ferndawg

Great insights from everyone. Same situation here, but maybe not smart was I added AFTER hearing JV was out for the series. Mainly because with DeMar playing injured and Lowry not shooting well, the lost of JVal is more than lost of Whiteside. Of course, after watching game 4 I'm also nervous with my series bet. That said, I saw something on that game that makes me a little confident with my series bet -- the way the veterans stepped up and took over the game (both sides of the ball) and also Raptors shot selections. Also liked Spo's adjustment on defense putting Goran on Caroll. Need Goran for offense but he's a liability on defense, somehow the match-up with Caroll worked because he was relatively effective.

Heat should've lost game 4 (I think deep inside they know that), also Raptors know they let one slipped away (same as when Heat lost game 2 and came home to lose game 3, where it seemed like every comments from players saying they all knew they should've been 2-0). So I believe the pressure will be on Raptors to win game 5 and we've seen how they've handled pressure so far.

I'm sticking with the Heat because of Wade, and I want to believe that JJ and Deng have couple of solid games in them.

Pitt-Det no score 1st Inning

Going against team who is coming off hot hitting game

??

Heading to Doyers opening day! Love baseball baby!

Such a dumbass comments! Who the F asked you to read it, idiot!

Taking WKy +4

BOL

Unbelievable come back WITHOUT their best player!

It'll come down to how much energy Clippers have (short bench and already played a 7-game first round against a tough team).

Houston is not really a smart team (collectively) BUT momentum is on them. Not to mention, now they know they just have to keep their composure and keep on playing, if they get down big again.

There's a post on this forum that I thought is interesting - where Houston playing with house money and Harden will surely come out strong, while Clippers will be mentally scarred.

It's really a coin flip, but I'll take Houston ML as a value bet.

Great insights!

Great observations! Especially on the hack-a-Jordan take helping Clippers (giving starters a break and psychological impact on Spurs players).

Unlike the Rockets-Mavs game 3, I don't have much to play devil's advocate with. IMO, Rivers unexpected contribution will have a positive impact to the rest of the bench players.

I'm with you on this BB.

I also teased Rockets and Bulls.


BOL!

I get both sides (extra revenue vs rest), but something about a LBJ-led team that shows me pride and about making statements.

Similar to the Pelicans last night down 0-3, playing at home.   Doubt creeped in of the almost impossible task of beating GSW next game on the road.  So, since they’re home already – maybe thinking, they’ll give one best shot, but will not be as desperate(?)  They’re home already why “bother” going to GSW.

Could this be same angle for Cavs?  Thus, Cavs ML is a solid play.

Also with Houston?  As we saw how undermanned Portland played last night at home.  With Mavs, unfortunately, they just don’t have the personnel to compete against the Rockets.

Thoughts?

The last time I checked BB wasn't charging for his picks and he didn't any gun to anyone's head. This is exactly why good cappers leave this forum.

I read all the posts (sadly) and posted my own. Almost all of the "haters" either posted AFTER Houston won and/or (if posted earlier) didn't have an insight to offer whether why Houston or Mavs winning.

BB - I know I don't have to say this, but let me say it anyways, keep your head-up.

This type of post is not necessary!

Great write-up BB. Just to chime in (not necessarily disagreeing with what you're saying...and I haven't decided which side to pick):

Who plays the 1 for Mavs? Barrera seems to be overmatched by either Harden or Jet. Felton is too slow. Getting back Harris will help but he's confidence not the same since rondo joining the team.

How do you see Mavs defending the Smith-Howard pick and roll. I think them seeing how effective it was in game 2, gives them more confidence. And the adjustment for the Rockets will be have shooters flood the corners/perimeters

I get your point about Mavs being the same experienced team who gave Spurs a series last year...but that's also not necessarily good. All year they've played with Parsons and he's been a key to their "success"

I agree Mavs desperate to win and very much capable of winning...compared to 0-2 teams who lost yesterday. But I think to a certain extent, Rockets want to finish the series sooner to give them advantage vs Clippers or Spurs. I can see them, if they go up 3-0, they will take off the foot on the gas pedal in game 4.

Owners don't like each other...I think most owners, especially Houston's, enjoy seeing Cuban's pouty face in the stands. Would've been different if he didn't say anything before playoffs...but we all know that's too much to ask/expect from Cuban.

I can see Mavs coming out the gate strong, but talent and personnel might be not enough to overcome the other side.

When it comes to the line movement. Opened at -1.5 and been going between -1.5 to pick (and I thought I saw it as +1). But that also means, Vegas playing the number games, psychologically. It's pick -115 at my book.


I honestly couldn't decide but wants to pick Houston. I respect your capping abilities that it would've been an easier pick for me if you're on Rockets.

I might just play Dallas 1Q pk or stay away

Good luck, though.

What's the record with the Clips of those same refs?

BOL DavidN!

All respect LRR. Thanks.

Can't argue, but why?

I think that's a smart play -- no play.

I'm looking at the under 5.5