Magic tied, but will they recover mentally?

People who don’t watch sports will never get it. There are those moments in sports that transcend meaning; it goes to a different level, otherworldly. LeBron James gave the city of Cleveland something it hasn’t had much of, hope. By now you have seen James’ shot a couple of hundred times and it is as marvelous and unbelievable as was live the first time. No nickname has really stuck with LeBron, be in King James and a few others, but on the number he’s picked for himself (23), the “Chosen One” might well be the best of all.

His Game 2 winning shot will take on greater meaning if Cleveland can find a way to at least win the Eastern Conference, which is far less a sure thing than it was Wednesday night before the series opener.

I’ve been scratching my head wondering why everyone in Orlando is blaming themselves for James making shot. Coach Stan Van Gundy took the blame, but never said exactly why. Mickael Pietrus joined in the blame-game and was equally unclear what he did wrong, since he wasn’t assigned to guard James in the first place. If anybody is to be blamed it’s Hedu Turkoglu, not for not guarding LeBron tighter, since he and teammates has already taken away dunk opportunity, but for not taking more time off the clock with what SEEMED like game winning shot with a second to go.

Sometimes you can do everything right and the ball just goes in the cylinder.

The Orlando bench and players were visibly shaken, but this isn’t their first jolt in the playoffs. Coach Van Gundy only needs to remind his squad; they absorbed haymakers from Andre Iguodala and Ray Allen and still came out on top in two prior series. The Magic have proven the Cavaliers are not superior to them by any stretch and Turkoglu was defiant after heart-breaking loss.

"They make a last-second shot and seeing them celebrating, it means we are in their heads," he said. "I guarantee it's going to be a ballgame difference when we go back to Orlando in front of our home-court fans." The Magic return home 12-2 ATS after playing three consecutive road games.

The last seven minutes of Game 2, likely set the table for this contest and rest assured neither Mickey nor Minny Mouse will want any part of this action in downtown Orlando. In the closing minutes, it looked like RAW from the WWE, with bodies flying everywhere, accept this wasn’t scripted. With the intensity rising minute by minute, the Magic are 16-5 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog and they will be laying in wait.

Cleveland is on 11-2-1 ATS run, however are just 2-10 ATS vs. teams having won 70 percent or more of their games. The Cavaliers are finding out what TNT analyst Doug Collins said to be true about Orlando, “Leads of 15 points for or against Orlando don’t mean much, with how they shoot the three.” Cleveland’s defense has been exposed when they can’t pack it in, with the Magic having quickness edges at different spots in open space.

When the series began, it did not appear Orlando would be a favorite, but after two impressive contests, DiamondSportsbook.com has them as 1.5-point choice with total of 189.5. Based on the past, this could work in Cleveland’s favor, since they are 22-9 ATS as road underdogs of less than five points. Conversely, the Magic have been not be magical in this spot, sporting 5-15 ATS record when favored by less than five points at Amway Arena.

This swing game will start at 8:35 Eastern on TNT, with Orlando 12-1 ATS in last 13 meeting with Cavs, including 5-1 against the spread on home floor.

Seeking Scintillating Saturday

Can’t believe our good fortune, with two more winners yesterday, now up to 70-44-3, 61.4 percent. Kendall has been big part of recent success with five straight Free Winners and offers what we hope is another today. Found sweet 85.4 percent MLB system that goes later this evening and the Red Sox have been very successful when the total matches a certain figure for today’s Top Trend. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- Sometimes no matter what you do, you will have victory snatched from you. (See Orlando)

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 (Oakland), who are below average AL hitting team ( BA .265 or less), against a solid NL starting pitcher with 3.70 or less ERA, who is batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games. For your holiday wagering entertainment, this system is 35-6, 85.4 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Boston Red Sox are 29-6 at home when the total is 10 or higher since the beginning of last season, winning by three runs per game.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall is the freakin’ man with four more winners last night, taking him to 26-3 and 5-0 here. He’ll look to extend his streak taking Texas tonight.

L.A. seeks answers in hostile environment

If the Los Angeles Lakers would go on to win the NBA championship, the comparisons would be similar to the last title Michael Jordan had in Chicago, where every series and every game for the most part ended up being a severe challenge. Right now, that is probably the furthest thing from Kobe Bryant’s and his teammates mind, as they are waste deep in torment, dealing with Denver team that has strong desire to show they are the new kids on the block.

To this juncture, the difference between the Lakers and Denver is thinner than the Rocky Mountain air and that was in smog-filled L.A. The first two games were mirror images of one another, just from opposite ends.

Denver started Game 1 fast, missed a boatload of free throws and didn’t execute at the end and lost. In Game 2 it was Los Angeles who powered to early lead, only to see the Nuggets come back by halftime. In the second half, Denver made nearly everything from the charity stripe and it was the Lakers who didn’t execute in halfcourt at crunch time.

The perception that the Lakers have better personnel is being backtracked quickly. Derek Fisher should be coming off the bench, since he is defensive liability and doesn’t offer much when his shot is not falling. Though generally effective, how many teams would forward Trevor Ariza start for in the NBA?

Another noted difference is intangible and subjective, but Denver has two mentally strong players in Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, who do the Lakers have beyond Kobe? Pau Gasol is a very good player, but does he play in elite category when the game is on the line, sometimes.

The Lakers are 3-7 ATS in last 10 conference final conflicts and are in third different circumstance in this year’s postseason embarking on first road playoff game of the series. They were up 2-0 heading to Utah and lost by two. They were tied with Houston getting ready to play Game 3 of that series and gave convincing winning effort; however that was coming off a win.

Even the great Zen Master is being dragged through the mud in these NBA Playoffs. Hardcore Lakers fans and backers were shocked Phil Jackson didn’t out-coach Doc Rivers in the Finals last season and many agreed Rivers got the better of Jackson, from motivational perspective in getting his players to play harder.

Jackson is under the microscope again with his team giving more than one sorry effort in the postseason and his substitution patterns coming into question. In Thursday’s contest, he gave Kobe a "mental break" in the fourth quarter and in less then 100 seconds, Denver turned a one point deficit into a five point lead. It should be noted, Jackson has always made discussion generating substitutions, they just always used to work.

