The 2016 NBA playoffs are underway and with all games nationally televised throughout the US, the tip-off times during Round 1 are generally going to see two early-morning starts and two more in the mid-morning or early afternoon. Thankfully, bookies across the country are getting the markets up faster and The Big Dog will be bringing his early selections to you the night before, wherever possible. To kick things off, the spotlight is on the opening match of the series between the 3rd and 6th seeds in the Eastern Conference.
Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat
After a four-way dogfight came down to tie-breakers, with the Heat, Hawks, Celtics and Hornets all finishing the regular season with 48-34 records, it was Miami who claimed the highest seeding of the group (3rd) and Charlotte the lowest (6th). As a result, the Heat have home court in their series with the Hornets. A factor that should play large, considering both Miami’s strong play in South Beach (28-13) and Charlotte’s comparative struggles on the road (18-23). The season series ended 2-2, with both teams managing a strong win at home and a narrow win as visitors. In the last meeting, won 109-106 by the Hornets in Miami, Charlotte came back from 15 points down in the second quarter. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra used only eight players in his rotation that night, compared to the ten used by Steve Clifford, for the Hornets. Miami had a similar fatigue issue in their final regular season game, against the Celtics. After leading by 24 at halftime, they were out-gunned 60-26 in the second half. Spoelstra would use nine players in that match but Gerald Green logged only five minutes of game time. With veteran Amar’e Stoudemire expected back in the rotation for this game, the Heat have a standard ten-man unit and should be fresh. The Hornets finished the regular season strong, winner four of their last five matches but remained inconsistent on the road, losing three of five. Miami finished by winning four of six but will be aiming for their seventh straight win at AmericanAirlines Arena. The spread for this game has been kept low due to both these teams being in the top ten for points allowed per contest and The Big Dog thinks the more experienced Heat can start the series with a solid win, covering in the process, in front of their fans.
Selection
Miami Heat -4.5 @ $1.95 (William Hill)
Tools
Results Spreadsheet
