CK/wangichu's Think Tank

[cocknocker]

It has been going on the last 10 yrs. A team that sweeps the regular season also wins the series in the playoffs. That would be Orlando since they swept the regular season, I like the Lakers but Clevland was same scenerio. Orlando swept regular season against Clevland and then they beat them in the playoffs. So maybe it will be the same scenerio!

Right but there's only one thing wrong with your statement. Cleveland is not as good a team as the Lakers. Orlando got lucky catching the Lakers in those positions as I pointed out. There is little if no hope for the Magicin this one. The double revenge angle will work wonders for sparking a fire underneath the Lakers. Why is the line bigger now than in the earlier matchups. For some reason no one has been able to answer that question. Game 1 has blowout written all over it. And Orlando is not invinceable at home and yes the Lakers know how to win on the road. Orlando is NOT going to win all of the games they have at home and that will be enough for the Lakers to get the crown.

[Bradyd]

Close? Whatever. The Lakers will win game 1 by 12 points. wang, I am very surprised at you. You are going to tell me that you're going to go against a team with a record over .700 (Lakers) playing with double revenge against another over .700 (Magic) at home. Maybe I am missing something here. You're losing your swag in the name of being cute. Once the Lakers win game 1 by double digits, then you will see what I am talking about.

I hav elaready pointed out how Orlando caught the Lakers at bad times for the Golden Ones to get the cover. But here's an interesting tidbit:

If Orlando is so hot and so potent since they have beat Cleveland, then please explain to me why the line for this game is higher than the lst time that these two teams met in Tinsletown.? The last time they met in LA the line was 4.5 for the Lakers. This time it started at 6 and has now gone to 6.5. Like I said the Magic caught the Lakers at bad times for the Lakers to get a cover. In my opinion, I capped the game out to Lakers winning by 12 once I factored in the double revenge and home court. Before I added those adjustments I had the Lakers winning by 8 anyway. Phil has all of those rings for a reason. He is the best coach in the game bar none. I am sure that you know that. You don't think that he can make adjustments when he has the best player in the NBA on his squad? Van Gundy's team had more talent than Cleveland, but let's face it, because of that talent they didn't have to play smart. They certainly will have to play much smarter in this round to have a chance to pick up even two wins in this series.

I really am surprised at you wang. You really think that there is a team out there that can beat the Lakers 3 straight times, with 2 of the wins coming on their court. And believe me the media has made everyone including all of the Lakers and their fans aware that Orlando has beaten them twice this year already.

I am applying the Kelly factoring and taking the team that I think will win. Anyone who takes Orlando in game 1 had better believe that they will win straight up or else you are giving your money away.

You make a lot of valid points, but there are a few things worth mentioning. First, Kobe is not the best player in the NBA. And second, I don't think anyone could have beaten or beat the Lakers, Nuggets, or Magic 3 times in a row in these playoffs. And while your argument against Orlando has some merit let's take a look at the Lakers who are inconsistent and very arrogant which kind of goes along with being inconsistent. The Laker's certainly have the talent to win, but if they decide to take Orlando lightly, which they have been known to do with teams in these playoffs, then Orlando could be celebrating their first championship...

[Ludovike]

I should have wrote "Lakers won every 1st Half SU in the last 5 games AGAINST ORLANDO.
Lakers is the better 1st Half team. That's a fact

ah, ok sorry
but even that's not true, just 4 out of 5

never mind

[lakerboy]

You make a lot of valid points, but there are a few things worth mentioning. First, Kobe is not the best player in the NBA. And second, I don't think anyone could have beaten or beat the Lakers, Nuggets, or Magic 3 times in a row in these playoffs. And while your argument against Orlando has some merit let's take a look at the Lakers who are inconsistent and very arrogant which kind of goes along with being inconsistent. The Laker's certainly have the talent to win, but if they decide to take Orlando lightly, which they have been known to do with teams in these playoffs, then Orlando could be celebrating their first championship...

you are out to lunch. do you really think the lakers would take orlando lightly-when was the last time a team went to the final and took a team lightly. come on that is a stupid point and then you say kobe is not the best player in the game- then who is- if you asked any nba exec if their team was in the final right now and they wanted one player i bet you 90% of them would pick kobe.

listen if you want to blow your earnings on orlando then go ahead but dont come on here and make stupid arguments that have no validity. guys like you wont even post here once the lakers whip the magic in game 1. im agreeing with ck that game 1 will be a statement game by la- next time make a point dont just disagree cause you dont like la.