Even lame brains like Andrew Bynum are calling Jackson out, saying, "Honestly, I think we need to rethink how we are doing the defense. … They are just attacking it and swinging [the ball] to the other side. It is an easy three-on-two every time that they swing it to the other side."
This zero-sum insight from starting center who was going to be the difference-maker for L.A., yet has logged 34 total minutes and 15 points in two games, not earning the trust of his coach, based on actions, not words.

Denver has covered a confounding dozen straight playoff games and returns home to the Pepsi Center energized and confident. George Karl’s club has won 15 in a row at its mile high place of work (11-4 ATS) and is 20-5 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog this season. Comparisons to other Denver teams are useless, as this group is completely different.

I think we got a lot tougher in the last two minutes of the game," Billups said. "We had guys diving for loose balls. ... We just got tougher, where we should have done that in Game 1. We learned from that and did it in Game 2."

Sports bettors are paying attention also and believing what they are seeing in Denver. DiamondSportsbook.com opened the Nuggets as three-point favorite and it was hit hard the Denver money, moving line to four points, before settling back to 3.5. The total is relatively stationary at 211.5, with the Lakers 15-6 UNDER after one or more losses this season. Melo and the guys will want to come out flying and are 12-3 OVER at home after scoring 100 points or more three straight games.

The Lakers are 22-11 ATS as a road underdog and they are 4-3 SU and ATS in last seven visits to Colorado. Denver is 28-10 ATS after playing consecutive road games and on 22-5 ATS run against teams with winning records.

ESPN moves its cameras East for Game 3 and 8:35 Eastern start, with the last five meetings in Denver between these teams having played UNDER.

Let's roll with Winners into holiday weekend

Oh ya daddy, 3-0 has us pumped going into holiday weekend. Kendall is cleaning up and looks for fifth straight Winner here with Free choice. Have a perfect in-season MLB trend to contemplate. Yesterday’s system was stellar and we have another nearly as good at 88.4 percent in interleague action. Good Luck.

What I learned today – The San Diego Padres have won six of seven, while batting .186 as a team in that time frame.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST any team with a weak AL offensive, averaging 4.5 or less runs per game, against a good NL starting pitcher (ERA 3.70 or less), who are frigid, batting .240 or worse over their last 15 games. The Pale Hole from the south side of Chicago fit this description for a system that is 38-5, 88.4 percent in last dozen years.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Cleveland Indians are 0-10 against the money line after scoring eight runs or more this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall has handed out four straight Winners here at 3Daily Winners and is 22-3 in personal wagers. Tonight the Detroit Tigers are his best play.

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Cavs favored, but no lock for Game 2

The mind is a tricky thing and though you want to believe you can control how it works at all times, sometimes it will betray you against your better judgment. Take the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the first 24 minutes against Orlando of Game 1 of the Eastern Finals; they could have hardly played any better, finishing with a splendid crescendo, a 70-foot heave by Mo Williams giving the Cavs a 63-48 halftime lead.

Though every Cleveland player knew they still had two quarters of basketball to play, the two previous teams had played over the last month just caved in. Besides, the Cavaliers had lost just twice at Quicken Loans Arena all season and one hardly mattered being the last game of regular season in contest mostly played by reserves.

But this Orlando bunch has a little magic in them. They have been one of the best road teams in the NBA all season, as 32-17 and 31-18 ATS record proves. They have closed out two series in enemy territory, playing arguably their best game of the series in each case, showing their mettle.

Coach Stan Van Gundy must be a better salesman than believed. His game plan to stop LeBron James in the first half was to let him have medium range jump shots and all LeBron did was drain virtually every one in totaling 26 points. At halftime, he ripped into his Orlando team, for failure to execute and though many coaches would have had players rolling eyes, the Magic players listened and outscored Cleveland 30-19 in the third quarter and went on to steal Game 1.

Heading into Game 2, potential clues are in view to how the series could play out. Cavs coach Mike Brown acted as if he had Superman and let James hang on to the ball too long, with Cleveland players standing around watching LeBron and offense went stagnant. This carried over to defensive end, where Orlando shot 59 percent in the second half and had superior ball movement against the NBA’s best defense. Need proof, Orlando had 32 assists in 43 made baskets, Cleveland had nine fewer assists on same number of makes.

Another HUGE factor was the bench, the Magic held 25-5 edge, unless coach Brown can find answers, Cleveland might be in more trouble than many believed.

The Cavs are 14-2 ATS after one or more consecutive losses this season, winning by average of 13.2 points per game and understand this is must win. Cleveland found out you can’t win one on five, especially this time of year and a large slice of humble pie might bring back focus needed to play four quarters.

Cleveland can’t let Hedu Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis do whatever they please, like they did in opener. The tandem took turns ripping the heart out of Cleveland defense. Unless they are contained, no reason the Magic don’t go to 17-6 ATS as underdogs.

The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com have taken neutral stance, with Cleveland as nine-point home favorite and letting the public choose. They did make a severe adjustment on the total, moving four and half points to 188.5, which might suggest they believe the Magic could cover again. Orlando is 21-8 OVER after two straight games with 26 or more assists, which explains they tend to play free and easy when in offensive rhythm. Cleveland on the other hand is 11-2 UNDER after scoring 60 points or more in the first half last game and must not get caught up in trading baskets with Magic.

You have to wonder if Orlando’s non-traditional scheme messes with Cavs D, having won four of six outright in northern Ohio with six straight covers. In fact, the Magic are 10-1 ATS against Cleveland no matter where they play. Game 2 commences at 8:35 Eastern on TNT.

Interleague MLB Play- It’s one-sided

Read a great article this week by Jayson Stark of ESPN.com, talking about 70-75 percent of all baseball players dislike interleague play. Among the reasons given are unfamiliarity of players, meaningless matchups (the Pittsburgh vs Washington series was a classic this week), dealing with the DH and unfair schedule for teams within same division. Excuse me while I wipe away the tears for these blockheads. Imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers whining about having to the play the toughest schedule before last season, how did that work out?

