Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, 5/17/12, 9:30 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: San Antonio -11.5
Current Betting Line: San Antonio -10.5
Opening Total: 194
Current Total: 194
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Los Angeles opened up its best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series with a 108-92 loss as 11-point road underdogs on Tuesday night. The Clippers were likely fatigued in having just a single day to prepare for the second round of the 2012 NBA playoffs after eliminating the Memphis Grizzlies in seven games. Point guard Chris Paul will need to raise his level of play if the team wants to compete against San Antonio, scoring just seven points in the opener. Los Angeles is 15-13 ATS as an underdog this year, with the “under” being 17-13 in that situation.
The Clippers didn’t receive much from power forward Blake Griffin, finishing with nine points in just over 28 minutes of action, as he continues to be hampered by a sprained left knee. Los Angeles did receive a lift from its bench despite its double-digit setback, finishing with 46 points, as it continued its strong play after outscoring Memphis by a 263-195 margin in the opening round. Paul may not present much of a challenge in this series, considering his dismal 7-16 record when matching up with San Antonio point guard Tony Parker over the course of their two careers.
San Antonio finished with six players scoring in double figures in Game 1, as the team has won all five of its postseason games this year. “It started with ball movement,” commented Spurs power forward Tim Duncan. “Guys shot the ball well.” The Spurs finished the contest shooting 56.3 percent, while limiting the Clippers to just 39.2 percent from the field. San Antonio is 21-8 ATS after scoring 105 or more points this year, with the “over” going 23-8 in that situation.
The Spurs are averaging a playoff league-best 44.2 points off the bench, as they look to win their 16th straight game, which includes a 10-game streak to end the regular season. San Antonio is averaging 103.4 points per game, which ranks second among playoff teams. Duncan continues to turn back the clock in search of another championship ring, finishing Tuesday’s affair with 26 points and 10 rebounds, giving him 133 career playoff double-doubles, which ranks fifth all-time.
Bettors will likely back the Spurs due to their 21-4-1 ATS mark at home, while the Clippers are 2-5-1 ATS as a road underdog.
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