[Bob Roberts]

[quote=lakerboy;1900422]you are out to lunch. do you really think the lakers would take orlando lightly-when was the last time a team went to the final and took a team lightly. come on that is a stupid point and then you say kobe is not the best player in the game- then who is- if you asked any nba exec if their team was in the final right now and they wanted one player i bet you 90% of them would pick kobe.

listen if you want to blow your earnings on orlando then go ahead but dont come on here and make stupid arguments that have no validity. guys like you wont even post here once the lakers whip the magic in game 1. im agreeing with ck that game 1 will be a statement game by la- next time make a point dont just disagree cause you dont like la.[/quote]

Ummmm.......hmmmmm............. I believe a Pistons team was taken VERY LIGHTLY in 2004..... I forgot their opponent that year.... who was it again?......

......Oh yeah, it was a Laker team featuring 4 hall of famers, getting upset by the biggest underdog in the last 25 years of finals games (and maybe longer, I don't know)

..... As far as "blowing your earnings", betting on the spread is a not saying Lakers won't win the series..... Orlando could and probably will cover more of the games in the series, and the lakers pull this out in 6 or 7 games......

[Bradyd]

you are out to lunch. do you really think the lakers would take orlando lightly-when was the last time a team went to the final and took a team lightly. come on that is a stupid point and then you say kobe is not the best player in the game- then who is- if you asked any nba exec if their team was in the final right now and they wanted one player i bet you 90% of them would pick kobe.

listen if you want to blow your earnings on orlando then go ahead but dont come on here and make stupid arguments that have no validity. guys like you wont even post here once the lakers whip the magic in game 1. im agreeing with ck that game 1 will be a statement game by la- next time make a point dont just disagree cause you dont like la.

Do I really think the Lakers would take Orlando lightly? Did you think they would take Houston lightly? And I don't care what any NBA exec says, they are not the final decision maker on who id the best nba player. And after some of the trades these guys pull, it's a wonder why anyone would listen to them.

I never said that I would bet on Orlando, I am making a case why they shouldn't be counted out. Unless you hate listening to anyone who disagrees with you then you shouldn't have a problem with that. I don't know who i will bet on yet, but I'm looking at all of my options. And even if I decide to pick Orlando and they lose by a mile, so what? It wouldn't be the first time I lose a bet. I don't have time to play these childish games about "not posting" just because my pick didnt win. So here is a little advice on the next time you respond to a post: 1. People are allowed to express their opinions 2. If you want to debate on someone's opinions, have one of your own and not borrow someone else's 3. Not everybody is a childish as you, meaning just because a bet does or doesn't work out, "bragging" about it or "hiding" doesn't apply to everyone.

Now if you want to have a real debate, let's have one because I want to make sure I get this one right, as everyone does. However if you want to whine about somone attacking the Lakers, or not agreeing with an opinion you got from somone else, don't expect for me to respond. (So If I don't respond back to you next time, now you will know why)

[cocknocker]

Lakers-7.5 Game 2

This is the only time you will ever get good value for the Lakers

[lakerboy]

Do I really think the Lakers would take Orlando lightly? Did you think they would take Houston lightly? And I don't care what any NBA exec says, they are not the final decision maker on who id the best nba player. And after some of the trades these guys pull, it's a wonder why anyone would listen to them.

I never said that I would bet on Orlando, I am making a case why they shouldn't be counted out. Unless you hate listening to anyone who disagrees with you then you shouldn't have a problem with that. I don't know who i will bet on yet, but I'm looking at all of my options. And even if I decide to pick Orlando and they lose by a mile, so what? It wouldn't be the first time I lose a bet. I don't have time to play these childish games about "not posting" just because my pick didnt win. So here is a little advice on the next time you respond to a post: 1. People are allowed to express their opinions 2. If you want to debate on someone's opinions, have one of your own and not borrow someone else's 3. Not everybody is a childish as you, meaning just because a bet does or doesn't work out, "bragging" about it or "hiding" doesn't apply to everyone.

