NBA Playoff Picks: NBA Basketball Tuesday Night on TNT

There are a couple series on the verge of closure tonight, as only the Lakers and Bobcats are guaranteed a Game 6. The Celtics lead the Heat 3 to 1, the Cavaliers are up 3 to 1 over Chicago, and San Antonio owns the same lead over Dallas. The Mavericks are this close to yet another playoff upset if they can’t win 3 straight over San Antonio while Boston and Cleveland just look to hold court. 4 big ones tonight!

Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics (-6) (4-27: 7:00 PM ET – NBA TV): The Celtics have played well and won, they’ve played mediocre and won, and they watched Wade beat them in Game 4. But how many games can the Heat fend off the better and more experienced Heat? One is my answer. Boston covers at home to finish off the Heat.

Chicago Bulls (+12) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (4-27: 8:00 PM ET – TNT): I think this game will go to the Cavs, but 12 points is a lot, especially in a “back against the wall” series finale. Chicago plays tough, and unless the Cavs come out and shoot 60%, I see this being an easy cover for the Bulls.

San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks (-5) (4-27: 9:30 PM ET – NBA TV): The Mavericks haven’t gotten enough from their “new acquisitions” despite their inspired play down the stretch. They probably haven’t used Hayward enough (his +/- is always good) and they just can’t put the Spurs away. However, I don’t see them getting beat at home to end this series, as I still see them as the better team. Look for the Mavs to cover at home.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ LA Lakers (-6) (4-27: 10:30 PM ET – TNT): The Thunder have been very good in each of the last 3 games, and they won both in Oklahoma. They bring a lot of momentum back to L.A. – but if Kobe has done anything over his career, it’s been killing opponents’ momentum. I expect him to have a strong game, as a playmaker and a scorer, while the Lakers’ big guys put LA up 3-2. But I hope I’m wrong!!!