I never buy half points in basketball. It's a terrible deal considering how easily players score and that the winning team, spread-wise, rarely needs the 1/2 point. The 1/2 point in football or bases is so much more important. But, when playing with winnings, I can get conservative or take chances. Something about giving Miami 3.5 just didn't look right. Anyways I did it for the first time...
San Antonio -3 (-120) Larger Play
San Antonio -2 1H (about a third of the game bet)
These are truly the best 2 teams in the NBA and it should be a tight series. The main reason I like SA in game one is that Miami often comes out a little complacent or flat early on their playoff series. SA even won game one last year in Miami. SA is at home and they usually come out blazing early on in their playoff series. If Parker is out or hobbled, I still like it. Parker has moments of brilliance, but he's a liability defensively, dribbles too much(hogs the ball) and I think Joseph and Mills are but a very tiny drop off from Parker.
The Heat vanquished their hated rival, the ear-blowing Pacers, and it's very possible that they are still relishing how they blew their ass out in game 6. I know their fans are. Possibly not. Spoelstra is a good coach and they are a veteran team. Still… the Pacers series had the feel of a finals match-up. I do know the Spurs will definitely be ready.
It's difficult staying motivated to win 3 championships in a row as evidenced by Miami's regular season record and some of their playoff games. Miami always feels they can pull out any game/ series even if they do fall behind. A loss to them in game one, not a big deal. SA can't afford a loss here or the series takes on a whole new challenge.
San Antonio -3 (-120) Larger Play
San Antonio -2 1H (about a third of the game bet)
These are truly the best 2 teams in the NBA and it should be a tight series. The main reason I like SA in game one is that Miami often comes out a little complacent or flat early on their playoff series. SA even won game one last year in Miami. SA is at home and they usually come out blazing early on in their playoff series. If Parker is out or hobbled, I still like it. Parker has moments of brilliance, but he's a liability defensively, dribbles too much(hogs the ball) and I think Joseph and Mills are but a very tiny drop off from Parker.
The Heat vanquished their hated rival, the ear-blowing Pacers, and it's very possible that they are still relishing how they blew their ass out in game 6. I know their fans are. Possibly not. Spoelstra is a good coach and they are a veteran team. Still… the Pacers series had the feel of a finals match-up. I do know the Spurs will definitely be ready.
It's difficult staying motivated to win 3 championships in a row as evidenced by Miami's regular season record and some of their playoff games. Miami always feels they can pull out any game/ series even if they do fall behind. A loss to them in game one, not a big deal. SA can't afford a loss here or the series takes on a whole new challenge.