Now if you want to have a real debate, let's have one because I want to make sure I get this one right, as everyone does. However if you want to whine about somone attacking the Lakers, or not agreeing with an opinion you got from somone else, don't expect for me to respond. (So If I don't respond back to you next time, now you will know why)

First of all obviously you got offended by the fact that i disagreed with you. Second of all i didnt hijack cks opinion because i am of the same opinion. 3rd of all i cant stop people making their opinions and i dont want that to happen because then there wouldnt be any point to coming on here. 4th of all this is a fun forum and i enjoy it but because i told u that your point had no point it doesnt mean im wrong because you said kobe wasnt the best player in the game and i responded and you still havent responded with who is the best player in your mind while at the same time you say most execs dont deserve their jobs which has some validity but do you really think that is the right response to the question of whos the best player. i like seeing peoples opinions on here and because i happen to agree with ck then so be it- next time i will make a thread and put down reasons in concise point form for you my friend.

and who said that the lakers took the rockets lightly and they are arrogant. does Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol and Kobe look arrogant to you- kobe has shown the most respect for the oppostion in all of his interviews. the rockets were a good team with alot of heart unlike denver who folded their tents when the pressure was on. yeah you said the lakers might take the magic likely and all i said to you was that was unlikely to happen in the finals and you told me they took the rockets lightly- that wasnt the finals buddy. i can argue with anybody but the only reason i responded to your post was that your reaction seemed unwarranted and with little or no basis of relevance to this series.

[lakerboy]

[quote=Bob Roberts;1900441]

you are out to lunch. do you really think the lakers would take orlando lightly-when was the last time a team went to the final and took a team lightly. come on that is a stupid point and then you say kobe is not the best player in the game- then who is- if you asked any nba exec if their team was in the final right now and they wanted one player i bet you 90% of them would pick kobe.

listen if you want to blow your earnings on orlando then go ahead but dont come on here and make stupid arguments that have no validity. guys like you wont even post here once the lakers whip the magic in game 1. im agreeing with ck that game 1 will be a statement game by la- next time make a point dont just disagree cause you dont like la.[/quote]

Ummmm.......hmmmmm............. I believe a Pistons team was taken VERY LIGHTLY in 2004..... I forgot their opponent that year.... who was it again?......

......Oh yeah, it was a Laker team featuring 4 hall of famers, getting upset by the biggest underdog in the last 25 years of finals games (and maybe longer, I don't know)

..... As far as "blowing your earnings", betting on the spread is a not saying Lakers won't win the series..... Orlando could and probably will cover more of the games in the series, and the lakers pull this out in 6 or 7 games......

im talking about winning the series here and not betting individual games. all im saying is that for orlando to win the series is unlikely but playing them on the spread might be a better option. and just cause the lakers lost the 2004 final it doesnt mean they took detroit lightly they were just considered big favorites cause of their history and star players but injuries and detroits game plan beat them not overconfidence.

[pronk]

Enjoy this one fellas...



CHK CHK BOOM!!!

[The_Kid]

You make a lot of valid points, but there are a few things worth mentioning. First, Kobe is not the best player in the NBA. And second, I don't think anyone could have beaten or beat the Lakers, Nuggets, or Magic 3 times in a row in these playoffs. And while your argument against Orlando has some merit let's take a look at the Lakers who are inconsistent and very arrogant which kind of goes along with being inconsistent. The Laker's certainly have the talent to win, but if they decide to take Orlando lightly, which they have been known to do with teams in these playoffs, then Orlando could be celebrating their first championship...

First off, if you know the Lakers, they step up when they need to. I watch this team every single game and they've been inconsistent throughout the whole season but when everyone starts doubting them and thinking the Nuggets will win or the Rockets have a shot at upsetting them, THAT is when they play their game. But that's also their problem too. They step up when they need to and handle business when they need to. If Kobe is not the best, then who is? It certainly can't be Lebron.