While we all share their pain, enough of us like it. Attendance typically runs ahead of the norm for these games (10 percent last season), suggesting we like the rivalry games and are curious enough to go to the park to see in person players and teams we would not ordinarily be able to. Taking it further, according to Stark’s article, if you subtracted rivalry matchups in each of the last three seasons, interleague attendance was still 7.5 percent higher last year, 4.1 percent bigger in 2007 and 6.0 percent larger in 2006.

For sports bettors, interleague play has created a great deal of opportunity if you follow the K.I.S.S. method. The American League has been the dominant force for better than a decade and not many signs point to change.

To blindly play every American League team since 2003, you would have a 709-565 record (55.7 percent) and netted +94.7 units or about +19 units per year, just betting interleague games. That’s rather eye-opening.

Oddsmakers are doing their best to curtail the situation, by adding margin into AL teams to make them less attractive, however if the National League clubs can’t win, no number is going to chase off enough action to make a big enough difference to those accepting wagers.

It is nothing short of amazing to review the numbers see in the last two years only the New York Mets (17-13, +2.4 units) and Chicago Cubs (14-13, -0.9) have winning records versus the junior circuit. With 14 NL teams having .500 or below records, this equates to 222-291 record, 43.3 percent. In just two years, betting the 16 NL clubs would have cost -57.45 units, meaning you had roughly 2,336 other games to wager on to get your money back for this folly.

Only the St. Louis Cardinals have winning record at 43-38 (+3) the last five years against the AL, showing how wide the differential is between the two leagues in head to head competition.

For the most part, the oddsmakers like those at DiammondSportsbook.com have been in tune with the total, with only a handful of teams sticking out. Over the last couple of years, Atlanta (11-18), San Francisco (11-19) and the Dodgers (11-19) have managed to play UNDER, while Florida (20-10) and Baltimore (21-13) have gone the other direction and been OVER the number.

The Braves have been more consistent in the totals direction over a longer period of time, with 44-32 UNDER mark since 2003. The Cleveland Indians have kept pace with the Bravos in this category with 51-38 UNDER record in the same time frame.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Arizona at 43-33 OVER and the Kansas City Royals at even better 51-37 OVER the last five seasons.

The run line shows potential for interleague play, more so then regular league encounters. In the last two years, games decided by two or more runs were 62 of 83 played the opening weekend of interleague action, which is 74.6 percent. Though the number is small compared to all games played, it does show a trend towards games that are not as close, since normally one run games make up about 28-31 percent on any given year.

Over the last several seasons, a number of teams have shown potential as drawing worthy consideration for the run line; here is what teams matched up.

Boston won by 1.6 runs per game - L5Y
Detroit won by 2.1 RPG – L2Y
Kansas City won by 1.4 RPG - L2Y
L.A. Angels won by 1.6 RPG – L2Y
L.A. Dodgers lost by 1.6 RPG – L2Y
Minnesota won by 2.1 RPG – L2Y
Twins won by 1.6 RPG – L5Y
Pittsburgh lost by 2.1 RPG – L5Y
San Francisco lost by 1.5 RPG – L2Y

This should provide good information heading into holiday weekend for profitable interleague action. To see a complete breakdown of every MLB team in interleague play the last decade, click here. Good Luck.

Hunting down Winners on a Thursday

Yesterday’s winning day takes us to 65-43-3 over more days than I can count. Today have kick-butt system in MLB action that is 92.5, WOW! Coming back with another NBA trend after last night’s shocking loss. Free Pick now listed. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – As long as there is time, your team still has a chance, as witnessed in Cleveland last night.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Oakland, with a money line of +175 to +250, who are cold hitting team, batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games against opponent with a hot starting pitcher, with WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts. Over the previous four years, this has been one nasty system that is 48-4, 92.5 percent.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Denver Nuggets are 11-0 ATS in the NBA Playoffs.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall had a couple of earlier plays, however in evening action likes the Halos with Saunders as pitcher.

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Bettors studying money line on Nuggets for Game 2

If you played the Nuggets in the opener of the Western Conference playoffs, you have to be feeling mighty good taking home a relatively comfortable winner. Denver led throughout the game, taking the action to the Lakers, out-hustling them throughout many points of the contest. It was clear from the opening tip what team was coming off seven game series and what team was rested. In the end, Kobe Bryant proved comments made by former Los Angeles Hall-of Famer and previous architect Jerry West, suggesting LeBron James might be the best player in the game, could be premature at least for another month or so.

Bryant in the fourth quarter surveyed his teammate’s body language and later said, "Once I sensed we didn't have the energy," said Bryant. "I had to take it upon myself." And did he ever, scoring 18 points, despite grappling with Carmelo Anthony, showing elusive moves that WWE promoter Vince McMahon would be proud of, as the Lakers escaped 105-103 as 6.5-point favorites.

Most NBA teams would be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of opportunity like Denver missed. While statistical analysis is often hard to make concrete judgments from for one game, no such issue here. Denver shoot a much greater percentage than the Lakers (48.6 vs 41.1), were more effective, especially in the first half in getting to the free throw line (35 vs 24 attempts) and scored five more points off of turnovers (17 vs 12) than L.A. did.

But these Nuggets were not panicked or crestfallen, they believe they are the Lakers equal and know the 12 missed free throws were the difference.

“Win or lose, good or bad, you've got to have a short memory," Chauncey Billups insisted. “Game 1 is always a feel-out game, see what teams are doing, what is going on. You make your adjustments for Game 2."

Denver is now 11-0 ATS in the postseason and as Billups said, “I'm disappointed, but I'm not mad,"

The Nuggets have to make adjustments and be like top notch salesmen, always be closing. They are 19-5 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog this season and even received a compliment, though backhanded from Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "I think they outplayed us and we won the game."-said the Zen Master, playing his usual mental games.

DiamondSportsbook.com has lowered the number for Game 2 to the Lakers favored by 5.5-points, with total also shrinking to 210.5. Denver is a +200 money line play to win the game outright and we asked Mr. East of Playbook.com about what he thinks about next game and wagering opportunities.

“I think Denver played about the way they have played for the past two months, solid effort, came up short. They didn't get outplayed by the Lakers, they lost the game by missing 12 free throws, uncharacteristic, especially watching Billups, who misses once in a solar eclipse, miss three straight.” said Mr. East.

