NBA Playoff Betting – (6) Spurs at (3) Clippers

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5, 204)

Are we finally witnessing cracks in the seemingly impervious playoff armor of the San Antonio Spurs (3-3, 2-1 away)? The team, which has dominated the league for nigh a decade thanks to clutch Game 5 and 6 performances, fell 102-96 to the Los Angeles Clippers (3-3, 1-2 home) at home on Thursday, leveling the best-of-seven series at three games apiece. The seventh and deciding game will go today at the STAPLES Center (8:00 PM Eastern).

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul were huge for L.A. in the Game 6 win. Griffin had 26 points and 12 boards, while Paul had 19 points and dished out 15 dimes. DeAndre Jordan chipped in with 15 points, as well, and dominated the glass, pulling down 14 rebounds.

For the Spurs, the bench did its best to keep the team close. Marco Bellinelli had a team-high 23 points on 7/11 shooting from three-point range, while Boris Diaw added 17 in a losing effort.

San Antonio’s starters, on the other hand, were virtually invisible. Tony Parker, who is still not 100% healthy, had just eight points in 30 minutes of action, while Kawhi Leonard had 12 on 3/15 from the floor.

The ageless Tim Duncan was an efficient 6/9 for 12 points and also hauled in 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the poor shooting of his fellow starters.

Home-court has not proved decisive in the series, by any stretch. Both teams are 1-2 on their home floor. That said, the Clippers were an excellent 30-11 at STAPLES this year and are justifiable 1.5-point home favorites at the moment.

One trend you might want to consider is the fact that L.A. has scored 107 points in all three games at STAPLES so far. Simply put, the team scores points at home. If you think the Spurs are likely to keep it close tonight, take the over (204).