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?
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