IS this the beginning of the end for the Cleveland Cavaliers or the start of the something remarkable they require?
Down 2-0 in their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Boston Celtics, the NBA Finalists of the past three years have gone from favourites to 2.75 to advance as the best-of-seven duel shifts to Ohio for Saturday’s Game 3.
It’s not just that the Celtics have out-performed, out-thought and out-manned LeBron James and his cast of ghosts. It’s that Cleveland have – their superstar apart – been exactly the team they’ve been for most of this season, incoherent and ineffective in elongated spell.
Boston have won the two contests so far by 25 and 13 points while holding the Cavs – a side built entirely for offense – to an average of 88.5, way below the 118.5 they maintained during their sweep of Toronto in the semi-final round. Brad Stevens coaching has rightly been lauded but his young stars have shone.
It’s left the Cs at 10.00 for a 4-0 advance but, as we’ve often seen, James brilliance on its own will carry the occasional day. But not four, which is why a punt on Boston at 4-2, now at 6.50, still looks a prime offer.
Cleveland is 1.35 to land Game 3, which will be streamed live on Unibet TV, and they will need to score big which is why going over 209.5 total points at 2.43 is a solid punt.
By contrast, the Golden State Warriors-Houston Rockets series in the Western Conference Finals is hanging at 1-1 following the latter’s Game 2 retort.
However, with the next two in Oakland, starting with Sunday’s Game 3, the reigning champions are 1.33 favourites to progress and a mere 3.50 to run the table to a 4-1 triumph.
Yet victory by 22 in Game 2 suggests Houston will not be easily grounded. The Dubs have the experience and some momentum and while they are underdogs, the Warriors at 4-3 remains a lure.
Back on their home court, have a look at Golden State at -6.5 at 1.84 but this clash will have some punches to come before it is decided.
Looking ahead though, there seems little prospect of Boston or Cleveland troubling the champs, given the multiple consistent scoring weapons available from Kevin Durant to Steph Curry to everyone else.
1.50 on the Dubs for a two-peat might be as good as it gets.
Mark's Tips
- Over 209.5 points in Cleveland v Boston (Sun 1.30am)
- (143-100, Unibet)
- Under 222.5 points in Golden State v Houston (Mon 1am)
- (13-10, Unibet)
Mlb
COL Rockies o7.5 hits @ 1.86
*Yesterday*
DET Tigers o7.5 hits @ 1.86 *lost*
Mlb
CHI White Sox o7.5 hits @ 1.8
*Yesterday*
COL Rockies o7.5 hits @ 1.86 *won*
Mlb
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.8
*Yesterday*
CHI White Sox o7.5 hits @ 1.8 *won*
Dodgers – Rockies – over 7.5 @ 2.06
Nationals- Padres – Padres +1.5 AH @ 1.70
Mets – Marlins – Mets to win @ 1.76
White Sox – Orioles – WS to win @ 1.96
==================================
Cavs – Celtics – Cavs – 6.5 @ 1.91
==================================
Tiafoe – Harrison – over 22.5 games @ 1.78
Mlb
OAK Athletics o7.5 hits @ 1.83
*Yesterday*
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.8 *lost*
Mlb
OAK Athletics o7.5 hits @ 1.83
*Yesterday*
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.8 *lost*
Mlb
OAK Athletics o7.5 hits @ 1.83
*Yesterday*
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.8 *lost*
Mlb
WAS Nationals o7.5 hits @ 1.74
*Yesterday*
OAK Athletics o7.5 hits @ 1.86 *lost*
Mlb
SF Giants o7.5 hits @ 1.71
*Yesterday*
WAS Nationals o7.5 hits @ 1.74 *won*
Mlb
TB Rays o7.5 hits @ 1.86
*Yesterday*
SF Giants o7.5 hits @ 1.71 *won*
I’m actually so gutted that CP3 got hurt ??????
Would have been good to have had both at full strength as this is the final tonight. Do you think the Cavs could be swept in the finals?
My head says the Warriors are going to sweep the cavs.
My heart says if LeBron has at least one other player show up the cavs have a chance.
LBJ came close game 1. I laughed at a Ladbrokes promo for LBJ over 40 points & Cavs win @ 14/1. It should have came in if not for poor play from Cavs at crunch time. Like you say just one more player and they’d be in with a shout. I’m sure LBJ & Kyrie we’re putting up 40+ a night to win their instalment of this Yearly Finals series. Doesn’t seem fair for LBJ to be on the losing finalist!
