2013-14 NBA picks

[burmaldo]

They also got pretty fortunate with Lin's error to even still be in it at the end

[Time is Money]

After they went up 102-97, Portland has done everything possible to lose this game.

5 point cushion again. Hopefully they can close out this time.

[No coincidences]

This game smells like fish.

[Time is Money]

Only in the NBA

[Vinnie Paz]

........what is this shit. Both of teams and their coaches....man oh man

[Time is Money]

I didn't see a foul on that 3. Shouldn't have even been inbounded from that spot on the floor...

[BigDofBA]

Hardens three looked like more of a foul than that.

[No coincidences]

Portland has literally done everything in its power -- both in regulation and OT -- not to cover the closing line.

[mikmik]

Glad I bet Blazers ml

[No coincidences]

If that wasn't the icing on the cake, I don't know what is.

Didn't even score to win by 5. Most laughable thing I've ever seen.

Where amazing happens....

[mikmik]

Closing line was Blazers - 3 in my book lol

[Vinnie Paz]

So...

Houston game 5...?

[Cuse0323]

If that wasn't the icing on the cake, I don't know what is.

Didn't even score to win by 5. Most laughable thing I've ever seen.

Where amazing happens....

Yeah, it was all scripted.

[No coincidences]

Yeah, it was all scripted.

Never said it was scripted.

Awfully damn convenient that he pulled up and didn't finish the easy deuce, though -- especially combined with the fact that Portland just died the two times they got up by 5 (both in regulation and OT).

[Cuse0323]

No saving you if you think the spread runs through these players minds during the most important game of their life.

[No coincidences]

No saving you if you think the spread runs through these players minds during the most important game of their life.

These guys care a hell of a lot less about the outcome than you think they do. Do you honestly believe deep down, Dwight Howard gives a shit either way? Their money isn't incentive based; it's all guaranteed.

It's a game to them. It's sports. It's entertainment. They weren't fighting in a war or performing surgery to save someone's life -- and when they're making $10-20 million a year per regardless, it becomes even less important.

[Cuse0323]

These guys care a hell of a lot less about the outcome than you think they do. Do you honestly believe deep down, Dwight Howard gives a shit either way? Their money isn't incentive based; it's all guaranteed.

It's a game to them. It's sports. It's entertainment. They weren't fighting in a war or performing surgery to save someone's life -- and when they're making $10-20 million a year per regardless, it becomes even less important.

They're ready to fight after the game and you think they don't care. You say it all in your post, the money is guaranteed so why would they care about the spread in the game if they don't need money? Only thing left to care about is championships. This is why you get into sports, to win. You don't grow up playing sports for money, you play to win. It really isn't for entertainment to most players...the best wouldn't have all those rings or be devastated without one, if it was all for entertainment.

[No coincidences]

They're ready to fight after the game and you think they don't care. You say it all in your post, the money is guaranteed so why would they care about the spread in the game if they don't need money? Only thing left to care about is championships. This is why you get into sports, to win. You don't grow up playing sports for money, you play to win.

That's a very simplistic, fan-driven way of looking at a business and a form of entertainment -- as well as an archaic one. If you tried to convince me of this back in the days of Magic, Bird and MJ, when athletes weren't making tens of millions of dollars in guaranteed money, I'd buy it. The passion was still there, both as a financial incentive and because the $$$ hadn't poisoned the well and softened the players.

There's a reason a disconnect exists between fans and players in modern day professional sports. Fans want these guys to treat it like life and death, because a lot of them die hard with their teams. If you were making $15 million per regardless of the outcome, the idea of "playing to win" takes on a whole new meaning. Of course they want to win, but if they don't -- trust me, Dwight Howard isn't sulking over this loss.

[Cuse0323]

I can agree that some players don't care all that much when they lose, obviously...but not that they will decide the outcome of a game based on the spread. That's all. You made it seem like Aldridge not scoring at the end was some deep conspiracy to make sure that Portland didn't cover. Portland is refreshing because they do have passion, never give up and always fight back.

[No coincidences]

I can agree that some players don't care all that much when they lose, obviously...but not that they will decide the outcome of a game based on the spread. That's all. You made it seem like Aldridge not scoring at the end was some deep conspiracy to make sure that Portland didn't cover. Portland is refreshing because they do have passion, never give up and always fight back.

Just very convenient -- kind of like Portland folding like a cheap tent as soon as they led by 5 in regulation and 7 in OT.

