14-5, +27.25, 74%
4* Los Angeles Lakers 1st Half -105
I actually think the Magic are the better team here but this series, and particularly this 1st game, shape up tough for the Magic.
Magic are a great jump shooting team, and jump shooting teams are like baseball players on hitting streaks - you don't want to do anything to break the streak of what is going on. I think this layoff is a huge advantage to the Lakers, who have the experience of being in the Finals last year, and 3 time NBA Champ Kobe Bryant, and 9-time NBA Champ Phil Jackson on their sideline.
In fact, the Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on 3 days or more rest. Meanwhile, the streaky Magic are just 1-5 last 6 games playing on 3+ days rest. Again, but edge to the Lakers here, big edge in homecourt, big edge in experience, edge in coaching, etc here in Game 1.
I also don't like the addition and distraction of Jameer Nelson. Things have been going great for the Magic, and they add another piece to the mix. A guy who will not be anywhere near what he was, who is very rusty, being asked to just step in here out of nowhere and perform in the NBA Finals at a very high level. Nelson was key to victories vs. the Lakers, but he's not that type of guy.
Many people have said the Magic have disposed of Lebron, so why not Kobe? Koe's supporting cast is a bit better, and he has multiple big men in Bynum and Gasol that can work Howard in this game, and they have athletic players such as Bryant and Odom that can score, a good experienced clutch role guy like Fisher, and an x factor like Ariza.
I like the Lakers in their home building to get off to a good start today as the Magic shake off some shooting rust on the West Coast.
4* Los Angeles Lakers 1st Half -105
I actually think the Magic are the better team here but this series, and particularly this 1st game, shape up tough for the Magic.
Magic are a great jump shooting team, and jump shooting teams are like baseball players on hitting streaks - you don't want to do anything to break the streak of what is going on. I think this layoff is a huge advantage to the Lakers, who have the experience of being in the Finals last year, and 3 time NBA Champ Kobe Bryant, and 9-time NBA Champ Phil Jackson on their sideline.
In fact, the Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on 3 days or more rest. Meanwhile, the streaky Magic are just 1-5 last 6 games playing on 3+ days rest. Again, but edge to the Lakers here, big edge in homecourt, big edge in experience, edge in coaching, etc here in Game 1.
I also don't like the addition and distraction of Jameer Nelson. Things have been going great for the Magic, and they add another piece to the mix. A guy who will not be anywhere near what he was, who is very rusty, being asked to just step in here out of nowhere and perform in the NBA Finals at a very high level. Nelson was key to victories vs. the Lakers, but he's not that type of guy.
Many people have said the Magic have disposed of Lebron, so why not Kobe? Koe's supporting cast is a bit better, and he has multiple big men in Bynum and Gasol that can work Howard in this game, and they have athletic players such as Bryant and Odom that can score, a good experienced clutch role guy like Fisher, and an x factor like Ariza.
I like the Lakers in their home building to get off to a good start today as the Magic shake off some shooting rust on the West Coast.
:toast: 
