Kobe Bryant And Lakers Try To Regain Control Vs. Hornets In Game 5

The Los Angeles Lakers are dead even at two games apiece in their first round NBA Playoffs series with the New Orleans Hornets, and the going might get tougher with Kobe Bryant dealing with an ankle injury.

Bryant rolled his ankle late in the fourth quarter in the Lakers’ 93-88 loss to the Hornets in Game 4 on Sunday night in New Orleans, and was seen leaving the arena on crutches. Kobe is probable for Game 5 on Tuesday night at Staples Center, and it’ll be interesting to see if his injury affects the line at Bodog.com.

At the moment, L.A. is favored by a whopping 10.5 points. Will that come down?

In any case, Los Angeles has to figure out a way to handle Chris Paul, who went for a triple-double of 27 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds in Game 4. The Lakers used Bryant effectively on Paul in their win in Game 2, but he could be limited – especially on the defensive end – on Tuesday.

(For lines and info on the NBA playoffs, check out SB Nation’s lines partner Odds Shark).

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are through to the second round after finishing off the New York Knicks in four straight games on Sunday afternoon. The Celtics are in line to meet the Miami Heat, who are set to tip off with the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of their East first round set on Wednesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.

The 76ers (+5.5) edged the Heat 86-82 in Game 4 at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday afternoon to avoid a sweep, as they drew even in the series ATS. Bettors should tread lightly on Philadelphia despite its win in Game 4, however: The Sixers are only 2-8 ATS and SU in their last 10 games overall.

Miami was favored to win the East at Bodog when the postseason began, but if they can get past Philly and then Boston, the top-seeded Chicago Bulls could be waiting for them.

The Bulls lead their opening round affair with the Indiana Pacers 3-1, although the Pacers (+4.5) are coming off an 89-84 victory in Game 4 on Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse. Game 5 goes on Tuesday night at the United Center, as Indiana looks to build on its 4-1 ATS mark in its last five games against Chicago.

In the other East first round series, the Atlanta Hawks can finish off the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their set on Tuesday night at Amway Center. The Hawks (+1.5) slipped past the Magic 88-85 in Game 4 on Sunday to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, as they cashed their eighth straight game ATS (6-2 SU) against Orlando.

Live odds, matchups, links to NBA odds and more every day, visit Odds Shark.