Printable View
...............................................
early odds from vegas for Wednesday's game has the Warriors -4.5.
I'll definitely take the Cavs.
I think the public is mistaken if they don't think the Cavs can compete strongly in Cleveland.
this is going to be my empty the wallet bet. I'll take a plunge. hope I don't drown.
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/odds/las-vegas/
Quote:
Originally Posted by Half Smoke
Not sure if I screwed up or not, but I considered betting a sweep before the series started. I did not, however. Game One should have been the Cavs, so I guess that would have been wrong. The line is what I expected before the series began (no surprise as it matches lines available for betting then).
The fact the Cavs came back against the Celtics deprives series odds at this point of some value if you're looking to take the Cavs.
This is the best performance by an individual in a playoff run since Lew Alcindor led the Bucks back-to-back years, culminating in the then-record-setting Chamberlain/West Lakers beating them.
In Chicago it is blasphemy to suggest that Lebron is better than Jordan. But I have to say that his size and speed and power to go with the talent have made me believe Lebron is better.
I'm not quite there yet, regnis. LeBron is a better offensive player (can't believe I just wrote that), but the difference is that in the fourth quarter, in the big games, Jordan would take the opposition's best #2 or #3 and defend like an all-star. LeBron doesn't do that. I'm not sure people appreciate what that kind of possession after possession stamina requires. Jordan's Bulls really made the games like distance runs -- they saved energy and then unleashed the lockdown in the last eight or nine minutes of the game. Almost like watching a great horse rally in the stretch...every time.Quote:
Originally Posted by regnis
LeBron is better than he's ever been, and I finally sort of figured it out -- and it's obvious, only it took me a season to actually see it. Most people in the league 15 years lift and bulk up for the transition from #2 to #3 or #3 to #4, because you start to slow down. But LeBron has actually lost weight. He's significantly trimmer. He's the only NBAer I recall dropping weight at this stage of his career and actually transitioning the other way. He spends more time playing semi-point or #2 than he ever has. Plus, his long range jumper has significantly improved, so he's become a truly bizarre, unique player.
when you have a one man tewam its hard to "empty my wallet".
Yes the warriors have been blown out in cleveland i the past. Yes at home the cavs will hit some of those open 3's that they missed in oracle.
the caves have a great record at home in the playoffs,....but they unlike bostin....the warriors can actually score....and the cleve defense is not that good.
If the cavs has kyrie irving.....they might have had a chance. But the fact that lebron is in the situation with a lackluster supporting cast is his own fault....and its his weakness. He may be a great player but he is not a great teammate.
Did Jordan have Pipin asking to be traded?
It seems behind the scenes lebron doesnt promoter an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.....at least a person that mattered didnt feel valued and asked to leave. He could have been traded to Memphis but he still wanted to get out.
that speaks to lebron and his ability to manage a lockerroom.
***********************
everybody might not agree with me on this one but I think the refs are going to favor the Cavs.
at least part of the home/away differential throughout the season is due to the refs
in a championship series it's even more pronounced
the public (except for Warriors fans) like to see a long series preferably 7 games
the refs know this. it may not be a conscious attempt to influence the game on their part but it is something that is in their mind
if the Warriors are blowing the Cavs out it won't be a factor. but in a close game I think it will be a factor.
in recent years, officials in the playoffs have swallowed the whistles and "let em play. In fact thats why GS went out and got Durant...because curry would get banged around in the playoffs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Half Smoke
however from what i see....Lebron has had good success going to thebasket. I can easily see a concerted effort by the cavs to drive to the hoop..andcollect fouls.
But then if GS hits 3's.......driving to the basket for 2 wont cut it.
I can see the cavs winning , maybe because of getting favorable fouls. but if all 4 allstars on GS are making their shots.....and scoring 120.....then I dont see cavs matching the fire power. The cavs can beat boston by scoring 100 pts...but not GS
You have to ask yourself......if steph, clay, durant combine for 85, and green gets 10......thats 95 from 4 starters. And all the bench and the fifth starter has to get is 25...and they have 120.
we will see if the shots drop for GS in hostile territory. They have been there before.