Mlb
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.86
*Yesterday*
TB Rays o7.5 hits @ 1.86 *won*
Mlb
TEX Rangers o6.5 hits @ 1.71
*Yesterday*
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 1.86 *won*
Mlb
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 2.00
*Yesterday*
TEX Rangers o6.5 hits @ 1.71 *won*
Mlb
NY Mets o6.5 hits @ 1.83
*Yesterday*
MIA Marlins o7.5 hits @ 2.00 *lost*
Mlb
TB Rays o7. 5 hits @ 1.76
*Yesterday*
NY Mets o6.5 hits @ 1.83 *lost*
Mlb
CIN Red’s o7. 5 hits @ 1.68
*Yesterday*
TB Rays o7. 5 hits @ 1.76 *won*
Is anyone still checking this thread or shall I just post in the football thread for a bit?
Just post on football until there is a new sports one.
Good luck to everyone today with all of their bets.
Off to Hurlford in the heat – hope the players don’t wilt.
Will do ?
Will you be posting on @Mr Fixit posts @dazzler? You’ve had my account ticking over nicely mate so want to keep an eye on your posts. Keep up the good work! ?
Hello gents. Long time no post.
For about 6 months now I’ve harped on about how good the price was on the Rams to win the NFC West, and now you can barely get better than 4/5 across the board. As I had mentioned in previous posts (they have been lost in transit to a new computer) they have had one of the better off-seasons with big players added to positions of need. Prices would lead you to believe this will be closer than you think, buth I think otherwise. I’ve got the Rams finishing at least 2nd seed in the NFC based on wins, with the 49ers coming second in the West division, miles behind LA!
I have previously posted the LA Chargers to win their division @ 2/1, and best now is 9/5 @ 365. Losing tight end Hunter Henry won’t help their chances, but for me are still one of the best teams in the league this year with one of the easier schedules.
I’ve had a hunt around other places and feel there is value to be had around the league. Jacksonville and Houston can’t be picked between them to win the AFC South, but for me, both will be going to the post season. They have very favourable schedules, and Houston in particular should be up there as long as Watson stays healthy. Jaguars lost a few offensive weapons, but their main man (not Bortles) will still do the damage on the ground in Fournette. Very rare does a defense that good regress that badly the next season, so they should be there or there abouts.
Speaking of regressing defenses, the New York Giants went from one of the best in 2016, to worst in 2017. They’ve got rid of everyone in the backroom and with Saquon Barkley in the backfield, you have to be scared when you look at their line up every week. Eli isn’t hyped up as one of the elite QB’s, but with this offense and most importantly an improved offensive line, I have them having a very decent turn around this season and they hold excellent value to make the playoffs. The way I see it, the Eagles aren’t going to be as good as last year, Dallas haven’t got a receiver I can name in the top 50 in the league, and Washington traded their long stay QB for an aging vet in Alex Smith. Its there for the Giants to take.
Final pick is Baltimore to make the playoffs. This would have landed last season if it wasn’t for the final game of the season where they let the Bengals score on a 49 yard TD on 4th and 12. every year they bring out a defense that means business, but have seemed to lack those offensive weapons over the last few seasons. With additions of Crabtree, Brown and Snead, they have added a receiver for every slot on the field, to go with their two first round weapons from the draft. I doubt Lamar Jackson will make much of an impact this year, but tight end Hayden Hurst should. Very much a catch first tight end, Joe Flacco could find his favourite target very quickly.
LA Rams NFC West Winners @ 4/5 @ William Hill***
Jacksonville Jaguars To Make Playoffs @ 5/6 @ William Hill***
Houston Texans To Make Playoffs @ EVS @ 365***
LA Chargers To Win AFC West @ 9/5 @ 365***
New York Giants To Make Playoffs @ 4/1 @ William Hill**
Baltimore Raves To Make Playoffs @ 13/8 @ 365**
La Rams NFC West Winners @ 11/2 EW (1/2 Odds – 2 Places)*
Can a new thread be made for this one please when you’re ready @mr-fixit. Cheers.
Just back in but I see it’s been done.
No probs ??