By Tim Furious
Leaving behind the warpath of March Madness, Payton turns to the place where he made his own mark on sports history – the NBA. The playoffs are fast approaching, and this weekend the NBA schedule has worked out perfectly to give us some dynamite action. Gary Payton joins BetFlix again to give us a preview for some weekend games we need to keep our focus on as the race for the playoffs slams in to fifth gear.
GARY PAYTON’S WESTERN CONFERENCE PICKS
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trailblazers – Friday, April 9th
The Glove begins with some late night NBA betting, as the Trailblazers go for the season sweep over the surging Mavericks. Everyone seems to be in love with this Dallas team, but I for one agree with GP on one thing – they’ve been solid since the trade deadline, but they haven’t really been tested. Payton gives the nod to the young and riley Blazers, largely because they need it. Everybody is trying to avoid a first-round date with the Lakers.
Payton’s Pick – Blazers over Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets – Saturday, April 10th
I have personally been hyping up the San Antonio Spurs, and I’m glad to see that Gary Payton has hopped on the bandwagon that I’ll take credit for starting. This matchup could very well be a playoff preview depending how the final week shakes out.
Unlike last year, the Spurs are finishing the season strong and are being carried by a renewed sense of vigor that Gary sees in Manu Ginobli. Can’t argue with him there. Ginobli has been putting up highlight reel moves for the past couple weeks, and the Spurs are ripping up the standings in due course.
Unfortunately for the Nuggets, who finished second overall last year in the West, they’re dealing with too many injuries. With Kenyon Martin sidelined and George Karl missing in action as he deals with his personal problems, With the Spurs firing on all cylinders, and Denver crumbling down the stretch, Payton’s views are right on point.
Payton’s Pick – Spurs over Nuggets
GARY PAYTON’S EASTERN CONFERENCE PICKS
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks – Saturday, April 10th
This game should’ve been a doozy, and while Gary Payton waxes poetic about the state of the up-and-down Eastern Conference, this game is easier to call than a foul on Kevin Durant in overtime against the Jazz. Without Andrew Bogut, the Bucks don’t have the size down low to contend with the veteran Celtics. In what will be a statement game for both teams (Boston has to prove they can win games in pressure situations, Milwaukee needs to prove that they can beat playoff teams without Bogut), I’m agreeing with Payton that the Celtics take this game easily. No Bogut? No dice.
Payton’s Pick: Celtics over Bucks
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors – Sunday, April 11th
In perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the weekend, Payton focuses on whether the Bulls have the tenacity to snatch eighth place in the East away from the Raptors. This is the only game that GP and I disagree on. As the Bulls are getting their stars back from the injury reserve, the Raptors just lost Chris Bosh to a fractured face. That didn’t stop Payton from siding with Toronto. As for me, you’ll have to wait until the betting lines are released to here my take on this game.
Payton’s Pick: Raptors over Bulls
As he did through March Madness, Gay Payton is going to be sticking with us through everything basketball betting related on BetFlix. Catch his awesome two-parter here [http://video.betus.com/gary-payton/gary-payton-nba-picks-after-march-madness.html] and stay tuned to the BetUS Locker Room for all the NBA betting tips you need as we hit the home stretch.