Mark Woods’ NBA Tips: Go for a winner on points

BUMPS on the road aren’t a new thing for LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

But this poor start to the NBA season feels like a genuine pothole that’s going to take a little time to repair, even if the Cavs are still safe bets to return to the NBA Finals in an Eastern Conference filled with construction projects.

After four successive losses, it’s probably not the best time to be visiting the Washington Wizards on Friday with Tristan Thompson joining Cleveland’s medium-term casualty list and no real timetable for Isaiah Thomas to provide an extra punch.

James has acknowledged the absences have killed any hope of an early momentum for a roster than underwent significant offseason change. But the numbers are damning – especially when the sport’s best player remains.

Four of their five losses in a 3-5 start – their worst since missing the playoffs pre-LeBron’s return in 2013 – have been by at least 17 points amid what is, at least on paper, a soft spell to open the campaign.

The Cavs are just 17th in scoring (105 per) and a shocking dead last in defensive rating (conceding 111.9) and it’s no longer worth counting on them for large margin wins while the funk is maintained.

Consistency, for a while, will be hard to regain. They’ve already used five distinct starting line-ups while integrating the likes of Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade but neither ex-MVP is bringing vats of help to the table. “A lot of teams are playing well right now,” James conceded. “We’re not.”

Still, the real business is six months away and at 1-2 with Unibet there’s no reason to look at anyone but Cleveland for the East title with LeBron even better value at 5-1 with Unibet for MVP if he can single-handedly carry this group to an impressive regular season.

And more ups than downs could be on the horizon. Sunday’s homer against lowly Atlanta will surely bring some relief – although look under 208.5 points – followed by a tough double against Milwaukee and Houston before the load lightens again.

The Cavaliers will then have 18 games of which only two opponents – Memphis and the LA Clippers – are considered reliable threats. The scheduling Gods are on their side, even if form – if not class – has deserted them.

Mark's Tip

• Washington Wizards v Cleveland Cavs (11pm)
• Over 220.5 total points
• (41-50, Unibet)

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