The 76ers took out the Magic, and the Stephen Curry-led Warriors upset the Clippers, setting up tomorrow's Play-In games.
Stephen Curry put on a show last night, one for the NBA playoff ages, didn’t he? And who isn’t happy today after taking that Betway Curry “6+ 3-Pointers prop,” at +260, that we spoke about yesterday afternoon?
Curry put on a three-point clinic – 7-for-12. That step-back seventh three broke a tie and was the dagger that sealed the game, a 126-121 Warriors’ upset win. Curry finished 12-of-23 from the field, for 35 points, with the Warriors erasing a 13-point fourth quarter Clippers’ lead.
Curry scored 11 of his 35 points in the final 9:27 of the game.
The Warriors came into the game beat up – having lost their starting wings, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, to season-ending injuries. No matter. The ageless one, Draymond Green, stepped up on the defensive end, keeping Kawhi Leonard in check (21 points, on 8-of-17 shooting).
So now the Warriors head to Phoenix to take on the Suns tomorrow in Day 3 of the NBA Play-In Tournament. No one is arguing today about the level of excitement the Play-In games have delivered.
In the earlier game last night, the Philadelphia 76ers took care of business at home, knocking off the Orlando Magic 109-97, led by 31 points from Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers now move on to play the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. That series starts Sunday.
The Portland Trail Blazers already moved on from the Play-In tournament and take on the San Antonio Spurs in their Western Conference series, also starting Sunday.
On the Play-In front, we have two games to go.
BEST BETS
Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic, tomorrow, 7:30 p.m. EST, Kia Center, Orlando, FL
At Betway today, the Hornets are -165 favourites on the Moneyline, the Magic +135. Against the Spread: Hornets -3.5 (-110), Magic +3.5 (-110). Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (Over is -105, Under is -115).
Hornets are rolling, with elite three-point shooting, and they’re 20-6 in road games since Christmas. That small Hornets spread is worth a shot.
I like the Over in this one. Magic home games have been going over lately. And this one should be a shoot-out. Team stats: the Hornets average 116 points per night, the Magic 115.7.
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, tomorrow, 10 p.m. EST, Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Also at Betway, the Suns are -150 favourites on the Moneyline, the Warriors +125. Against the Spread: Suns -3.5 (-105), Warriors +3.5 (-115). Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (Over is -110, Under is -110).
Curry is playing at a high level, the Warriors owned this matchup this season (3-1), and Curry’s and Green’s experience in high-stakes games gives Golden State a solid shot to keep it within 3.5 points, even win the game. I am taking the Warriors to cover, despite what some of the matchup predictors are saying.
