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NBA Playoffs: Elimination Games

The NBA (national basketball association) playoffs present several unique betting possibilities for sports gamblers. This article will deal specifically with elimination games and several pointers that will help the average bettor win. The author has isolated several plays that he feels are the strongest: including betting the under in elimination games and betting that a team will sweep (as opposed to prolonging the series).
Betting the over / under in playoff games can be difficult at times, although during elimination games, the bet becomes easier (to bet the under).

Elimination games can be defined where one team faces elimination. During these types of games, offenses on both sides of the ball usually are more deliberate and the defenses become stingier. Players also lock up and do not play as loose as normal. An exception to this angle is the Phoenix Suns (2006 version to current). This team thrives on offense and actually plays better when the tempo is upbeat and fast. Besides the Suns, though, the Under is the play during the majority of elimination games. This angle becomes stronger when both teams face elimination, such as game 7. During game 7, both teams know each other so well that scoring will be at a premium. Defenses also tighten up, along with offenses.

When a team goes up 3-0, the usual outcome of game 4 is usually a sweep. The idea behind this is that the team up 3-0 will want to win and give itself time to rest, while the team down 0-3 usually lies down and gives up. Historically, when a team goes up 2-0, there is a 95% chance that such a team will win the series; when a team goes up 3-0 the percentage increases to 100%. Hence, game 3 for a team down 0-2 is of much importance. A special circumstance occurs when the home team is down 0-2 in game 3. Such a home team will have extra motivation and will usually cover the spread.

In conclusion, elimination games offer the sports bettor several betting opportunities; some include going for the team up 3-0 to go for the sweep, and betting the under during elimination games.