He went add key points and opinions, “They are every bit as good a team as the Lakers, and game two will be equally close. One wise man told me, the team in need is the team indeed, so I look for even a more intense effort from Denver in game 2. Home teams winning game 1 in the conference finals are a horrid 11-20-3 ATS in game 2 since 1991. When they get a win and no cover, they are 1-4-2 ATS, so when the visitor shows they can play, they have come back to go 11-4-2 ATS in game 2 off an ATS or outright loss.

Looking for Denver to get the cover, and 50-50 for the outright win.”

The Nuggets are 40-21 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 200 and 21-10 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent this season. Denver is 14-6 UNDER as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this NBA campaign.

Watch the total, as the Lakers continue to be poor wager when the number is 210 or higher with 13-22 ATS mark. The team in gold uniforms is 27-14 UNDER as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and 13-4 UNDER when leading in a playoff series over the last two years.

The action will again commence at the Staples Center at 9:05 Eastern on ESPN, with bettors pondering the points and money line on the Nuggets, who are 17-3 against the ML after allowing 100 points or more three straight games.

Trying to get over the hump on Hump Day

A highly unusual 3-2 day, but last time I checked that is still a winning day, which makes it a great sports wagering day. Kendall continues to run roughshod over books and gives out his Free Play. Found an unbeaten Top Trend in NBA and though the Best System has me skittish by the presumed winner, won’t disagree with 35-6 results. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday – I’m not sure the Denver Nuggets will get a better road opportunity to beat the Lakers than last night. At crunch time, George Karl proved yet again why he is a good, not great coach. I had the Royals last night and got lucky beyond belief, thanks Kerry Wood. Billingsley of the Dodgers is maturing as pitcher. He had terrible control, but kept his team in the game and L.A. eventually won. Two years ago, he’s out of the game by fourth inning.
Free Baseball System-1) Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher, who are poor power team (averaging less than a homer per game), against a starting pitcher who gives up less than one long ball every two starts, with a cold starting pitcher, whose WHIP is 2.000 or higher over his last three starts. The Giants are the road team for a system that is 35-6, 85.4 percent since 2004.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Cleveland Cavs are 8-0 ATS in home games off a road win by 10 points or more this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall of the LCC gets to comes back despite missing a pick, as he had the courage to give out three and nailed two. He now 13-1 in last 14 plays and is on Detroit Tigers tonight.

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Playing the Numbers Game

Numbers are vital to every sports bettor and handicapper; they are the lifeblood of formulating strong fundamentals. There are various ways to use numbers and interpret information, those with the keen eye of dissecting figures and understanding true meanings, are usually those who take the larger portions of wagering pie. Here are numbers to consider current running sports.

NBA

With the Conference Finals in action, since 2002 between #1 & #3 seeds, the road teams have fared well against the spread, going 14-13 SU & 20-6-1 ATS.

Road teams have gone just 18-23 SU; however are 27-12-2 ATS in Games 1 & 2 of the Conference Finals over the last 10 years and since 1999, the road teams hold the ATS edge in EVERY Game Series number of the Conference Finals.

Since 1997, home favorites of six-points or more are a scintillating 41-7 SU, but just 21-26-1 ATS.

At this time, Orlando looks they will be the only home dog and if so, home underdogs are 9-8 SU & 9-7-1 ATS since '97 in the Conference Finals. The UNDER is 12-5 in those games. This postseason, road favorites are 11-2 UNDER and 7-0 UNDER in the East.

Overall, in the last three years of Conference Finals action, the UNDER has been the total of choice, going 24-11.

MLB

Philadelphia has yet to hit its stride as World Series champs; however they look very potent on the road with 13-4 record picking up +9.7 units. Contrast with San Diego who is 5-16 (-9) as visitors, being outscored by 2.2 runs per game. If you remember, the Padres started 4-1 on the road and they are 1-15 since.

Coming into the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitching was supposed to be a real question. Well thanks to favorable schedule, tremendous hitting and better than expected results from starters L.A. has the best record in the National League. One negative that stands out like Manny Ramirez drug test is bullpen. In 24 save situations, the Dodgers relievers have already blown 11 save opportunities and been saved by bats scoring runs.

The Seattle Mariners are slowly fading back to obscurity after fast start in April, nonetheless are enjoying facing that left-handed pitching with 8-3 record.

Keep a close eye on Colorado Rockies when they are in hitting slump, since they are 0-13 in road games after batting .225 or worse over a five-game span over the last two seasons.

Trusting Washington to do about anything is bad these days, be it the Senate, House or the Nationals. The Nats are third, that’s right third in runs scored in the National League at 5.1 per game. However, the pitching staff and bullpen in particular smells worse than another scandal on Capital Hill. Washington’s bullpen ERA is 6.64 and they have blown 10 of 16 save opportunities and are 1-14 for the season. The Nationals problems are further exacerbated by kicking the ball around, being the worst fielding team in baseball.

Nice to see Dontrelle Willis have a sharp outing allowing only one hit in 6 1/3 innings to earn the victory in the Tigers 4-0 win over the Rangers. Willis had allowed one it or less through six innings five times in five seasons with Florida and might be returning to form. Of course it helps Texas is spooked at Comerica Park, having lost nine in a row there. The Rangers are batting .289 as team against everybody but Detroit, coming in at paltry .111 against Tigers hurlers in MoTown.

If you had Kansas City on the money line Tuesday, you received an extremely rare treat. Cleveland’s Kerry Wood continues to be unreliable closer, blowing three run lead in the ninth after Cliff Lee pitched a superb ball game. The Royals four run outburst in the bottom of the ninth was the first time in 322 games they had come from behind by three or more runs in the last of the ninth, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Cavaliers halfway home, Orlando up next

It’s easy to forget about the Cavaliers these days, since they’ve gotten less air time than Kevin Garnett lately. Denver has received a great a lot of love for playing so well to close the season and in the playoffs, that Cleveland has been taken for granted since they have only played eight games in the last 32 days. However, that changes starting Wednesday and they will place their 8-0 postseason record on the line against Orlando.

