Knicks and Heat set to seal opening series sweep

28Apr 2013

NBA

Having recovered from Saturday night's classic at the United Center with the Chicago Bulls overcoming the Brooklyn Nets in triple overtime, Sumeet Paul takes a closer look at the Sky Sports Sunday billing as the NBA Playoffs gather momentum...

New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics

The first instalment comes from Boston, as the Celtics look to avoid falling to a series sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks. It has been a real struggle for Doc Rivers' men against their Eastern Conference rivals, and as Carmelo Anthony put it, "it's win Game 4 or go home for them guys".

No NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series, and based on the first three games, it looks highly unlikely that will change here. The Celtics have desperately struggled to get their offensive game going, posting up a dismal average of just 75 points on 39.5% shooting.

Boston will be given some hope following the news that the Knicks will be without the suspended J.R. Smith, but with Anthony, averaging 32 points per game, and Raymond Felton in fine form, they will be relishing the prospect of ending the series early.

Defeat on Sunday could well spell the end of an era for Boston, with veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce facing questions over their future. They will be full of heart and determination, but expect them to fall to defeat again and suffer a first round loss for the first time since 2005.

Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks

It is a similar situation for the Miami Heat, as they prepare for Game 4 knowing that victory would see them through to the Eastern Conference Playoffs semi-finals.

Dwyane Wade remains a doubt for the game with a knee complaint, but given the depth of the Heat roster, it is difficult to see them failing even in his absence.

LeBron James is averaging 22.7 points, and with the likes of Ray Allen and Chris Andersen coming off the bench to add both scoring and a dominant presence on the boards, the Bucks have a huge task on their hands of avoiding the sweep.

Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis have been limited well by the Heat defense, as the Bucks have lost all three games by double digits thus far. There is little to suggest that they have what it takes to extend the series to Game 5, so back Miami Heat to clinch a place in the next round.

Other Games

San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers

Another series, another potential sweep as the San Antonio Spurs prepare for Game 4 at the Staples Center against an injury ravaged Los Angeles Lakers.

The Spurs handed their rivals their biggest playoff home defeat in franchise history last time out, sealing a 31-point blow-out win.

Both Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol will need special nights to take this to Game 5, but it ultimately may not be enough as the Spurs look to grab some rest and end this early.

Denver Nuggets @ Golden State Warriors

Following a thrilling Game 3 which saw the Golden State Warriors take a 2-1 series lead, this is becoming one of the most exciting match-ups in the Playoffs so far.

The Warriors have seen arguably one of the best shooters in the game take over proceedings as there is no doubt Stephen Curry is a special player, and he'll be looking to build on his 26-point average so far.

Aside from a blow-out win in Game 2, this pair have been split by a single possession in two of their three meetings thus far. Much will depend on Curry but back Golden State to get the job done.

Recommended Bets

Back the New York Knicks to beat the Boston Celtics @ 1.83

Back the Under 195.5 pts market in Miami Heat-Milwaukee Bucks @ 1.9

Back the -11.5 pts San Antonio Spurs market against the Los Angeles Lakers @ 2.08

Back the Golden State Warriors to beat the Denver Nuggets @ 2.14