Monkeybongos

Boston has outclassed Dallas this series, in addition to thrashing them twice during the season. You can make a case the Mavs coulda/shoulda won game 2, but in the other 4 meetings the outcome was not much in doubt. The Celtics are just a bad matchup for Dallas, and the Mavs have to know that by now. Deep down they must know they are not going to win this series, which has gotta be disheartening. So how motivated will they be tonight?

Besides pride and avoiding the embarrassment of a sweep, there is the matter of not ending what has been a terrific season on such a sour note. It'd be one thing if they played great in game 3 and lost a close one in the final minutes. Then they could be expected to come out flat tonight. But they didn't play all that well, and Doncic must be especially disappointed w his game. I expect them to come out loose but with "fire in the belly" and put together their best game of the series.

Meanwhile, as much as the Celtics would like to close it out, deep down they'd prolly love to win it in Boston. Think they lack intensity this evening--especially on defense. I can see them falling behind by double digits at some point and packing it in while mentally preparing for game 5 at home. Looking for D to rack up 110-115 pts while the Celts put up 100-106.

Ignore, fade or jump on board...it's not a lock or game of the year, and no matter how much you agree w my logic, don't play more than you can afford to lose. The Gambling Gods don't like that.

A game that great should not come down to a coin flip.

Easy to justify taking points w SF, given the roll they've been on.

However, this round of playoff games has a way a getting out of control quickly for the visiting team. 3rd consecutive road game vs team coming off bye week is a formula ripe for penalties and turnovers leading to early route for the home team.

Think there's a good chance the wheels come off the SF bus in this game.

Won't be surprised if GS wins the next two, but at +$330 for the series, I'll take Houston.

No stats or in-depth breakdown, just a feeling Rockets' motivation can carry them to a series win, even down 2-1.

Anyone claiming GS is the best team ever over multiple seasons gets no argument from me, but I can see them hitting a wall here.  No depth and Curry's boo-boo don't help.

Considering the talent Houston has, and the history of these two teams the past 4 seasons, don't understand how anyone can say it's over or Rockets have no chance.

Gotta think Ala focuses on stopping the run.  If I'm Georgia, I start out pass happy.  It's difficult to focus on the run and rush the QB.  Think Fromm and his recievers can hurt Bama.  Georgia w a lead will be a major challenge for Hurts and Co.  Run game will be more effective, ball control becomes a factor, and Ala not good at playing from behind.  Georgia's D should play lights out from the opening whistle after last week's lousy 1st half.

Georgia ML

"Defense still wins championship and where was the bulldogs defense against Oklahoma?"

Funny you say that, as Georgia's poor defensive 1st half last week is one reason I like them to win the game tonight.

They had a bad 1st half (against a potent offense), but a pretty good 2nd half.                                                                    They won't lay an egg like that 2 weeks in a row. I expect the defense to play well for 60 minutes tonight.                              And Alabama isn't nearly as explosive as OK.