NBA Playoffs picks against the spread, 4/18/15: It’s going down
By Ian Levy
The regular season is over, but we’re still making picks against the spread. The two month long journey to determine a champion starts in soon. Let’s get into it.
Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors, 12:30 PM EST (ESPN)
Spread: Raptors -3.5
Jack (@jackhaveitall):
Mar 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts after hitting a hail mary three-point shot against the Miami Heat at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Matt (@MattCianfrone):
Jan 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Wizards won 117-115. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wes (@wcgoldberg):
Jan 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Wizards won 117-115. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors, 3:30 PM EST (ABC)
Spread: Warriors -12
Jack:
Feb 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gestures on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Warriors won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Matt:
Feb 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gestures on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Warriors won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Wes:
Feb 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gestures on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Warriors won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls, 7:00 PM EST (ESPN)
Spread: Bulls -8
Jack:
Apr 13, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) high fives forward Nikola Mirotic (44) after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Chicago Bulls won 113-86. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Matt:
Nov 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) smiles during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Bucks defeated the Timberwolves 103-86. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Wes:
Apr 13, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) high fives forward Nikola Mirotic (44) after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Chicago Bulls won 113-86. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets, 9:30 PM EST (ESPN)
Spread: Rockets -5
Jack:
Feb 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Matt:
Feb 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Wes:
Feb 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports