NBA Playoff Predictions for May 5th 2015

The Golden State Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies and the Atlanta Hawks host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. The Warriors are up 1-0 and the Wizards are up 1-0 in each series.

I’m going to preview and provide my best bets for both match-ups tomorrow night on TNT.

Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Picks

Date: Tuesday, May 5th 2015 at 8:05pm ET

Point Spread: Hawks –6.5 at Bovada
Over/Under: 197.5 Points at BetOnline

The Wizards took the first game (104-98) and they’re now 5-0 in the playoffs.

Paul Pierce had another big game, as he put up 19 points and 3 rebounds. John Wall had 18 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Bradley Beal led all scorers in game 1 with 28 points.

Wall and Beal are both banged up, but listed as probable for tomorrow night’s game. I expect both of them to suit up and play, but if either does sit out you can no longer bet on the Wizards to cover.

DeMarre Carroll led Atlanta with 24 points. All of the Hawks starters scored in double digits.

The big men, Paul Millsap (15 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists) and Al Horford (17 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists), were both incredible, which has to worrying for Hawks fans.

You won’t get much more production out of the two big men. Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver need to step up. Korver went 3 of 11 from 3-point distance in game 1 – well below his season average.

This point spread is too big, unless of course Wall or Beal sits out. If they don’t sit out, I’ll definitely be on the Wizards at +6.5 points. If either sits out, I’ll likely sit on the sidelines for this game.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Picks

Date: Tuesday, May 5th 2015 at 10:35pm ET

Point Spread: Warriors –10.5 at TopBet
Over/Under: 196.5 Points at GTBets

If game 1 was anything to go by – this is going to be a real poor series. The Warriors came out and beat the Grizzlies (101-86) with ease. The entire 2H was terrible, but I’m sure the GSW are happy.

The Warriors starters didn’t need to play too much. Stephen Curry led the way with 22 points and 7 assists, while Klay Thompson pitched in with 18 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds.

Andrew Bogut was great on defense and was productive when he had the basketball on the offensive end of the court. Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes both scored in the double-digits.

The Warriors bench scored 30 points, including 10 from Festus Ezeli.

The Grizzlies were without Mike Conley for game 1 and he’s about 50/50 to go Tuesday. If he is unable to go that means Nick Calathes or Beno Udrih will get the start at PG.

Calathes started game 1, but I’d roll with Udrih, as he has been better.

Marc Gasol (21 points and 9 rebounds) and Zach Randolph (20 points and 9 rebounds) both put up big numbers. Tony Allen also added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, but it wasn’t enough.

The Warriors went 13-28 on 3-pointers (46.4%) in game 1 and they can’t replicate that or else the Grizzlies are going to be down 2-0. I expect a much more inspired effort out of Memphis.

Just like the Wizards match-up – this point spread seems too big to me.

Memphis have to be desperate coming into this game after getting blown out in game 1. They need to get out to a fast start because once the Warriors build a lead it’s very hard to catch them.