How about a quick refresher on LeBron James and the Cavs, shall we. Cleveland was the best defensive team in the NBA holding teams to 91.4 points per game during the regular season. They went and improved on that figure in the NBA Playoffs, holding Detroit and Atlanta to 78.1 PPG. While some may argue the Pistons had already quit and the Hawks were too injured to compete, coach Mike Anderson sent his guys out and they’ve won by 15.8 PPG and registered 7-0-1 ATS record.

Can Orlando derail the James Gang and not only win a game or two but win the series?
Yes they can, but it will take a little magic and playing like they have in closeout games in the postseason to do so.

Start with the Cavs have to be rusty. They haven’t played since May 11; does it take one, two, three or all four quarters for Cleveland to get back in sync? This is Orlando’s golden opportunity to take charge and they are 15-6 ATS as an underdog this season, with average score dead even.
On defense, coach Stan Van Gundy’s best strategy would be to play sagging man up. James is at his best when he has the ball and is creating. Whether it is driving for thunderous dunks or being attacked by defenders, leaving open jump shots for plethora of Cleveland long range shooters, James can be lethal. Give James distance to operate, just cut off lanes to basket and stay within a step of Cavs shooters to contest. If LeBron makes 10 jump shots from 15 or more feet, the Magic lose, but at least force the weakest aspect of his game. When James takes flight for the rim, Dwight Howard will be waiting, that gets interesting.

On offense, spacing and shooting are what Orlando has to work. The offense should resemble Duke’s 4-1 approach. Let Howard work the paint, but have all other players start offense three feet out further to prevent Cleveland’s sagging man to man from being as effective, especially on weakside. This gives Hedo Turkoglu more room working off screens to drive and be triple threat player and keeps Howard freer to work against slow-footed Zydrunas Ilgauskas and smallish Ben Wallace, who lacks quickness today to overcome shortcomings.

Van Gundy has to wise up and get Courtney Lee on the floor, especially when Wally Szczerbiak is on the floor at guard. Lee has shown the last two months a proclivity to get to the rim and wobbly Wally should be no match to guard Lee one on one and could draw fouls on Cavs big men trying to play help. The Magic continue to thrive on the road at 31-17 (30-18 ATS) and are 31-13 ATS after a game where they made 12 or more three point shots, like they did to Boston.

This all sounds good IF (note large letters) Orlando executes, which they have been far from clean in doing so in the playoffs. Cleveland is as good as record states in having the best numbers in the NBA. If you dismiss Game 82 of the regular season (Cleveland did), the Cavaliers would be on 13-0 and 11-1-1 ATS since Apr. 4, that is serious hoops friends.

Cleveland has to make offensively challenged Howard work for points and limit him to 12-15 boards and three or less rebounds on offensive glass. It says here Turkoglu will likely get his points, instead, work on Rashard Lewis and make him crack. Coach Anderson has enough players to shake down Lewis mentally and they can pester Rafer Alston into bad shots and turnovers. Keep Mickael Pietrus in check and that -800 series wager at DiamondSportsbook.com is less imposing, though difficult to swallow.

The opener has Cavs as nine-point pick with total of 184.5. Cleveland is 30-14 ATS as a home favorite this season and 16-4 ATS when playing four or less games in 10 days. They are 12-4 ATS at Quicken Loans Arena after five straight games allowing a shooting percentage of 42 percent or less and 39-22 UNDER versus teams outscoring their opponents by six points a game in the second half of the year.

Orlando comes in 21-8 ATS versus good shooting teams, making 46 percent or more of their shots and is 19-10 UNDER off a road win this season. The Magic must play extremely intelligent and take advantage of almost every situation presented to them. Orlando starts the series with 2-1 edge this season over Cleveland with three covers. In fact the Magic is 5-0 ATS over the Cavs.

TNT has the East Finals starting at 8:35 Eastern with the top exact series wager, Cleveland in five.

Looking for Terrific Tuesday

Nothing comes easy in life and another 2-1 day gives us 60-40-3 record over a long stretch. Today we had a bevy of MLB systems to choose; however the best was 85.5 percent and is in the National League. The free plays have been kickin’ and Kendall has another, including bonus plays, thanks K-man. Have the Perfect Trend unleashed. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday –The Seattle Mariners have no relief pitching and the George Washington lived much more humbly than did Thomas Jefferson when they were in the prime of life, getting this country started.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, with a starting pitcher whose gives up seven or more hits a start, playing on Tuesday. Not surprisingly, A Rockies pitcher fits this criteria for a system that sensational 47-8, 85.5 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Oakland A’s are awful 0-10 revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of eigh runs or more over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall of the Left Coast Connection is feeling pretty spry evidently and likes the Phillies tonight and asked me to list the Lakers and Under also, since he is on 10-0 run.

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Can Denver really pull the upset?

Hard to fathom coach George Karl put in more then 10 minutes since last Thursday in preparation for Houston for Game 1 on the Western Conference Finals. Karl’s club will be well rested with six days between games and anxious to show the basketball world they belong. He’s also wise enough to know, no matter how bad the Los Angeles Lakers appeared at times in last series, the Rockets were not able to defeat the Lake Show four times, which is Denver’s mission.

One of the most difficult aspects of handicapping a series is forgetting about the entire regular season. The Lakers won 65 games during the regular season; Denver tied a franchise best with 54 W’s. Los Angeles had the look of a champion, more than doubling the Nuggets average scoring margin per game (7.7 vs 3.4), showing their superiority.

It’s very easy to look at the Lakers against these upstarts and asked the question of Denver – What have you done?

This is where the lines start to blur, causing consternation. The Nuggets have won 22 of last 27 games and to prove how impressive this number is, they have covered the spread 20 times, including all 10 playoff games. Consider oddsmakers really can’t put up numbers to draw bettors to bet bad numbers with so few of games, thus have to list a fair number to attract action on both sides. To think Denver has bested the line maker 10 straight times, that is awfully impressive.

Denver’s strength’s revolve around Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Each can be dynamic scorer and Billups makes ‘Melo better, especially at this time of year with ability to distribute. Billups brought defensive toughness over from the Motor City, giving the Nuggets defenders help in the front and back courts.

