team and the over as noted in the two systems below.
First Half Systems
· In the first half, play on road underdogs who outscore their opponents by 3+ points per game when playing against a foe that’s off two consecutive games whereby each team scored 100 or more points. outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game against opponent after 2 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more. This system is 16-08 ATS in the first half this season as well as 65-29 = 69% ATS the past five seasons.
· Play NBA home teams over the total in the first half when the O/U is greater than 105 when they’re a poor 3 point shooting team at 33% or worse and playing against an average 3 point defense allowing 33 to 36.5%. This system is 107-64 = 63%to the over in the first half since 1996.
Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls,(6:30 ET on TNT)
After dropping the first two games at home the Celtics bounced back in game three with a (107-100) victory. The early money is on the Celtics to tie the series at 2-2. Here are full game and first half systems to aid you in your thought process.
First Half System
· After losing two of their last three games play on rested road teams in the first half that are playing four games or less in 10 days. This system is 60-31 = 66% ATS the past five seasons as well as 31-19 the previous three seasons when backing the road team in the first half.
Full Game System
· Play on NBA road favorites who are averaging 83 or more shots per game on the season, a poor rebounding team, outrebounded by an opponent by 3+ rebounds per game. This system is 78-45 = 63% ATS the past five seasons when backing Boston for the full game.
Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz, (9:00 ET on TNT)
The Jazz lost their home court advantage with a loss in game 3 and trail in the series 2-1. Do they have an opportunity to get a win tonight with Blake Griffin being out of the line-up? His injury is certainly reflected in the line as the Jazz opened at -1 and are now 2.5 point favorites.
First Half System
· When trailing in a playoff series, play on home teams in the first half. This system is 337-236 = 59% ATS and +77.40-units including 7-2 ATS this season.
Full Game System
Play on home teams when the line is + or -3 points when off a home loss, in a game involving two good teams winning between 60% to 75% of their games. This system is 51-23 = 69% ATS since 1996.