[Bradyd]

First of all obviously you got offended by the fact that i disagreed with you. Second of all i didnt hijack cks opinion because i am of the same opinion. 3rd of all i cant stop people making their opinions and i dont want that to happen because then there wouldnt be any point to coming on here. 4th of all this is a fun forum and i enjoy it but because i told u that your point had no point it doesnt mean im wrong because you said kobe wasnt the best player in the game and i responded and you still havent responded with who is the best player in your mind while at the same time you say most execs dont deserve their jobs which has some validity but do you really think that is the right response to the question of whos the best player. i like seeing peoples opinions on here and because i happen to agree with ck then so be it- next time i will make a thread and put down reasons in concise point form for you my friend.

and who said that the lakers took the rockets lightly and they are arrogant. does Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol and Kobe look arrogant to you- kobe has shown the most respect for the oppostion in all of his interviews. the rockets were a good team with alot of heart unlike denver who folded their tents when the pressure was on. yeah you said the lakers might take the magic likely and all i said to you was that was unlikely to happen in the finals and you told me they took the rockets lightly- that wasnt the finals buddy. i can argue with anybody but the only reason i responded to your post was that your reaction seemed unwarranted and with little or no basis of relevance to this series.

You are a homer, I get it. Which is why you think anyone and I mean anyone who has something unflattering to say about the Lakers hates them. That's is just not the case here. And the reason why I, as you put it, "got offended" is because you came responded to my post in a hostile way. There was no need for that. Not to mention that you jumped to false conclusions. Why should I show you any respect when you clearly didn't show me any?

And no, Kobe is not the best basketball player to me. I reached this conclusion by myself, not what the nba execs think they know. (And you should probably keep in mind that when they are asked this question, it's based on skill and on who can bring in the most money. Kobe brings in more money than Lebron because he has been around longer) Lebron is the best player in my book. And I like Kobe better than I do Lebron, esp. after his actions in game 6. I base my decision off of the fact that Lebron is bigger, stronger, quicker, better penetrator, and he makes his teammates better. Kobe is a better jump shooter and closer. Their maturity level is about the same. This isn't a compliment of Lebrons, but more of a negative on Kobe as it was just 2 years ago when he started whining about being traded. Both need work in that area. That's just my opinion. But I see how other's would think kobe is better. I just don't.

And the Lakers are VERY, VERY arrogant! And with Houston, it was arrogance. Because if it wasn't, Houston would not have gotten blown out by 40 points in game 5. Houston, without Yao for most of the series and TMac, should not have taken the Lakers to a game 7, and should not have beaten the Lakers by double digits. They didn't pull that with Denver as they knew how good Denver was and respected them. Denver, without KG on Boston, is probably the 2nd best team in the NBA.

And my points were relevant. Based on the information above, you should be worried that Lakers may get too arrogant or cocky. All of the Laker fans I know have some worries with that. At least the ones who understand that the Lakers do in fact get that way sometimes. And for you to think that the Lakers showed no signs of that when they played Houston amazes me. Here we are in the playoffs, and the Lakers are taking games off.
Anyways, I am investing on 1 team on Thursday and if you can put my theories to shame please do it. I rather be made a fool of with money in my pocket as oppose to vice versa.

[Bradyd]

First off, if you know the Lakers, they step up when they need to. I watch this team every single game and they've been inconsistent throughout the whole season but when everyone starts doubting them and thinking the Nuggets will win or the Rockets have a shot at upsetting them, THAT is when they play their game. But that's also their problem too. They step up when they need to and handle business when they need to. If Kobe is not the best, then who is? It certainly can't be Lebron.

Yes, it's Lebron! He led that crappy team to, 66 wins was it? I don't remember but that is amazing. It reminds me of Jordan leading that crappy Bulls team to 70 and high 60's wins. But at least he has Pippen. Lebron has Mo Williams???

I agree with you on your other statements. However, if you give the Magic an inch they will take a mile. And I believe that the Nuggets caused most of their own problems...

[lakerboy]

You are a homer, I get it. Which is why you think anyone and I mean anyone who has something unflattering to say about the Lakers hates them. That's is just not the case here. And the reason why I, as you put it, "got offended" is because you came responded to my post in a hostile way. There was no need for that. Not to mention that you jumped to false conclusions. Why should I show you any respect when you clearly didn't show me any?

