Hey everyone, been following the forum for a couple of months now and decided to try my strategy on here. I recently worked for an NBA team in scouting and video coordination (not allowed to say who for post contract reason) and thought I'd try my luck at betting since I am able to now. I still have friends in the business that tell me some stuff here and there so I take it for whats it worth. Funniest are some of the trade proposals I heard this summer, it was crazy.
Anyways my picks are based on knowledge of the game and previous work on the teams. I will say I specialize in Eastern Conference teams. I figured the purpose of these forums is to get as much information we can get from each other so take it for what its worth.
NBA Opening Day
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics -6.5
Background
Its banner night at Boston, which means the big 3 is finally getting their rings. After having long careers of early playoff exits and frustrating rebuilding teams, KG, Allen, and Pierce will receive their rings. Problem: They are doing it in front of Lebron. Everyone should know by now that Lebron wants to be the center of attention in the league. His good friend Wade has a ring and led the best performance in the Olympics to overshadow Kobe and Lebron. Kobe beat out Lebron for the MVP. Even Melo has a NCAA title under his belt. Lebron will be motivated to show up on national tv and say "Hey, I'm still here and I got something to prove". Look for him to be aggressive with the ball as always, driving in more and forcing fouls. Also, just like the Heat in 2006, how motivated are the Celtics now? Yes, KG is still getting his teammates raddled, but thats KG. It will be interesting to see if Pierce, Allen, and the rest of the Celtics can stay focused on Ring Night.
Key Matchup
The Celtics on the other hand lost a key player in their championship run. Anybody who follows James Posey can tell you how undervalued this guy was for his career till after he helped the Heat win their first championship. His ability to take charges, play close perimeter defense, and hit the open 3 is key to a team like Boston. Yes, Tony Allen is capable of taking his play but the one thing you need when playing Lebron is bodies. Like I said ealier, Lebron will be looking to take the ball in hard as he is rested from the preseason and should be able to take hits. This could cause some trouble for Pierce and Allen who have to try to stay in front. Posey gave them another capable defender last year who is top 5 in beating opponents to the spot to force a turnover or charge. If both those players cannot stay in the game do to foul trouble, Boston is in trouble. Walker and Giddons are not ready for regular NBA minutes and especially not against Lebron.
Quick Matchup Facts
-Lebron vs. Bostons bench- If Pierce does get into foul trouble, who will step up to guard Lebron?
-KG vs. Cavs Post- KG will still be as productive as he was last year. His interior defense won't be tested as much in the post as he will most likely guard Ben Wallace and help out O'Bryant and Perkins on Big Z. Look for him to be more aware of Lebron's positioning.
-Mo Williams vs. Rondo- I believe this is the most crucial part of the game, Can Mo adjust to his new team? Can Rondo show more discipline on defense instead of reaching or playing the passing lanes too much? Mo Williams is their 3rd option behind Lebron and Z, but if he hits a couple of 3s early in the game, look for the lane to open up more for Lebron.
Early Lean- Cavs = 6.5
Will have more pics later and my official picks in the afternoon.
Anyways my picks are based on knowledge of the game and previous work on the teams. I will say I specialize in Eastern Conference teams. I figured the purpose of these forums is to get as much information we can get from each other so take it for what its worth.
NBA Opening Day
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics -6.5
Background
Its banner night at Boston, which means the big 3 is finally getting their rings. After having long careers of early playoff exits and frustrating rebuilding teams, KG, Allen, and Pierce will receive their rings. Problem: They are doing it in front of Lebron. Everyone should know by now that Lebron wants to be the center of attention in the league. His good friend Wade has a ring and led the best performance in the Olympics to overshadow Kobe and Lebron. Kobe beat out Lebron for the MVP. Even Melo has a NCAA title under his belt. Lebron will be motivated to show up on national tv and say "Hey, I'm still here and I got something to prove". Look for him to be aggressive with the ball as always, driving in more and forcing fouls. Also, just like the Heat in 2006, how motivated are the Celtics now? Yes, KG is still getting his teammates raddled, but thats KG. It will be interesting to see if Pierce, Allen, and the rest of the Celtics can stay focused on Ring Night.
Key Matchup
Cavs Offseason vs. Celtics Offseason
This past offseason, the Cavs pulled the trigger to bring in Mo Williams as their starting point gaurd at the cost of...Damon Jones and Donyell Marshal? Exactly. Mo Williams brings a second playmaker to a team that stuggled to find consistant offense with Lebron on the bench. Mo Williams also brings a shooters touch that should give Lebron more options to kick out to when driving to the lane. But Gibson was capable of hitting the threes when Lebron drove? Correct, but Mo Williams can sell the pump fake and drive in to createa second collapse in the defense and now having a post man open inside. When Lebron drives, defenses will collapse the paint and if he kicks it out, a defender will pop out to the shooter and another defender will keep track of Lebron, leaving most of the time 2 in the paint. With Mo Williams pump and drive, the numbers turn into 3 on 2 in the paint, fair numbers for a Z shot or a Big Ben dunk.
The Celtics on the other hand lost a key player in their championship run. Anybody who follows James Posey can tell you how undervalued this guy was for his career till after he helped the Heat win their first championship. His ability to take charges, play close perimeter defense, and hit the open 3 is key to a team like Boston. Yes, Tony Allen is capable of taking his play but the one thing you need when playing Lebron is bodies. Like I said ealier, Lebron will be looking to take the ball in hard as he is rested from the preseason and should be able to take hits. This could cause some trouble for Pierce and Allen who have to try to stay in front. Posey gave them another capable defender last year who is top 5 in beating opponents to the spot to force a turnover or charge. If both those players cannot stay in the game do to foul trouble, Boston is in trouble. Walker and Giddons are not ready for regular NBA minutes and especially not against Lebron.
Quick Matchup Facts
-Lebron vs. Bostons bench- If Pierce does get into foul trouble, who will step up to guard Lebron?
-KG vs. Cavs Post- KG will still be as productive as he was last year. His interior defense won't be tested as much in the post as he will most likely guard Ben Wallace and help out O'Bryant and Perkins on Big Z. Look for him to be more aware of Lebron's positioning.
-Mo Williams vs. Rondo- I believe this is the most crucial part of the game, Can Mo adjust to his new team? Can Rondo show more discipline on defense instead of reaching or playing the passing lanes too much? Mo Williams is their 3rd option behind Lebron and Z, but if he hits a couple of 3s early in the game, look for the lane to open up more for Lebron.
Early Lean- Cavs = 6.5
Will have more pics later and my official picks in the afternoon.
