NBA Game 7 Picks

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Game Sevens - May 22nd, 2006

Two NBA series come down to a deciding Game 7 tonight, a pinnacle of excitement for hardcore basketball fans.

Game 7 Picks: Bet Now: Dallas (+3.5) at San Antonio

The Spurs are the defending World Champions, but they were on the ropes just last Monday after losing Game 5, 123-118 in overtime.

The loss meant that San Antonio was down 3-1 in the series, and would need to win three straight games to advance. There have only been eight teams in NBA history who have rallied from a 3-1 deficit, one being the Suns over the Lakers this year.

San Antonio started their quest by winning a close Game 5 at home, 98-97. Then, it was on to Dallas for a do-or-die Game 6. The Spurs got a huge break in that game when Dallas guard, Jason Terry was suspended for punching Michael Finley in the lower region in an apparent attempt to make him a soprano singer.

Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban went ballistic after Terry’s suspension was announced, and started to bad mouth the league, Spurs players, and the even the City of San Antonio itself.

Overall, Cuban is great for the NBA because he is entertaining, and gets fans interested in the product. There are sometimes though, that you just have to keep your mouth shut and not fire up the opposition’s players and fans.

Cuban is sure to have a giant target on his back tonight when he sits in the stands. And while his antics will not be the deciding factor in the game, it certainly does not help the Maverick’s chances.

Dallas is going to need a huge game from Terry, who must shoot lights-out even though he will be feeling the wrath of the fans. Dirk Nowitzki also has to take over, and prove that he is a superstar of superstars. Dallas did win Game 2 in San Antonio by 22 points, but I would be shocked to see the Mavericks win on the road again.

Game 7 Picks: Bet Now: LA Clippers (+4) at Phoenix

While most of the pundits believe that the winner of Dallas and San Antonio can punch their ticket into the NBA finals, it would be wrong to dismiss this series.

Both of these teams have shown tremendous heart just to get to this point. As mentioned above, the Suns have already a Game 7 over the Lakers earlier in these playoffs. The question is, does this team from Los Angeles have more heart than the Lakers’ team that folded like a house of cards.

Anyone who has watched this Clippers’ team all year knows the answer to that question is yes. Power forward, Elton Brand is the most dominant big man in this series, and even though this is his first taste of the playoffs, he is showing no signs of a mental strain.

Point guard, Sam Cassell is one of the most battle tested guards in the NBA, having already won two NBA titles with Houston. Cassell may not have a great game tonight, but it won’t be from wilting under the pressure.

The Suns are going to continue to do what they do best, push the ball with Steve Nash. That relentless pressure along with a fired up Game 7 crowd will be a major test for the Clips.

One final note in this game, Suns’ big man Kurt Thomas may suit up, but he is unlikely to see many minutes even if he does.

These teams have alternated winning and losing each game this series. If the pattern holds, then Phoenix will win this game and that is exactly what should happen.

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