And no, Kobe is not the best basketball player to me. I reached this conclusion by myself, not what the nba execs think they know. (And you should probably keep in mind that when they are asked this question, it's based on skill and on who can bring in the most money. Kobe brings in more money than Lebron because he has been around longer) Lebron is the best player in my book. And I like Kobe better than I do Lebron, esp. after his actions in game 6. I base my decision off of the fact that Lebron is bigger, stronger, quicker, better penetrator, and he makes his teammates better. Kobe is a better jump shooter and closer. Their maturity level is about the same. This isn't a compliment of Lebrons, but more of a negative on Kobe as it was just 2 years ago when he started whining about being traded. Both need work in that area. That's just my opinion. But I see how other's would think kobe is better. I just don't.

And the Lakers are VERY, VERY arrogant! And with Houston, it was arrogance. Because if it wasn't, Houston would not have gotten blown out by 40 points in game 5. Houston, without Yao for most of the series and TMac, should not have taken the Lakers to a game 7, and should not have beaten the Lakers by double digits. They didn't pull that with Denver as they knew how good Denver was and respected them. Denver, without KG on Boston, is probably the 2nd best team in the NBA.

And my points were relevant. Based on the information above, you should be worried that Lakers may get too arrogant or cocky. All of the Laker fans I know have some worries with that. At least the ones who understand that the Lakers do in fact get that way sometimes. And for you to think that the Lakers showed no signs of that when they played Houston amazes me. Here we are in the playoffs, and the Lakers are taking games off.
Anyways, I am investing on 1 team on Thursday and if you can put my theories to shame please do it. I rather be made a fool of with money in my pocket as oppose to vice versa.

how could you say that after watching the last series as kobe brought the best out in his people as a leader. MAturity level the same that is a sad statement considering what Lebron did after game6 and then compared it to fighting. maybe Lebron was a bully in high school and thats his only relevant comparison. he is a sore loser and showed zero maturity after that game. Lebron being your favorite player is no surprise cause anyone who doesnt think Kobe is the best is usually a Lebron fan. as for the lakers taking games off that shows you have no respect for the other teams as when the lakers lose its always about how they never showed up but when they win its the refs or they are so talented come on man the lakers are a very good team but this season is about growing through the lumps in the playoffs. i dont care if people hate the lakers thats good for them as we have seen the laker fans usually have a good team to cheer for and as for taking nights off the last time i checked Lebron took the "night off " in game 6.

[lakerboy]

Yes, it's Lebron! He led that crappy team to, 66 wins was it? I don't remember but that is amazing. It reminds me of Jordan leading that crappy Bulls team to 70 and high 60's wins. But at least he has Pippen. Lebron has Mo Williams???

I agree with you on your other statements. However, if you give the Magic an inch they will take a mile. And I believe that the Nuggets caused most of their own problems...

The truth has finally come out you are just a Lebron fan who is pissed your team was bitch slapped by the Magic and now your hoping they do the same to LA. Dream on buddy cause it aint gonna happen. crappy bulls team eh so now you want to bring them down to funny guy. that bulls team was stacked you dont win 3 titles in arow twice with crappy teams- i cant believe you your true colors finally came out this debate is done for me man you and Doug Collins can go and make love to your boy LEbron

[The_Kid]

Yes, it's Lebron! He led that crappy team to, 66 wins was it? I don't remember but that is amazing. It reminds me of Jordan leading that crappy Bulls team to 70 and high 60's wins. But at least he has Pippen. Lebron has Mo Williams???

I agree with you on your other statements. However, if you give the Magic an inch they will take a mile. And I believe that the Nuggets caused most of their own problems...

Bradyd, I will have to respectfully disagree with you. You make it sound like Mo Williams is a scrub and he certainly isn't. If you watched the Cavs play, then you should know that Williams and West are legit players. IMO, I think West can be an All-Star in the future. The dude is a gamer. Obviously, this team wasn't crappy because to win 66 games is a heck of an accomplishment and not one player can do that by himself. The other players for Lebron stepped up during the regular season but during the playoffs, the Cavs were exposed. The Magic were just the better team and the Cavs had it way too easy in the first two rounds with the Pistons and Hawks. Here's a statement that should garner some interest and debate. If Kobe loses a series and his supporting cast doesn't step up, then Kobe gets the heat. For Lebron, his supporting cast got the heat. Lebron is loved by everyone, including the media. They will not harp on him one bit. No, Lebron's maturity level is not the same as Kobe's. Lebron's decisions at the end of close ballgames should be enough to notice that he is still young and the mental aspect of the game hasn't come to him fully yet. Of course he's bigger and stronger. He was just built like that and you can't control that. You point out that Kobe is the better closer and to me, THAT is what it comes down to. If I can't trust the best player in the closing seconds with the game on the line, then does he really deserve that title? I can certainly trust Kobe at the line or if he has the ball at the top of the key with 10 seconds and his team down by a point. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Lebron just yet.

