Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
If there's one first-round series that appears destined to go the full seven games, this is it. The Nuggets have shown they are the more talented team and have won the last two meetings by double figures. But they are still showing some uncertainty as a youth-heavy club playing for a franchise that isn't used to postseason success. Denver can likely close out this series on its home court, but it'd be a surprise to see it happen Thursday as the rebuilding Spurs can build some momentum for their future by forcing a Game 7.
This total started creeping up Thursday afternoon, which was just fine with me because I was already liking the Under. The Under is 19-14 when the Spurs are home favorites this season, as well as 25-17-1 when the Nuggets are on the road.
The Spurs were the second-slowest team in the NBA in terms of pace after the All-Star break. In this series, the pace as gotten even slower with the last three games averaging 91, 91 and 92 possessions per team. The Nuggets also have shown an inclination to slow things down in the playoffs. Take the Under in Game 6 on Thursday night.
In a potential elimination game at home, the Spurs must find away to hinder the Nuggets offense. Expect better transition and perimeter defense and an emphasis on utilizing the shot clock offensively from San Antonio. Look for that to lead to the total going Under.
After being down 2-1 in this series, the Nuggets have stormed back to win the last two games by at least 14 points each. As tough as the Spurs can be, the Nuggets are the more talented squad. While this game being played in San Antonio could make it more competitive, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nuggets put the Spurs away. Take the points Thursday in Game 6.
This series should already be over. I still can't figure out how the Nuggets lost Game 3 when shooting 51 percent from the field and also from beyond the 3-point line. But they regrouped midway through the second quarter in Game 4 and played Nuggets basketball which is a lot of ball movement, lots of assists and running the offense through Nikola Jokic. Same thing in Game 5. They've got the momentum and know the gameplan for success. I'm on the Nuggets with the points.
Facing elimination, the Spurs face a must-win Game 6 on Thursday night in San Antonio. They're too good and have too much pride to put in another subpar performance like the one they did in Game 5. Coach Pop won't allow it. Take the Spurs to cover and force a Game 7.