Will Stern let Lakers win?

[Nuggz]

After orlando wins this game, will Stern even allow for 3 out of 4 series to go 0-3? Seems like the possibility of 2 or 3 sweeps loses the NBA some real $$.

Already locked in the Lakers at +5 so the thought made me nervous.

[No coincidences]

Public cashing huge again with Orlando today.

Only problem -- public has been pounding Utah in the last 24 hours or so as well (at least by my research).

I've never paid much attention before, but I don't remember a public win streak like this in the NBA playoffs.

[shroomysoup]

I think the Lakers will be taking game 3 off. They'll come out flat and unmotivated. Expect an enthusiastic Jazz team to win. Stern won't have an effect in this game because more games means more money.

[Nuggz]

Yes thats what I was implying, more games = more money. If the Lakers come out strong instead, we might see some calls going Utah's way.

I think LA wants to prove they are still the team to beat.

[snowball22]

Utah will win today.

[uanl]

it'll be interesting... it wouldn't be good for the NBA with 3 out of 4 series having a pretty much meaningless game 4 ...

[joe.park]

Or LA will win and everyone will watch only Cavs all week.

[frostno98]

Utah has been playing the Lakers competitively the last two games. They should benefit from most of the referee calls today. That would at the very least, keep them in the game or protect a 5 point lead.