Denver has a swat team in the frontcourt, with Nene and Kenyon Martin and “The Birdman” Chris Anderson. The Nuggets are far from a top notch defensive team like Cleveland, but with these players contesting every shot within 12 feet of the basket, nothing comes easy. To show the change in mindset, Denver is 8-0 ATS after three straight games when both teams scored 100 points or fewer this season.

The Lakers are not to be dismissed; it’s just not as clear where they stand. The only constant is inconsistent effort. Phil Jackson used a wise move before Game 7 to take the pressure off his team for contradictory performances, by saying he wasn’t sure what Houston team would show up for the series finale, since it was the Rockets who were up and down to the Zen Master’s way of thinking.

It’s easy to forget Boston played two Game 7’s the first two rounds last season, before finding the right rhythm and becoming NBA champions. Los Angeles plays very disjointed right now. Losing Games 4 and 6 so badly to Houston, only underscored their vulnerability against a team who wanted it more than they did. Ask any NBA expert or sharp sports better right today who is the better team and you’ll get either a blank stare or the eyes will move to upper right, as they contemplate answer before speaking.

One perception of Los Angeles appears as true today as last year. How Andrew Bynum goes, so likely to will the Lakers. In games where he is involved mentally and physically from the start, the Lakers play better and have more physical presence. In other contests where he is lazy defensively and draws quick fouls, he retreats like a turtle into his shell and is non-factor. Bynum’s importance is proven in numbers other than wins and losses.

The Lakers margin of victory during the regular season was 1.8 points per game more with Bynum in the line-up. While that figure doesn’t sound like much, it’s a 26.4 percent difference. An easier to comprehend method is to look at Bynum’s play in the last four games against Houston. In the wins (both at Staples Center), he had 28 points, 14 rebounds and just four total fouls. In the losses, ZERO points, 9 boards and six early fouls that ended up in serious bench time.

The Lakers won and covered three of four meetings this season and are opening at home, where they are 7-1 SU and ATS against Denver in L.A. The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com have Los Angeles as -300 favorites to win the series and have them as 6.5-point favorites to win the opener, with total of 215. Kobe Bryant won’t have to face such individual defensive pressure like the last series and his team is 11-2 ATS in home games after three or more consecutive Unders. Expect the Lakers to want to open it up and they are 16-4 OVER in home games after a combined score of 165 points or less.

Denver has 100 percent extreme confidence coming into the series, plus will want to open up a can of “Want To” to express to people just how good they are. The Nuggets are at the top of their game at the moment and are 13-4 ATS versus good shooting teams making 46 percent or more of their shots since Game 42 this season.

Can Denver upset the Lakers the way they are playing, undoubtedly if L.A. continues to put forth the same effort. It isn’t a reach however to believe the Kobe and friends realize they are four wins away from repeat trip to The Finals and elevate their game to new heights. About all we can tell at the moment is Denver is ready and the Lakers are capable, the drama begins in ESPN at 9:05 Eastern.

Nothing mundane about this Monday

I actually feel bad about taking down Slick Rick as his only miss yesterday was on the C’s, who did get clobbered, however he is right today 28-6-1 and printing his own money. He might be back real soon, as Kendall takes his place for Free Play. Still finished with 2-1 mark and have sharp 80.4 percent System in the AL. Top Trends views how Rockies perform after giving up big numbers. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday –It takes a complete team to win and the Nationals can’t pitch or field and keep losing despite a pretty good hitting squad ranked 5th in the NL in runs scored.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road teams like Oakland, scoring 4.7 runs or less a game on the season in the American League, after allowing seven runs or more three straight games. Today’s best system is 37-9, 80.4 percent since the last original episode of “Friends” aired.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Colorado is 3-13 after allowing seven runs or more two straight games since last season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall put together 7-0 weekend, with big score on Orlando on the money line. Tonight he likes the Yankees to sweep the Twinkies.

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National League East vs West leaders collide

Two of the wagering capitals in the United States are heavily populated areas in New York and Los Angeles. Both groups of bettors have a completely different outlook on life and each will tell you the other lives life the wrong way. Every now and again, they have teams that meet each other in sports at the top of their game, which sets off further sparks, sort of coast-to-coast shouting match if you will about which is the better team. Over the next three days, the Mets and Dodgers will let fans and sports bettors but their cash on the line to support their favorite team.

This will be another rare test for the Dodgers (26-13, 11.4 units), who have only played one team (Philadelphia) with a winning record to start a series this season. Los Angeles, off its record-setting performance to start the season is 14-3 at Dodger Stadium, scoring 6.5 runs per game, with on-base percentage of .393 and winning by ginormous 3.4 runs per game.

While Manny Ramirez’s suspension has been much discussed, one Dodger who has stepped up his game is Manny’s replacement Juan Pierre. The left-fielder has raised his batting average to .419, with 20 hits in 43 at bats, since taking over, which includes seven doubles, nine RBIs, 11 runs and six steals in the 10 games.

The Dodgers have won 15 of last 20 at home against teams with winning records and will start Randy Wolf (2-1, 2.77 ERA, 1.089 WHIP), who has been howling hot in his last three starts with 1.56 ERA, never permitting more than one run each time. Wolf is coming off season-high of 113 pitches, which included eight strikeouts against the Phillies, earning his only victory over this span.

This Wolf has proven to be nocturnal, with 19-5 record in home games in night games over the last three seasons. (Team's Record)

The Mets (21-16, +0.7) were slowed by Matt Cain of the Giants last night in 2-0 loss, however still won three of four over San Francisco and are 11-3 in last fourteen to take over first place in the NL East. Prior to yesterday’s white-washing, New York had scored seven runs per game in previous 10. Everyone in the lineup had contributed, including Gary Sheffield, who has revitalized career in the Big Apple.

The Mets are 9-8 on the road this season, but have shone tendency to jump out ahead of opponents, with recent 8-2 record in Game 1’s. They will reach into bag of tricks and extract Tim Redding to be the starter. The veteran right-hander will join the rotation after missing the first six weeks of the season with a strained right rotator cuff. In two Minor League rehab starts, Redding allowed a combined four runs over 13 innings. In his career, Redding is 1-3 with a 5.64 ERA in four starts and six lifetime appearances against the Dodgers.

