NBA Playoffs 2012: Picks and Predictions Against the Spread for Monday's Action

The 2012 NBA playoffs are moving along nicely and smart bettors have been able to make a pretty penny on them if they have played their cards right.

With two games tonight, there are two more opportunities to pull in some profit. Let’s take a look at the games, the spread and make a prediction on who will win/cover.

San Antonio Spurs -8 over Utah Jazz

The Spurs are determined not to be beat in the first round in 2012. They have absolutely decimated the Jazz during their first three games and—unless something drastic happens—should be fine to do the same in Game 4.

San Antonio is undefeated against the spread in this series and, perhaps most importantly, 12-0-1 in their last 13 games ATS.

Knowing those statistics, and finding that Utah is just 6-6-1 ATS in that same time period, there is just no reasonable way to back the Jazz in this series.

They simply cannot hang with the Spurs and will be swept tonight, losing by a large margin in the process.

Prediction: Spurs 104 – Jazz 92

Memphis Grizzlies +1.5 over Los Angeles Clippers

The Grizzlies and Clippers are putting on one of the best series possible and it seems to be destined to go to Game 7.

If that is to happen, Memphis is likely going to have to win tonight. It won’t be easy, but they will prevail and cover this +1.5 point spread.

Remember, the Grizz could easily be up 3-0 in the series right now and looking to clinch tonight. The Clippers have gotten lucky breaks and pulled off some amazing feats on the court to somehow take a 2-1 lead.

It’s just crazy not to bet the better team here—especially getting points. They are 6-1-2 ATS in their last nine first-round contests while LA is just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games of the season.

Prediction: Grizzlies 96 – Clippers 89