NBA Finals Betting: Part 2

Man, C. Paul playing with that mask was just straight up terrible—if he keeps rocking that thing on the court, I seriously doubt we’re gonna see anything resembling a good performance from him.
With the mask on, it felt like he couldn't even scrape together 5 assists against Boston... his shooting was absolutely nonexistent.🤷

Here's another value pick for me:

New York - Portland 1/2 @10.00

Both teams are in pretty rough shape right now, so I'd give the home team a 55-45 edge just based on the home-court advantage. That said, New York is actually showing some real potential in the first half—against Philadelphia, Chicago, and Milwaukee—so don't come at me later when things turn out differently...

Derrick Rose hasn't been practicing; it's a groin issue. I highly doubt he'll suit up tonight.

On another note, Kobe Bryant logged 51 minutes last night, and 28.5 is currently on the table. In my view, that's a line you have to take🙂.

Luol Deng is playing tonight.

If Rose is out, or even if he somehow ends up playing, you might as well take the under 25.5🤷

Derrick Rose (groin) skipped practice on Wednesday and remains a game-time decision against the Heat.

Mike James was brought back into the fold in case Rose can't go, but it sounds like last season's MVP will be a true game-time call. With C. J. Watson (ankle) also a game-time decision, John Lucas would start for Chicago if both Rose and Watson are unable to play.

Lucas 🤦

I am simply better than him 🤦

Anyway, the Knicks coach got fired.

If Johnny Lucas actually gets some minutes, Miami is going to run circles around them. Last time he stepped on the floor, he basically just dribbled for 23 seconds before handing the ball over to someone else. Then James just skips right past the attack and slams it home, and boom—he's out. That's Johnny Lucas for you; he just can't find his rhythm. Honestly, I’m about to start praying with my mom that Rose plays tonight.

Arthur Hill2 said:Lucas 🤦

I am more versatile than him. 🤦

Johnny Lucas is done. 😬

Then you're taller than Nate Robinson. ☕

Arthur Hill2 said:So, the Knicks coach got fired.

It was about time—the olive branch is finally being extended.

So Melo's staying at +20 against Portland tonight too, haha. Now we'll finally see if the real issue was just that little Italian guy.

Arthur Hill2 said:So, the Knicks coach got fired. Typical.

It’s official. NBA.com confirmed it: D'Antoni is out, and Woodson is taking over as Knicks coach. Change is coming.

Keep it brief.🙏🙏I’m still skeptical that any coach could fix this mess they're in right now. Though, you never truly know. Maybe someone will finally snap them into shape and beat some sense into them—reminding them that only selfless, "team-first" basketball can save them. That’s exactly what I loved about the Knicks when Jeremy Lin showed up... that certain chemistry and grit. I haven't seen anything like that from the Knicks since the nineties.

If Portland doesn't clean up this mess they're making of the Knicks, they should be out of here by 3 PM.

Watch out for Carmelo Anthony over—Batum and Wallace are more than capable of shutting him down.

We might see Aldridge, Batum, and Jeremiah in the lineup tonight.

I'm taking Aldridge over, Kobe Bryant under, and Miami +3.5.

It’s looking like a smooth ride, I predict.

Analysis #3
Tip: Kobe Bryant under 28.5 points @ 1.85
Confidence: 8/10
Status: -12 (God help us)

Kobe Bryant played an exhausting game tonight involving two overtimes, scoring 28 points during regulation—classy work. The primary reason I am targeting this line is the fact that Bryant logged 51 minutes tonight. For a veteran of his age, that kind of workload is simply too much to sustain. It is also encouraging to see that the Lakers are facing a weak Charlotte Hornets squad; there is a high probability that Kobe might find himself coasting in the fourth quarter if a typical blowout occurs. Furthermore, Andrew Bynum is in absolute peak form right now, which means he will likely shoulder the offensive load, allowing Kobe some much-needed breathing room.

Good luck 👋

NBA.com reports:
Get your popcorn ready, because the whole Dwight Howard saga is reaching a fever pitch, and honestly, nobody has any idea how this is going to end. Just an hour ago, rumors were flying that Howard held a meeting with his teammates where he supposedly told them he’s staying in Orlando for both this season and next. But then, out of nowhere, news broke that some players in the Orlando locker room haven't heard anything about such a meeting, while others are saying he only mentioned staying for this year, not necessarily the next. Who knows what’s actually going to happen next, but one thing is certain: the next 24 hours are going to be wild (or maybe even less, since the trade deadline hits tomorrow at 8 PM).

Will Howard put on a massive performance today and give the fans a proper farewell, or is he just pacing himself for a new team? Either way, I'm taking the over.

Is Rose actually playing today or what??? If he doesn't suit up, I'm feeling pretty uneasy about the matchup against Miami, especially considering how many injuries Chicago is already dealing with.

Terry Myers45 said:Is Rose playing today or what??? I mean, he’d probably suit up against Miami, but if he’s out, does Chicago have enough depth given all these other injuries??

Man, if you had actually taken a second to read the part about him being a game-time decision...

Terry Myers45 said:Is Rose playing today or what??? If he isn't, does he suit up against Miami given how many injuries Chicago is dealing with right now??

I tried calling him at home, but there's no answer. His phone is turned off, which is honestly pretty concerning.

Arthur Hill2 said:I tried calling him at home, but there’s no answer. Phone is off, which is actually pretty worrying.

I asked nicely, so please refrain from leaving those mindless comments. Thanks.

P.S. That goes for you too, wiredcanyon39. As far as I’m concerned, I have every right to ask questions here, even if I don't live and breathe the NBA as much as you lot do.

Arthur Hill2 said:Plus, Andrew Bynum is in peak form right now, so he'll likely be the focal point of the offense tonight, which should allow Kobe Bryant to take it a bit easier.

Good luck 👋

👍

Since telepathy clearly works, I actually placed this bet earlier this afternoon specifically because of that reasoning.

Any advice on the spread? If Derrick Rose isn't playing, 🤷 we all know who's going to have to step up and carry the load.😂