DiamondSportsbook.com has established L.A. as -140 money line favorite, with total Un9.5. The Dodgers are 38-13 as home chalk, dating back to last year and are 21-7 as a home favorite of -110 to -150. With Wolf on the hill, Los Angeles is 16-6 UNDER off a win. The Mets are 20-6 as road underdogs of less than +150, though are 2-9 after three straight games with no home runs. New York has played in a number of high scoring affairs when not favored and is 13-1 OVER as an underdog of +125 to +175 over the last two seasons.

The Mets took the season series last year 4-3, but will be facing Wolf, who has won last five decisions over the Metropolitans (7-0 team record in L7starts). First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 Eastern in local markets and on MLB.TV.

Carolina and Pittsburgh Preview

The Eastern Conference Finals are filled with storylines and questions, since as recently as Mar. 14, the precise knowledge of either Carolina or Pittsburgh being in the postseason was still in doubt, let alone either squad dreaming of making it to this point. Nevertheless, both have shown championship mettle, Carolina as the Cardiac ‘Canes and Pittsburgh overcoming severe rivalry series’. Each has to be somewhat fatigued, however, within four victories of playing for the Stanley Cup, now is not the time to give into selfish feelings.

Both teams will try and Staal

Not your traditional spelling and not your traditional matchup, as Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal with go up against his brother Eric from Carolina, which is the first time this has happened since 1974.

One replacement coach will lead team to Cup Finals

Carolina’s Paul Maurice and Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma were both coaches who came in during the season to shake up lethargy each club was suffering from. One of these gentlemen will try to the first coach since Larry Robinson in New Jersey in 2000, to arrive late and still walk off with Lord Stanley’s trophy.

Star Power vs Finding a Way

Sidney Crosby has established himself as the best player in the NHL. He has 12 goals in 13 games in the postseason and his maturity and determination has taken his game to another level. Evgeni Malkin is the perfect second fiddle to make life miserable for any opposing team and creates added pressure to all defenses. Pittsburgh is talent-laden and deep and is playing like team that has unfinished business from a season ago.

Visiting Carolina scored with a minute to go to upset New Jersey in Game 7 and lit the lamp in Boston in overtime to take that series. The Hurricanes have won six series in a row, (two-year playoff hiatus) which included Stanley Cup title in 2006. Carolina has balanced attack and could cause Penguins problems since as they proved in last two series; they have a knack for getting right at the net to score goals.

Goalies on Demand

Carolina’s Cam Ward has been the biggest story among goaltenders to the point. Ward has had to step up to various pressure situations (down 3-2 in series to Devils, going to Boston after team blew 3-1 series lead) and came thru brightly. He’s a former playoff MVP and he gives Hurricanes lots of confidence.
This places more pressure on Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh, whose play is best described as timely, rather than secure. The Penguin between the pipes has let in more than one soft or somewhat surprising goal thus far and has to match his counterpart for Pitt to move on.

Chasm is Special Teams

Pittsburgh’s power play is coming around after slow start in postseason, up to 19.7 percent (13 for 66). Carolina has played like they preferred opponents wouldn’t take penalties, with embarrassing five goals in 48 chances (10.7 percent). The Penguins heavy artillery attack has generated 18 more chances than the Hurricanes, which suggests they can’t make many miscues and hope Pittsburgh doesn’t score.

Numbers

Pittsburgh can go on feeding frenzies and is 25-8 in home games after a blowout win by four goals or more and they are 70-31 when in the favorite role. Carolina has won 19 of last 30 contests against teams with winning records and goalie Ward is 9-3-1 against the Penguins. The teams split four games, each winning once on opposing ice, with the Canes taking last two. In the opener, Pittsburgh could have edge with 26-7 record in home games revenging a same season loss.

Outcome

There are a number of reasons to pick Carolina, but generally speaking, talent wins out over the long haul. As long as Fleury is competent in net, Pittsburgh should return to Finals.

3DW Pick- Pittsburgh (-210) in six

Series odds from DiamondSportsbook.com

Hopefully a shining Sunday

Two more official winners (would have liked system to be right since I bet it) takes us to 58-38-3, as we hunt for more winners. Outstanding System Play at 38-6 on the diamond goes today. The Blue Jays keeping winning, how do they do in daylight? See Top Trend. Slick Rick should change his name to Sick Rick on the money run he’s on and crosses over to hoops here for Free Play. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday –Even though I swear off parlays like I do potato chips, it’s nice when I stay VERY selective and hit one that I REALLY like I did yesterday the New York teams.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON home favorites with a money line of -150 or more like the Tigers, after three straight games where they committed no errors, starting a pitcher who was hit for five or more runs in his last two outings. Dating back to ’97, this dandy is 38-6, 86.4 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Toronto Blue Jays are on 12-2 run in day games.

Free Basketball Selection -3) Slick Rick of the LCC was 3-1 Saturday, with early morning loss on Reds, yet maintains snazzy 25-5-1 run and prefers the Celtics at -2.5 as best bet.

Chicago and Detroit Preview

Think back to the first day of 2009, when a jam-packed Wrigley Field was hosting this year’s Winter Classic in the NHL, who would have had any idea the Red Wings and Blackhawks would later meet in the Western Conference Finals? This will be the 15th meeting in the playoffs of these Original Six rivals, the last coming 14 years ago.

Chicago is the biggest underdog of the remaining teams chasing the Stanley Cup and just not because they are playing Detroit. The Blackhawks have picked up fewer extra credit hours than a D-student hosting all-night parties. Chicago’s postseason resume reads like Cat in the Hat. However, things are changing quickly in the city of broad shoulders, as the Hawks has amassed a large quantity of young and speedy skaters, with an average age of under 25, who are growing up quickly.

Consider this tidbit, Chicago sophomore stud Patrick Kane was two years old when six-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom played his first NHL game. The Blackhawks closed the season 9-3 and took down Calgary and Vancouver without any playoff pedigree. Jonathan Toews is another young star and Martin Havlat is as big a reason as any the Canucks were sent packing. The Hawks power play has been on fire, converting almost 30 percent in the postseason and they are 24-9 ATS when they get four to five power play opportunities per game this season.