[lakerboy]

Bradyd, I will have to respectfully disagree with you. You make it sound like Mo Williams is a scrub and he certainly isn't. If you watched the Cavs play, then you should know that Williams and West are legit players. IMO, I think West can be an All-Star in the future. The dude is a gamer. Obviously, this team wasn't crappy because to win 66 games is a heck of an accomplishment and not one player can do that by himself. The other players for Lebron stepped up during the regular season but during the playoffs, the Cavs were exposed. The Magic were just the better team and the Cavs had it way too easy in the first two rounds with the Pistons and Hawks. Here's a statement that should garner some interest and debate. If Kobe loses a series and his supporting cast doesn't step up, then Kobe gets the heat. For Lebron, his supporting cast got the heat. Lebron is loved by everyone, including the media. They will not harp on him one bit. No, Lebron's maturity level is not the same as Kobe's. Lebron's decisions at the end of close ballgames should be enough to notice that he is still young and the mental aspect of the game hasn't come to him fully yet. Of course he's bigger and stronger. He was just built like that and you can't control that. You point out that Kobe is the better closer and to me, THAT is what it comes down to. If I can't trust the best player in the closing seconds with the game on the line, then does he really deserve that title? I can certainly trust Kobe at the line or if he has the ball at the top of the key with 10 seconds and his team down by a point. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Lebron just yet.

The defense rests- case closed

[HoulihansTX]

After reading all the discussions that are going on this morning I have to say that this is my favorite thread. Fluid discussions, adept opinions, and many rebuttles. Keep it coming fellas. I think everyone should put their series predictions in their signatures for the time being.

[suicidekings]

The MVP doesn't go to the best player. It goes to the player that had the most significant impact for his team during the season, and if you took Lebron and Kobe away from their respective teams for the season, I feel like the Cavs would have felt the loss a lot more.

And the Lakers are lazyat times. For a team that's so good when they want to be, and so many times this year built up a huge lead only to give most of it back and fail to cover the spread (65-17 SU, 42-39-1 ATS), what else would you call that?

No one is doubting the talent on the Lakers team, and not many people are questioning that the Lakers have a very good chance of winning the series, but for the entire playoffs, the Magic have been dismissed as unworthy of playing against the teams they've faced. It was very apparent with the Celtics series, the Cavs series, and now (very predictably) with the Lakers. You can make any kind of excuses you want for Boston and Cleveland (and for the Lakers, in advance), but the end result was that the Magic won both series, coming up big in the clutch moments. Ignoring that fact doesn't make you a more dedicated Lakers fan. It just endangers the size of your bankroll.

It's thinking like this that leads to chasing the team you think has to win and making unwise wagers. The impartial bettor is the one that will have long term success.

[Trixie]

I think that you guys who are quoting the Magic's success over the Lakers in the regular season as a strong indicator that they will succeed against them now, need also remember that Jameer Nelson was playing in those games. I advocate strongly in not making wagers as a result of injuries, but in this case, don't forget that Derek Fisher gets destroyed by speed. Aaron Brooks showed you that. Rafer Alston will not do the same job on Fisher that Nelson did. Nor will he put up anywhere near the 20+ ppg.

[MarkHammond]

Las Vegas lines at Startosphere and Mirage are at 6.5. They have been teetering between 6 and 6.5, which means that a move is coming. it takes a little while for lines to trickle down from the Desert

CK you seem so sure like you was about Cavs ML last game. You looking at lines and all this stuff too much instead of the two teams playing the game. When the Magic cover then what?

[cocknocker]

CK you seem so sure like you was about Cavs ML last game. You looking at lines and all this stuff too much instead of the two teams playing the game. When the Magic cover then what?

