Betting tips / Nick Shiambouros / 29 April 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Nick Shiambouros previews some of the upcoming NBA Western Conference, and puts his case as to why the Spurs should win with the stated handicap.

Utah Jazz v San Antonio Spurs

The Jazz squeezed in to the post-season with a record of 36-30. Utah have some talented players like swingman Gordon Hayward, who can score quickly from almost anywhere on the court. Al Jefferson should be a strong presence inside the paint .

The Spurs have the best record in the West at 50-16. This veteran team has been in sparkling form all year and is well rested ahead of this series.

Tim Duncan and company should easily advance in to the next round in four or five games.

I think San Antonio will run up the score in Game 1 on Sunday and must be backed with the -10.5 handicap at around 2.0.

Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Lakers

The Nuggets ended the regular season with a record of 38-28. They won their last four to earn the sixth seed in the West.

Coach George Karl has done a magnificent job with the rotation, who are brimming with confidence ahead of this series. Forward Danilo Gallinari will give the Lakers plenty to think about inside the paint.

The Lakers ended the season with a record of 41-25.There has been plenty of drama in Los Angeles this season with the departure of Lamar Odom to Dallas and the arrival of Ramon Sessions.

I have not been impressed with the Lakers this season and I think they could be vulnerable in this series. Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) is serving a seven game suspension and will be sorely missed in this compelling series.

I think Denver can cause the upset in Game 1 on Sunday and should be backed with the +4.5 handicap at around 2.0.

Los Angeles Clippers v Memphis Grizzlies

The Clippers ended the regular season with a record of 40-26.This is only the second time in the last 15 seasons that this franchise has made the post-season.

The Clippers are a work in progress but they do have the gifted Blake Griffin in the rotation. This young man is a powerhouse inside the paint and has energy to spare.

The Grizzlies ended the year with a record of 41-25.They won their last six games and come in to this series in sparking form. Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay are two players who should make their presence felt inside the paint.

I think Memphis will draw first blood in the series. They should be backed at around 1.9 with the -5.5 handicap in Game 1 on Sunday.

Recommended Wagers

San Antonio Spurs @2.0 with advertised handicap -10.5 Game 1 1pt
Denver Nuggets @ 2.0 with advertised handicap +4.5 Game 1 1pt
Memphis Grizzlies @1.9 with advertised handicap -5.5 Game 1 2pts