The Detroit Red Wings should have their interest piqued, facing a division rival and considered one of the up and coming teams in the NHL. This is a perfect opportunity for Detroit to show their Central foe that playoff hockey is significantly different from the regular season. The Red Wings blueliners will be in charge of limiting speed rushes by the Blackhawks and if they can steal the puck, the defensemen are well-skilled in playing keep away to frustrate the younger team, which Detroit coach Mike Babacock hopes leads to miscues and scoring chances for his team.

Goalie Chris Osgood won’t go down as an all-time great netminder, just a winner who picks up jewelry for winning Stanley Cups. Johan Franzen has been scoring machine in the postseason with eight goals and 15 points. Hockey fans know what Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk bring to the party, plus the Red Wings have all that experience which has helped them be 22-2 in home games off a home win scoring four or more goals over the last two seasons.

Detroit won the first four meetings, which were all played by Jan. 1, before either team new what specifically they would end up with. Chicago won a pair of meaningless games on the last weekend of regular season to secure fourth seed. The Wings are 8-3 in the postseason and the Hawks are 8-4. From the standpoint of pure talent these two aren’t that apart, but in the end, the experience factor will matter as Detroit keeps dream alive for fifth Cup in last dozen years.

3DW Pick- Detroit (-220) in six

Series odds from DiamondSportsbook.com

Cavs and Nuggets will finally have somebody to play

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had more off days than an Ohio congressman, during the postseason, playing eight games in the past 30 days. The second seeded Denver Nuggets are 8-2 in the playoffs and will be in Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. Presently, they are second all-time in postseason scoring differential at +15.6 points per game, to the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks of 1971 and could have never guessed it would be them waiting to find out whom they will play. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are the home favorites; can they deliver and match up with anxious opponents?

Houston at L.A. Lakers 3:30E ABC

Before the series began, I did run across a few different guys from the various major sports websites that had this series going seven games. Of course, everyone one of them expected Yao Ming to play in all seven contests, not the 42.1 percent he will credited with. So what’s the deal for Game 7?

In the history of the NBA playoffs, if ever one series showed what determination and desire could do against an obviously more talented team, this one fits the bill. Even Houston knows it. “We’re not talented enough to play with this (Lakers) team,” Shane Battier said.

He’s right, but there is one huge difference, you slug the Lakers in the mouth, maybe they throw a punch back and maybe they don’t. This has to be Rockets coach Rick Adelman’s strategy. ALL of the pressure is on the Lakers, who have lost two or three more games in this series than the majority of people would have believed.

Houston has to continue to run screens that leave Aaron Brooks wide open, pound the ball into Luis Scola until the Los Angeles has any answer and keep fingers crossed Ron Artest and Battier can keep making shots. Houston might be 6-1-1 ATS playing with two days rest, but the smartest thing they can do is play a game that mentally tests how much the Lakers REALLY want to get into 94-feet of physical, tough-minded basketball.

Phil Jackson has received criticism for three non-efforts by his team in this series and while it is the coach’s responsibility to have his team prepared, these are professional basketball players, who are handsomely paid give effort, especially when the stakes are at their highest. In every championship Jackson has produced, he’s always had that second guy, who was almost as feared as the leader of the team, Michael and Scottie, Shaq and Kobe. Now its Kobe and ____ (If you think of someone, please fill in).

Who among you doesn’t expect Los Angeles to play better today? The oddsmakers at DiamondSportsbook.com still do, making them 12.5-point favorites with total of 194. The Lakers have covered their last four losses and have had plenty of team to soul search (7-2 ATS, with two days off). Maybe each Laker fills up bathtub with water and looks into it and asks them self is this reflection of a champion?

The Lakers need 10 players with the mindset of doing their individual jobs, nothing more, nothing less. Coach Jackson has to strongly suggest to each player to stay within capabilities, not force the action, stay within the team concept and fight for rebounds and outwork Houston for loose balls.

The Rockets 2-10 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season, showing their vulnerability, it’s just how bad do the Lakers want it compared to Houston?

Orlando at Boston 8:00E TNT

Nobody should be shocked this game is being played, it is just how we got here is the madness. Each team has won and covered a trio of tilts, with the Under leading 4-2 in the series. Boston is a 2.5-point favorite, with 186.5-point total.

Orlando wins if Dwight Howard brings same mindset from Game 6 and savagely controls the glass and stays aggressive in wanting the ball. (A few more made free throws only enhances value) The Magic convert 37.4 percent of shots behind the arc, they have to be in the 30’s for Game 7 to have a shot on the road, not 6 for 26 like last contest. Bench J.J. Redick already, he offers little as player unless he makes shots and he’s been given ample time to show he can against Boston. Get Courtney Lee back in starting lineup, even if he has to wear mask of the Joker. Run offense to get Hedo Turkoglu or Rashard Lewis to their favorite spots on the floor and let them chuck it up. Orlando is 15-5 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less and knows they can win; they just have to believe it, when it counts most.

Boston wins if Orlando continues to let Rajon Rondo run free. Rondo picked off 16 rebounds for the Celtics and helped keep them in the game until the very end. Coach Doc Rivers must convince Rondo, a slick Bob Cousy pass from yesteryear is not his best option and instead make the right safe pass to assist team. Find a way to isolate Ray Allen for a couple of 12-15 foot wide open looks early, to build quick confidence and possibly the vet gives you 25-30 points in a game the C’s need most. Keep Paul Pierce away from Ray Allen by 20 feet or more on offense, this frees up both players to help offense. Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis have to be wiser with Howard. Make him start offense two feet further away from basket and Howard instigates contact, absorb and let his limited offensive moves find some other way to tickle the twine.

The Celtics are 12-4 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog and are 22-9 ATS after scoring 75 points or less. Like most any boxing champ, the only way Boston does down is by knockout, not by hanging with them for 45 minutes, particularly on the road and hope you can close them out. It means too much to this team to not fight every step of the way.

This is Orlando’s chance to show the new guard is taking over the East, Cleveland’s established them self and the Magic could go right with them. Orlando’s 11-2 ATS in road games after allowing 80 points or less, do they trust themselves enough to complete the task and travel to Northern Ohio?