14-4, +30.55, 78%
@)
3* Cleveland Cavs +2 -110
Cleveland is the type of team that thrives on confidence, thrives on playing well, and is the type of team you stick with when they start to heat up. Cavaliers are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win. Cavaliers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. And Cavaliers are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. win.
Most teams you see the opposite. Usually teams have a hard time staying consistent, and playing well after a good game. Not the Cavs.
With that in mind, I also think this series is beginning to remind me of Heat vs. Mavs a few years ago in the Finals. Mavs were just too good for Miami, they beat them regular season, they crushed them post season, and everything looked like Mavs in 4 games. Until Miami went home after being down 0-2 and found out that Dwyane Wade needed to take over.
Cavs went home and found out that Lebron needs to take over. Sure, let the other guys touch the ball and do their thing. But when it's crunch time, everyone get the hell out of the way, and give it to Lebron at the top of the key.
It's hard to see the Cavs getting away from that strategy down the stretch, or they may do other plays off of that look while the Magic scramble to defend against it. Either way, I like the Cavs to play pressure-free and have Lebron attack tonight and get everyone else out of the way.
Again, this Magic team lives and dies by the 3, and those 3's drop a lot easier when there isn't a lot on the line. Tonight, the Magic have the worst kind of pressure on them - not just the pressure to win, but the pressure of not choking and sending this thing back to Cleveland for a game 7.
I love that Cleveland's aura has faded off, and they are looked at as a beatable team. I love them in the underdog role, where before they were favored on the road and getting too much respect and the Magic had something to prove. But now everyone feels the Magic is the best team in the playoffs, and the Magic are planning on how to rest up for the Finals. They have slightly looked passed this Cleveland team with the 3-1 lead, and I think Cleveland is hungry. They play well with their backs up against the wall, and that Mo Williams "guarantee" is still out there. Cavs have something to prove. Don't count them out just yet. Look for great defense tonight and contested 3-pointers.
Cleveland 93
Orlando 90
@)
3* Cleveland Cavs +2 -110
Cleveland is the type of team that thrives on confidence, thrives on playing well, and is the type of team you stick with when they start to heat up. Cavaliers are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win. Cavaliers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. And Cavaliers are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. win.
Most teams you see the opposite. Usually teams have a hard time staying consistent, and playing well after a good game. Not the Cavs.
With that in mind, I also think this series is beginning to remind me of Heat vs. Mavs a few years ago in the Finals. Mavs were just too good for Miami, they beat them regular season, they crushed them post season, and everything looked like Mavs in 4 games. Until Miami went home after being down 0-2 and found out that Dwyane Wade needed to take over.
Cavs went home and found out that Lebron needs to take over. Sure, let the other guys touch the ball and do their thing. But when it's crunch time, everyone get the hell out of the way, and give it to Lebron at the top of the key.
It's hard to see the Cavs getting away from that strategy down the stretch, or they may do other plays off of that look while the Magic scramble to defend against it. Either way, I like the Cavs to play pressure-free and have Lebron attack tonight and get everyone else out of the way.
Again, this Magic team lives and dies by the 3, and those 3's drop a lot easier when there isn't a lot on the line. Tonight, the Magic have the worst kind of pressure on them - not just the pressure to win, but the pressure of not choking and sending this thing back to Cleveland for a game 7.
I love that Cleveland's aura has faded off, and they are looked at as a beatable team. I love them in the underdog role, where before they were favored on the road and getting too much respect and the Magic had something to prove. But now everyone feels the Magic is the best team in the playoffs, and the Magic are planning on how to rest up for the Finals. They have slightly looked passed this Cleveland team with the 3-1 lead, and I think Cleveland is hungry. They play well with their backs up against the wall, and that Mo Williams "guarantee" is still out there. Cavs have something to prove. Don't count them out just yet. Look for great defense tonight and contested 3-pointers.
Cleveland 93
Orlando 90
