NBA: Saturday losers must step up tonight
2008-04-22
The playoffs continue on Monday with a doubleheader of games on TNT. Cleveland and Utah lead their respective series’, meaning the pressure in on the Wizards and Rockets to step up in Game 2. History shows at Game 1 losers are 15-4 ATS in the next contest in the first round.
Both Washington and Houston lost opening round games and neither was sharp when it needed to be. Washington’s Gilbert Arenas scored 24 points, but at crunch time, showed the rust of only playing 13 games this season, throwing up off-balance shots or making even worse passes, as the Wizards had little magic down the stretch to thwart Cleveland. Houston immediately gave away home court advantage to Utah, as all players not named Shane Battier couldn’t throw in the nearby Gulf of Mexico, shooting 22-72, 30.5 percent for the game.
When a team losses game one on the road, oddsmakers usually shade the visitor anticipating a better performance in the next contest on the road. This is exactly what happened and bettors have been quick to follow suit. In the opener, Cleveland opened as four-point home favorites, were bet down to three, before settling at 3.5. For this encounter, the number opened one point lower at three, and those wagering have taken the bait, with the Cavs down to 1.5-point favorites.
Washington, for the most part was solid for 43 minutes, as the game went back and forth. The lack of execution at the end of the game was profound and Washington will need to do a better job. The Wizards are 8-1 ATS in road games after failing to cover two of their last three against the spread this season.
LeBron James received what he expected from now common first round opponent. The Wizards hacked and whacked him, yet the NBA’s scoring champion still managed to score 32 points and made two clutch baskets in the last 1:37 for Cleveland. “I have no problem getting hit,” said James, who went to the free-throw line 14 times. “But there’s a difference between a foul and a LeBron foul. If that’s what their game plan is, I have to be able to get back up and continue to let my game speak for itself.” Cleveland has five of last six opening round games.
Sportsbook.com had the first game at 187 total and despite being eight points below that number, linemakers are holding steady at that figure. These two have played Under the number 15 of last 21 in Cleveland. Tipoff is set for just past 7 Eastern on TNT.
The absence of Yao Ming for Houston was like driving down the highway with the parking brake on; something was amiss, with a foul odor. Because of Ming’s broken left foot, Carlos Boozer had free reign in the lane, scoring 20 points and napping 16 boards. In all, the Jazz scored 50 points in the paint. The lack of offense efficiency was shown with no Ming or Rafer Alston to direct the offense. Instead, backup Bobby Jackson looked every bit of a 35-year old point guard, missing 12 of 15 shot attempts and having as many turnovers as assists (3).
Oddsmakers have decided to stick with the Rockets as one point favorites, knowing game one home losers are 15-4-1 ATS in next contest. Houston is also 15-5-1 ATS as a home favorite and 12-4-1 against the number if the opposition has a losing road record.
After watching Utah play so well on the road, talked has surfaced, they might be the most complete team in the West. Coach Jerry Sloan teams are always going to give effort, and they are beaten usually by a more skilled team, not by lack of due diligence. Houston could be tailor made opponent for Utah, since the Jazz are 17-3 ATS versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3-point shots a game in the second half of this season.
Houston is presumed to be fired up to even the series; however ignoring the fact they have failed to cover six straight playoff games and are 1-8 ATS facing Utah (0-4 ATS at home), making this a definite cause for reflection before placing wager.
This Western affair starts right after the first game, with Houston 13-4 UNDER in home games after four straight games forcing opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers.
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