Keep in mind that my picks are primarily based on market analysis and situational power rankings, the following write-ups are not exhaustive as to the factors that led to my booking each play.
All power rankings are SOS weighted and split exclusively between home and road performance. Home performance has no affect on a team’s road power ranking and vice-versa.
Play:
Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5
Stake: 2.2 to win 2 units
Shipping Ramon Sessions to LA created an interesting dynamic for the Cavs. On the surface, it may look like they shipped a capable back-up PG for peanuts. However, Luke Walton had a +3.9 Roland rating with the Lakers this year, in limited minutes. He adds I.Q. and a veteran presence to the Cavs, who lack in both categories. Plus he is genuinely excited to finally get more playing time and a larger role in Cleveland.
Another area in which the Cavs will benefit is Kyrie Irving’s MPG at PG. According to Byron Scott, Irving will get 35-36 minutes of run per game, now that Sessions is gone. The Cavs are obviously better when they have Irving on the floor, and now they will have him out there 4 to 5 minutes longer every game.
The Hawks have healthy starters, but their bench is decimated. On the other hand, the Cavs are pretty deep and young. They will have fresh legs out there at all times, while the Hawks are asking 37-43 minutes from all of their starters.
This line should improve. Just remember that it is 3:00 game, so don’t forget to get your money down on it.
Referee assignments:
All power rankings are SOS weighted and split exclusively between home and road performance. Home performance has no affect on a team’s road power ranking and vice-versa.
Play:
Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5
Stake: 2.2 to win 2 units
Shipping Ramon Sessions to LA created an interesting dynamic for the Cavs. On the surface, it may look like they shipped a capable back-up PG for peanuts. However, Luke Walton had a +3.9 Roland rating with the Lakers this year, in limited minutes. He adds I.Q. and a veteran presence to the Cavs, who lack in both categories. Plus he is genuinely excited to finally get more playing time and a larger role in Cleveland.
Another area in which the Cavs will benefit is Kyrie Irving’s MPG at PG. According to Byron Scott, Irving will get 35-36 minutes of run per game, now that Sessions is gone. The Cavs are obviously better when they have Irving on the floor, and now they will have him out there 4 to 5 minutes longer every game.
The Hawks have healthy starters, but their bench is decimated. On the other hand, the Cavs are pretty deep and young. They will have fresh legs out there at all times, while the Hawks are asking 37-43 minutes from all of their starters.
This line should improve. Just remember that it is 3:00 game, so don’t forget to get your money down on it.
Referee assignments:
- Mike Callahan: 16-14 home team ATS record
- Tommy Nunez Jr.: 17-14 home team ATS record
- Sean Wright: 18-15-1 home team ATS record
