Categories
NBA

NBA Futures Betting: Cleveland vs. Atlanta Series Preview

NBA Betting: Cavs vs Hawks Predictions

The 2015 NBA playoffs have reached the final four, as the Eastern Conference Finals will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks, the top two seeds in the East.

NBA Picks

Today’s NBA Lines
Today’s NBA Matchups
NBA Standings
***2015 NBA BONUSES***

NBA Odds

Cavaliers vs. Hawks Odds To Win 7 Game Series: NBA First Round Series Prices Best of Seven 2-2-1-1-1
783 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS SERIES -225
784 ATLANTA HAWKS SERIES +185

NBA Series Schedule:

Game 1: Wednesday, May 20, Cleveland at Atlanta on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 2: Friday, May 22, Cleveland at Atlanta on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday, May 24, Atlanta at Cleveland on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 4: Tuesday, May 26, Atlanta at Cleveland on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 5*: Thursday, May 28, Cleveland at Atlanta on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 6*: Saturday, May 30, Atlanta at Cleveland on TNT, 8:30 p.m.
Game 7*: Monday, June 1, Cleveland at Atlanta on TNT, 8:30 p.m.

Even though it wasn’t easy on either team, the Eastern Conference has held to form and the number 1 and number 2 seeds in the East survived and will take on each other in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Atlanta has had to deal with some sluggish play, but avoided the upset minded Nets and Wizards. Cleveland hasn’t had as much trouble, but health has played a vital role in their quest to the Championship.

[dfads params=’groups=63742&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

That being said, the inconsistent Hawks and injury plagued Cavaliers got the job done and will now meet up with a spot in the Championship on the line.

(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (1) Atlanta Hawks

Things haven’t been easy on either of the top 2 seeds in the East. Atlanta was forced to battle their way through Brooklyn, winning the first 2 games by a slim margin, then having to avoid a Game 5 upset as they saw Brooklyn tie the series up at 2.

Ultimately, they handled business and went on to take on the Wizards.

Washington took Game 1, but the teams alternated wins up until Game 5. In Game 5, Atlanta needed a late 14-0 run and an Al Horford layup with just a second left to hold home court.

In Game 6, Paul Pierce tied the game at the buzzer, but after review, the shot came a tenth of a second too late and Atlanta moved on.

For Cleveland, their sweep of Boston came at a giant price as they lost Kevin Love for the remained of the season.

Things against Chicago were relatively less stressful after Game 1, but Kyrie Irving and Lebron James continue to battle multiple injuries.

With that though, Kyrie Irving announced on Monday afternoon that he will be playing in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Irving has been battling both leg injuries, but will battle through them.

[dfads params=’groups=63727&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

Irving dropped in 25 points in a giant Game 5 performance, but injured his other leg in Game 6. Luckily for him, Cleveland didn’t need him as they routed Chicago and allowed him to rest.

As for Lebron James, he’s the healthiest he’s been all post season and his putting the Cavaliers on his back. He fell one rebound short of a triple-double in Game 6 as he went for 15 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.

He’s looked like a man on a mission since the opening tip of Game 1 against Boston.

Atlanta has shown many signs of inconsistency, but they continue to find ways to win when they have too. Al Horford and company will have the tough task of taking on the very deep Cavaliers team, but they handled their business against them in the regular season going 3-1.

Horford has made his presence on both ends of the floor known throughout the entire postseason. His offensive rebound and game winning layup in Game 5 was just one of the many hustle plays he’s had in the playoffs.

He recorded 3 straight double-doubles in Games 3-5.

[dfads params=’groups=63741&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

PG Jeff Teague has stepped up in his role as a leader as well. In his last game, he went for 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. He’s filled just about every stat column, every game this post season.

The Pick: Cleveland in 7

We’re in for a dog fight here. Both teams scrap and claw their way to clutch shots and big time wins.

That being said, Lebron James is on a mission.

With a buzzer beater already under his belt, expect some more highlight reel plays in this series as Cleveland takes out Atlanta in a series to remember and clinches a date with a Western Conference opponent in the NBA Championship.

Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.

[dfads params=’groups=64991&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

By Tony M

Tony is new to Cappers Picks and has been betting on sports since the first day he turned 18. He is a 22 year old Cleveland native who lives and breathes Indians baseball. His dream is to be part of a championship celebration at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.