When you hit at 70% overall and 80% on your HEAVY plays in the NBA playoffs then you can make the kind of comment that you just made. But when you haven't then you shouldn't make that kind of comment. As far as I have seen I haven't seen you make calls that are hitting at 70%. And I certainly haven't seen you do that

[jasont]

I think that you guys who are quoting the Magic's success over the Lakers in the regular season as a strong indicator that they will succeed against them now, need also remember that Jameer Nelson was playing in those games. I advocate strongly in not making wagers as a result of injuries, but in this case, don't forget that Derek Fisher gets destroyed by speed. Aaron Brooks showed you that. Rafer Alston will not do the same job on Fisher that Nelson did. Nor will he put up anywhere near the 20+ ppg.

You fail to take into consideration that the Magic are a better team now then they were back then. Not to mention, Mikael Pietrus is playing some ball (can you say James Posey from last year).

[Trixie]

Well I respectfully disagree about that. I think that they look like a better team now because they matched up so well against the Cavs. When was it that they became this better team? Because it definitely wasn't the final games of the regular season and it definitely wasn't the first round of the playoffs against the Sixers. Did they become a better team when they edged a tired and depleted Celtics team?

The Magic have been outstanding but I personally feel that they were made to look good by a Cavs team that didn't know how to handle them.

Pietrus is awesome, I agree. But I can't imagine he will get so many open corner threes. I think his most important contribution will be guarding Kobe.

[Abrcrom12]

So, I'm set on taking LA 1H. I'm on the fence about the 1Q and will mull on that a little more.
I'm considering taking OR ATS. What are people's thoughts on buying 2pts to take it to 8?
I feel like this is going to be a close game and figure the 2pts will give a little bit of insurance.
I'm a rookie when it comes to the intricacies of when to buy pts and when not to.
Thoughts?

[Abrcrom12]

CK you seem so sure like you was about Cavs ML last game. You looking at lines and all this stuff too much instead of the two teams playing the game. When the Magic cover then what?

Mark, seriously dude? You're goin' up against Goliath here. So, since your name is David....GTFO of here!

[cocknocker]

Public Service Announcement:

It was a curious move by Orlando to bring Jameer Nelson back into the fold at this time. He will mess up the synergy that hs been created on the team while he was out. It is either a selfish move on Jameers' behalf or a seriously unnecessary desperate move by the Orlando management. Not a good idea to tamper with the chemistry that the team has now. This will be a distraction for Orlando at the wrong time. Keeping him out of the mix until next year was the right idea to begin with. It's sort of like a waiting random ass partner joining in your group at the last quarter of a marathon. Everyone in the group has established a pace, and then there's this guy who is either just a hair too fast or too slow. And this goes on for a while until he gets the rhythym. But by the time he gets the rhythym, the race is pretty much over.

This guy is actually gonna take some minutes from the guys who have gotten the team this far.


You may now return to regularly scheduled pogramming already in progress

[BL]

So, I'm set on taking LA 1H. I'm on the fence about the 1Q and will mull on that a little more.
I'm considering taking OR ATS. What are people's thoughts on buying 2pts to take it to 8?
I feel like this is going to be a close game and figure the 2pts will give a little bit of insurance.
I'm a rookie when it comes to the intricacies of when to buy pts and when not to.
Thoughts?

Leaning the same, Abrcrom! After analyzing this matchup a little more i'll post my opinion.

[RICHIE801]

Public Service Announcement:

It was a curious move by Orlando to bring Jameer Nelson back into the fold at this time. He will mess up the synergy that hs been created on the team while he was out. It is either a selfish move on Jameers' behalf or a seriously unnecessary desperate move by the Orlando management. Not a good idea to tamper with the chemistry that the team has now. This will be a distraction for Orlando at the wrong time. Keeping him out of the mix until next year was the right idea to begin with. It's sort of like a waiting random ass partner joining in your group at the last quarter of a marathon. Everyone in the group has established a pace, and then there's this guy who is either just a hair too fast or too slow. And this goes on for a while until he gets the rhythym. But by the time he gets the rhythym, the race is pretty much over.

This guy is actually gonna take some minutes from the guys who have gotten the team this far.


