A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article regarding Lebron James. That was before game 7 of the first round and I said that win or lose that game, the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as King James have earned their respect and keep in the NBA. I never thought I'd be writing again about the Cavs at this point. I mean who would have guessed they'd have taken the Pistons to a seventh game?
Even their critics have to be impressed with the Cavs. Before disposing of Washington, many argued that Cleveland's lack of playoff experience and Lebron's young age would keep them from their first playoff series win against the more experienced Wizards. They were wrong. In game one, Cleveland goes into Detroit and gets lambasted 113-86. The Cleveland naysayers were feeling vindicated again - burying the Cavs after one game. Cleveland lost game two but by a respectable margin. Then they won back-to-back games at home tying up the series. After proving the public (and Rasheed Wallace) wrong, many expected Cleveland to roll over when they went to Detroit for Game 5. Without Larry Hughes by their side, the Cavaliers won a hard fought road game as an 11 point underdog. That win was HUGE and solidified their right to be here.
Although they lost Game 6 at home, they nearly pulled out the win and they got the cover.
Now, the Cavs head into Detroit as 5:1 underdogs to pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. Detroit in close out games are usually money in the bank. I still believe Detroit is by far the more talented team and 6-0 in series deciding Game 7's - including the win at Miami last year in the Eastern Conference Finals.
But, is it that easy to back the Pistons here? They lost outright to Cleveland a few days ago here as 11 point favorites. The Cavs seem to matchup very well and are lose as they have nothing to lose. All of the pressure is on Detroit which desparately wants to avoid a terrible upset. My numbers say Detroit should win and cover but they told me that in Game 5 as well and we know what happened there. Personally, I'm passing on this game as it could go either way. It wouldn't shock me to see Detroit put their foot down and win by double digits. It also wouldn't surprise me, with the way the Cavs are playing, to see this game come down to a last second shot. Good luck to you with your bets. I'll be back tomorrow with at least one pick in tomorrow's games (I am liking at least one a lot as of now and it will likely be a 4-star play). |
