The NBA playoffs enjoyed nonstop entertainment and uncertainty in the first round, but in the second round, a predictable set of patterns has emerged in two of the four series. Just how will Brooklyn and Portland stand in the way of Miami and San Antonio? Both underdogs have to be able to win in Game 3. Otherwise, you can basically say goodbye to these two series.
Game 3: San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trail Blazers
Saturday, 10:35 PM ET
Odds: San Antonio -1.5
The Spurs are getting everything they want against Portland at both ends of the floor. The whopping statistic of the series so far is that Portland has led for only 16 seconds in 96 minutes of basketball. San Antonio is blitzing Portland with effective, rhythmic and balanced performances from a deep roster. You’re not just seeing the Tony Parker show, though the point guard is frolicking against the Blazers’ defense. Manu Ginobili is playing well. Boris Diaw is playing well. Marco Belinelli has come alive after being a non-factor in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. Tiago Splitter remains the Spurs’ most consistent player in the whole playoffs. Tim Duncan is in the background, with his level of influence relatively modest at this point. Yet, even with Duncan not being an overwhelmingly strong player this spring, San Antonio is doing pretty much whatever it wants to do to Portland.
The series forecast for the Blazers looks very grim, but the Blazers are also loaded with talent. You would have to think that either LaMarcus Aldridge or Damian Lillard will go off for at least 30 if not 35 points in one game. This is the game in which that is likely to happen. Take the Trail Blazers here.
Pick: Portland +1.5
