NBA Tuesday Betting Preview

Just when it looked like the Cleveland Cavaliers might have some trouble with the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James stepped up with the most dominating performance of the postseason.

The Cavaliers aim to build on the momentum from their huge Game 4 win when they tip off with the Bulls in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first round series on Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.

James went for 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in Cleveland’s 121-98 victory on Sunday afternoon, as the Cavs took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Antawn Jamison added 24 points and seven boards for Cleveland, which cruised to the bank as 5.5-point favorites at the United Center.

LeBron’s performance came on the heels of the Bulls’ 108-106 win as 4-point underdogs in Game 3, when Derrick Rose had 31 points and seven assists for Chicago. Rose was once again the Bulls’ top scorer on Sunday with 21 points, but there was little he – or anyone else – could do to stop James and the Cavaliers.

Despite the loss on Sunday, the Bulls are worth a look as sizable pups on Tuesday night. The teams split the two meetings at the window in Cleveland earlier in the series, and Chicago is one of the sharpest road wagers in the playoffs: The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 away games.

If the Cavs get past the Bulls, they’re likely to meet the Boston Celtics in the second round. The Celtics can do their part to set up the matchup when they meet the Miami Heat in Game 5 of their first round series at TD Garden on Tuesday night.

Boston leads Miami 3-1 in the set, although the Heat were able to stave off elimination with a 101-92 win at American Airlines Arena in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. Dwyane Wade poured in 46 points for Miami, which cashed easily as 1.5-point chalk.

Returning to Boston doesn’t bode well for Miami’s chances against the spread. The Heat dropped the first two games of the series both SU and ATS, as the Celts won by an average of 19 points on their home floor.

Over in the Western Conference on Tuesday night, the San Antonio Spurs can finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of their first round series at American Airlines Center.

Later on, the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center in Game 5 of their first round affair. The series is knotted at two games apiece.