Thurs NBA

[pt101]

Clippers under 192.5

Don't see much of an interior game from Indy. With or without Hibbert, LAC has the size to defend the paint. West's elbow jumper is the closest thing they'll have to posting up. 3's will keep the Pacers in the game, as the Clippers' weakness is defending it. Without Bledsoe (out) who prefers a faster pace, CP3 is anything but running, and prefers ball control. Pacers have the wing players to defend the perimeter, so Griffin will probably see action down low.
Neither team excels at FT shooting, especially the Clippers. See a dog fight between two contenders. Clippers 94-90.

Bulls -7

Though the under looks tempting because of Philly's inability to score, the Bulls usually do score a fair amount of points after an upset loss, where Thibodeau usually gets his team respond. Besides Holiday, Sixers are outmatched here. Bulls 99-82.

Lakers under 205.5

Minny will want to keep this a halfcourt game to have a chance, and they've been doing just that the last few games. They simply don't have the athleticism to match teams in transition. They're also one of the worse 3-pt shooting teams in the league at 29% which will spare the Lakers aging backcourt. Howard should also have the advantage against Pekovic, the Wolves main option. Minny is gritty and will probably keep it close early, while Lakers pull away late. Lakers 105-95.

GL, everyone.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Bledsoe is playing, FYI... (which is actually good for the total, as he is a great defender)

1st and 5th defenses in the league. I think it is easy to overlook the Clippers good defense because they are so exciting on offense. Like the under too -

good luck!

 

[pt101]

thanks HH, for that news and tid bit.

Clippers +1 2nd half
Indy is shooting 53% and only scored 47 not to mention losing by 2. That's because they are 6/10 from 3 land. Rebounds, assists, and TO's all favor LAC, and they are a veteran team that can close a game out.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Just squeaked under! Nice call on that, and Clippers 2nd. They were certainly the aggressor tonight, and those teams usually win. Still don't think they are built for the playoffs, but they have had a good year.

 

[the addict]

Two of the best here :toast:

Gl guys and gals

 

[pt101]

thx, the last min is always nerve wracking. Clippers are actually my pick to represent the West in the Finals. It was OKC before the Harden trade. Spurs imo are like the Patriots of football...and Denver is my sleeper if they can be a bit better in discipline and half court offense.

 

[the addict]

I got it when it opened at 190 thank goodness for the push.....god win

 

[Happy Hippo]

Clippers are actually my pick to represent the West in the Finals. It was OKC before the Harden trade. Spurs imo are like the Patriots of football...and Denver is my sleeper if they can be a bit better in discipline and half court offense.

Interesting - I wish more people would chime in with discussion in the "futures" thread that duckdogs started. Would like to hear reasoning for picking different teams. I think there is some good value in betting those futures.

I don't see how the Clippers beat any of the three teams you mentioned above in a seven game series. My main reasoning would be Vinny del Negro is not a good coach. During the Clippers mini-meltdown tonight, he looked like a deer in headlights. Popovich, Karl, Brooks... huge coaching edge when it comes to playoffs, I think. That makes a difference, when the quality of opponents is similar.

 

[kenman]

like the LAK UN ... line went to 206. Everyone gonna chase the OV on this last game, since the first 2 went UN already.

GL

 

[pt101]

Two of the best here :toast:

I have to vehemently disagree with that, lol. HH is one of the best here, yes.

Interesting - I wish more people would chime in with discussion in the "futures" thread that duckdogs started. Would like to hear reasoning for picking different teams. I think there is some good value in betting those futures.

I don't see how the Clippers beat any of the three teams you mentioned above in a seven game series. My main reasoning would be Vinny del Negro is not a good coach. During the Clippers mini-meltdown tonight, he looked like a deer in headlights. Popovich, Karl, Brooks... huge coaching edge when it comes to playoffs, I think. That makes a difference, when the quality of opponents is similar.

Please feel free to create a futures thread or bring the one you spoke of back up. Whatever works.

I don't disagree that Vinny lacks experience vs more polished coaches, but I lean to the players being the deciding factor more than anything.

Between the Spurs and OKC in last yrs conf series, for example, there was simply nothing "Pop" could do once the teams figured out each others' tendencies. IMO, talent prevails in the post season (mostly). E.g., Spolstra with the Heat is just a bi-product. A prime CP3/Griffin+deep bench > declining Duncan/Ginobli+prime Parker+good bench.

In the postseason, OKC/Denver can't just rely on transition to blow everyone away. e.g. G.Karl is a good coach but since his teams' recklessness is also its strength, the philosophy of his teams' play isn't going to change on-the-fly.

In hindsight, LAC might not even be great, but by process of elimination - they have superstars in their prime, a true inside/out game, and deep bench. Just see the most complete team, if not by default.

But I haven't placed a futures bet yet, so you still have time to change my mind.:lol:

 

[pt101]

like the LAK UN ... line went to 206. Everyone gonna chase the OV on this last game, since the first 2 went UN already.

GL

Same to you, GL. Like the play.

 

[Happy Hippo]

Please feel free to create a futures thread or bring the one you spoke of back up. Whatever works.

I don't disagree that Vinny lacks experience vs more polished coaches, but I lean to the players being the deciding factor more than anything.

Between the Spurs and OKC in last yrs conf series, for example, there was simply nothing "Pop" could do once the teams figured out each others' tendencies. IMO, talent prevails in the post season (mostly). E.g., Spolstra with the Heat is just a bi-product. A prime CP3/Griffin+deep bench > declining Duncan/Ginobli+prime Parker+good bench.

In the postseason, OKC/Denver can't just rely on transition to blow everyone away. e.g. G.Karl is a good coach but since his teams' recklessness is also its strength, the philosophy of his teams' play isn't going to change on-the-fly.

In hindsight, LAC might not even be great, but by process of elimination - they have superstars in their prime, a true inside/out game, and deep bench. Just see the most complete team, if not by default.

But I haven't placed a futures bet yet, so you still have time to change my mind.:lol:

Good stuff - I will bump up that thread. I just broke down the western playoffs this morning and how I think teams will be seeded/match up. Let me know what you think!