[No coincidences]

SA -180 (3.6U to win 2)
CHA +8 (2.06U to win 2)

[No coincidences]

108-93, +31.27U thread

[shevabets]

I've never been a fan of your '10 years ago NBA was more competitive' outlook. Yes, the snow was whiter and the grass was greener. You also were 10 years younger... that's possibly why you look at things you love slightly differently.

But man, you've gotta admit. This is one of the most amazing first round playoffs this league has ever seen. I'm not sure if being skeptical makes you feel any better, I just hope for your own good that you are enjoying these games even half as much as those naive, 'simplistic' fans do all around the world. As much as I do.

[No coincidences]

Spurs can suck my dick.

They do this every time I bet them. Every time.

[No coincidences]

I've never been a fan of your '10 years ago NBA was more competitive' outlook. Yes, the snow was whiter and the grass was greener. You also were 10 years younger... that's possibly why you look at things you love slightly differently.

But man, you've gotta admit. This is one of the most amazing first round playoffs this league has ever seen. I'm not sure if being skeptical makes you feel any better, I just hope for your own good that you are enjoying these games even half as much as those naive, 'simplistic' fans do all around the world. As much as I do.

Games are entertaining without a doubt, and the athleticism is as good as it's ever been in the NBA. Without question.

Doesn't mean it's quality basketball we're watching, though.

[suicidekings]

These guys care a hell of a lot less about the outcome than you think they do. Do you honestly believe deep down, Dwight Howard gives a shit either way? Their money isn't incentive based; it's all guaranteed.

It's a game to them. It's sports. It's entertainment. They weren't fighting in a war or performing surgery to save someone's life -- and when they're making $10-20 million a year per regardless, it becomes even less important.

It's no different than any other industry. No matter how passionate you are to start, it's the rare few that can maintain that passion over the years of losing seasons, heartbreaking playoff losses, injuries, etc. Even when you win it all, it's tough to build yourself up and try to do it again. It becomes a paycheque for most at some point.

That's what makes the Tim Duncan / Dirk Nowitzki types so exceptional. There's just no quit in them.

[BigDofBA]

Athletes are better in sports today but like you said, the quality isn't there like it was in the 80s and 90s.

Remember that one year team USA was getting beat in the Olympics?

We had by far the best athletes but that didn't translate into a better bball team.

Players are bigger, stronger, and faster but they also have less heart and intelligence IMO.

[BigDofBA]

Ginobli never misses free throws....unless it's crunch time

[suicidekings]

Athletes are better in sports today but like you said, the quality isn't there like it was in the 80s and 90s.

Remember that one year team USA was getting beat in the Olympics?

We had by far the best athletes but that didn't translate into a better bball team.

Players are bigger, stronger, and faster but they also have less heart and intelligence IMO.

It's also the dilution of more players playing shorter careers. The smaller paycheques of the past meant you needed to stay on the floor, whereas a promising young player entering the league now can play a few years, take a big contract, and then cruise through it and be set for life. ie: Dwight.

[TenCount]

No saving you if you think the spread runs through these players minds during the most important game of their life.

I have to agree with u. I feel bad for people who do not appreciate the top level basketball that is being played in today's game. It's laughable and outright crazy to think that the vegas lines are going through any of these players heads at the end of games. To be honest, if someone truly believes NBA superstars are fixing PLAYOFF games in front of the entire world then there is no helping them. If that's the case, then George Bush knocked down the twin towers also... lmfao I get so sick of conspiracy theorists. And the more you argue with them and point out facts, the crazier they get. It's much easier to just agree with the crazies and move on... trust me.

[No coincidences]

It's also the dilution of more players playing shorter careers. The smaller paycheques of the past meant you needed to stay on the floor, whereas a promising young player entering the league now can play a few years, take a big contract, and then cruise through it and be set for life. ie: Dwight.

Exactly.

For the record, I don't blame the players for that. Just a natural instinct. I don't know what the NBA can do about it at this point, though.

[No coincidences]

Lean Indy, Memphis and Golden State tonight.

[No coincidences]

POR 2H -165 (3.3U to win 2)

[No coincidences]

POR +3 live (3.3U to win 3)
POR +160 live (1U to win 1.6)

[ChiLLx]

McHale HAS TO BE BRAINDEAD. Line continues to kill his own team and still plays.