You may now return to regularly scheduled pogramming already in progress

I agree, how much playing time you anticipate he gets? I can't believe they would bring him back when he hasnt played ball for months.

[pho3nix32]

Public Service Announcement:

It was a curious move by Orlando to bring Jameer Nelson back into the fold at this time. He will mess up the synergy that hs been created on the team while he was out. It is either a selfish move on Jameers' behalf or a seriously unnecessary desperate move by the Orlando management. Not a good idea to tamper with the chemistry that the team has now. This will be a distraction for Orlando at the wrong time. Keeping him out of the mix until next year was the right idea to begin with. It's sort of like a waiting random ass partner joining in your group at the last quarter of a marathon. Everyone in the group has established a pace, and then there's this guy who is either just a hair too fast or too slow. And this goes on for a while until he gets the rhythym. But by the time he gets the rhythym, the race is pretty much over.

This guy is actually gonna take some minutes from the guys who have gotten the team this far.


You may now return to regularly scheduled pogramming already in progress

agree with you here CK. lakers in 5 after this move.

[BCaldwell32]

You guys did not learn anything from last year's finals did you?? The Lakers lines were so over inflated against Celtics it was a joke and that is why The C's covered every single game and embarassed the Lakers. The reason is because LA is the biggest gambling draw for Vegas and everyone over values the Lakers. The real line for game 1 should be somewhere around 4.5, but if that was the line all the Laker homers would be all over the line and the action on the game would be totally lopsided. The books want 50% on one side and 50% on the other and they rake in the vig with no risk. You would do very well fading Lakers point spreads for the rest of your lives because they are always to high. I like Orlando to win this series because they have impressed me in these playoffs and although the Lakers match up fairly well against them, they still have no answer for Dwight Howard and he will have a monster series. Also, you bring your best players to play ball, if Jameer is ready to play then you put him on bench and since they really had no backup at point guard he would be a huge benefit even at 80% or so. The Lakers might win this series but it is not gonna be easy and anyone who says it is, has ZERO clue about basketball!!! This is gonna be one hell of a series!!!!

[SexyMit]

under!!

[repski]

You guys did not learn anything from last year's finals did you?? The Lakers lines were so over inflated against Celtics it was a joke and that is why The C's covered every single game and embarassed the Lakers. The reason is because LA is the biggest gambling draw for Vegas and everyone over values the Lakers. The real line for game 1 should be somewhere around 4.5, but if that was the line all the Laker homers would be all over the line and the action on the game would be totally lopsided. The books want 50% on one side and 50% on the other and they rake in the vig with no risk. You would do very well fading Lakers point spreads for the rest of your lives because they are always to high. I like Orlando to win this series because they have impressed me in these playoffs and although the Lakers match up fairly well against them, they still have no answer for Dwight Howard and he will have a monster series. Also, you bring your best players to play ball, if Jameer is ready to play then you put him on bench and since they really had no backup at point guard he would be a huge benefit even at 80% or so. The Lakers might win this series but it is not gonna be easy and anyone who says it is, has ZERO clue about basketball!!! This is gonna be one hell of a series!!!!

sorry BC..I respect your opinion nut I disagree.
Cleveland cost themselves in the series against Orlando...in the 4th Q of each game they totally got away from running a team offense and went to Lebron left..Lebron right...The Zen master will not wilt like the "coach of the year".
LA's 2nd group is MUCH better than Cleveland's and will not surrender leads like Cleveland's 2nd teamers.
Also Ziggy was a TOTAL non factor versus Orlando...even a HUGE detriment....If LAL get a 25pt 1st Q lead like Clevland did...they won't surrender it.
you may say I have no clue..but I say LAL in 5..

[The_Kid]

The Lakers experience and Kobe's ability to take over down the stretch will be the difference in this series. Lebron made too many stupid decisions and Mike Brown didn't make any adjustments from game to game. Phil Jackson WILL NOT get outcoached by Van Gundy. I say Lakers take it in six games.

[cs11787]

Hey CK you should start a new "NBA Finals" thread and have everyone follow you there. Im thinking about putting even money on Lakers to win 4-1 (+605) and Lakers to win 4-2 (+265). I know Lakers will win and I doubt it goes to game 7. What you guys think?