The Knicks haven't lost back-to-back games since April 20 & 23 and haven't lost back-to-back at MSG since mid-January. This is one of those I won't stress losing because I'd like the Chalamets and Stephen A's and McEnroes (although I loved him in that memorable Curb episode: "Freak Book!") of the world to just go away. Would be thrilled with a Spurs win to ensure a Game 6. As far as I can tell, the road team has never won the first four games of any NBA Finals. I completely remember the '93 Finals when the Bulls won the first two in Phoenix and the Suns won Game 3 in Chicago, but we all know what happened onward: #MJdontloseinfinals
At least in the NBA I grew up on, young teams had to fail in the playoffs before breaking through and winning a title. Could the young Spurs win tonight at the defending NBA champions? Sure they could, but I don't believe they are "ready" yet for a Game 7 road win at an opponent of this caliber. Perhaps that's no longer a thing where like MJ's young Bulls had to kinda advance a round per year and then lose to Boston or Detroit before figuring things out. No Jalen Williams or Ajay Mitchell is not great but perhaps a 40-burger coming from struggling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC hasn't lost B2B games that mattered since early February.
Have the Knicks looked sensational lately? For sure. Are they getting overhyped because of us and ESPN, etc., because it's a New York team? 100% I don't need to see Mariska Hargitay this much if not watching SVU. But I can't ever crack on Ben Stiller because, obviously, Severance. This is clearly the season for the Cavs. They might be broken after that Game 1 collapse but I really don't think they get swept. What did they expect banking on James Harden? But they have been pretty dominant at home in these playoffs. Trying to think of the Cleveland famous fan version of Mariska. Drew Carey? Mr. Taylor Swift?
Thought the Cavs had a better roster than the Pistons anyways and now they have a chance to finish at home. Ideally, James Harden calls in sick (Beard not a great track record in elimination games), but Cleveland has been dominant at home for months. Detroit is terrible at 3-point shooting anyways and without Duncan Robinson even worse. He missed Game 5 and iffy for Game 6. I'm not sure it matters because while D-Rob can shoot, he's a massive defensive liability. Basically me. The Pistons need to get Giannis this offseason. Then they'd be fun.
Detroit made Game 3 in Cleveland much sweatier than I would have preferred, but the Cavs pulled it out. Unbeaten at home in these playoffs. James Harden especially looks like a different player on his home court than away. The Beard hit a couple of huge late shots in Saturday's victory. It would not surprise me at all if the home team won all seven in this series as happened in Round 1 between the Cavs and Raptors. Cleveland (obviously including playoffs) is an NBA-best 18-3 at home since Jan. 23 and has won nine straight at Rocket Mortgage Arena. Series is all but over if they drop this one.
Human nature for the Knicks to let up a bit -- I'll admit thought they would lose Game 3 without OG Anunoby. Can't imagine he plays today with a 3-0 lead. That would be stupid. I'm already so (pre) tired of hearing all these Knicks clowns with them in the East Finals much less if get to NBA Finals. That would be a disaster and I'll cancel ESPN for a month so I don't have to listen to Stephen A. just scream at the camera (I'll watch one of those shows maybe if you give me $5 million but only with ear muffs) when that dude gets every single prediction wrong. Not a fan. Bayless even less so if it's possible to go below zero.
Not been my NBA season, too many big favorites and that's not my cup of tea. Probably least I have ever bet the sport. But if I were writing the newsletter today? This is Leg 1 of a parlay. But I'm so fine with it solo that I'm going our max two units. I may do much more than that personally (realize just now what person I sound like on X and it turns my stomach). Will wait until closer to tip to decide because the NBA injury report may as well be toilet paper for how trustworthy it is these days. It's startling how different the Cavs have looked home and away in these playoffs. Hopefully they can flip the switch.
I don't see OG Anunoby playing Friday, and frankly New York should not let him with that hammy. Bigger goals more important than one game with a 2-0 lead. OG has been the best Knick in the playoffs overall. I won't even mention the Sixers guy with the initials JE. Frankly, I don't think it matters about JE playing or not, the Sixers will get this one at home. But I'll take it now at -1 as it likely gets to -3 or -3.5 if JE is cleared and OG is out. Initials ball Friday night!
Don't know this is my favorite play ever, but my Michigan peeps deserve some positive news after the Tarik Skubal injury (and the Wings missing the playoffs again). I think the Cavs have the better roster and may win the series, but they looked pretty awful on the road in Round 1 vs. Toronto. James Harden especially was bad in those road games. Dude just can't rise to the occasion in the playoffs apparently. The Pistons seemed to find their mojo in the final three vs. Orlando. The model loves Detroit.
I pretty much agree with everything Josh Nagel said in his pick. We are getting a mega-discount because no Jayson Tatum. If this were away? Nope. But I'm sure Joel Embiid will trip on a Twizzler or something and basically even that out. And I just don't have faith in the Sixers. At all. Why would we? If someone says Playoff Paul George again, I shall heave like a hungover college student who made the mistake of having beets the night before. So, yeah, Dwight Schrute.
The Rockets got their one to avoid embarrassment via a sweep on their home court, but LA should finish this off at home on Wednesday in Game 5. I expect a huge game from LeBron James after maybe his worst-ever playoff outing in that Game 4 loss. And all signs point to Austin Reaves finally playing even though he's technically a game-time call. Last thing the Lakers need is a Game 6 back in Houston and a few more days on the court ahead of facing the Thunder in Round 2.
Feels like the proud and not-bad Suns will show up for one game, anyways, and cover a big number at home -- no Jalen Williams again for OKC helps a little in theory. Total human nature for the Thunder guys to somewhat go half-motion tonight knowing at worst they finish the series back in Game 5 at home. Although I certainly don't expect a Phoenix upset here. Our model has OKC by nine. It's the last +11.5 on our board and I probably wouldn't go lower, though. I'll spin my Manchester United half-unit cash from this afternoon into this one.
Yep, I'm a glutton for punishment. Just can't believe the Rockets will get swept out on their home floor. And I'm fascinated to see how they do play after coach Ime Udoka utterly shredded his guys after Game 3, one of the most blistering coach things you will ever hear. I'm not sure Udoka can return next season now if the Lakers do sweep, it was that harsh. And Kendrick Perkins destroyed Kevin Durant on social media for not even trying to play in Game 3. Kinda agree with him. The Rockets might just lay down tonight as all of a sudden it seems a dysfunctional bunch. Or they respond like gangbusters. I honestly don't know so will do a half unit.
I don't really tail much and this was on my radar anyways. But then I saw the excellent Mike Barner's play, and it was the clincher. CJ McCollum looks like he is at Lehigh, just smoking the Knicks like a pack of Kool. New York has one plus-defender in OG Anunoby but he's usually on Jalen Johnson. NBA guys are weird. They want that 20. 19 just ain't the same. And we know CJ will have the ball late if the game is close, so he should get a few free throw attempts. Jalen Brunson sure can't guard him. Brunson can't guard my grandma. But Yvonne had major skills ...
Clearly the books think Victor Wembanyama is playing. He is the face of the league now, so in my opinion ... he's not playing. Obviously the NBA wants its stars out there, but he was knocked out cold the other night on national TV and the optics of rushing him back from a concussion would be terrible. Hey, if Wemby is cleared then he is. Great. Incredible to watch. I think he's back Game 4, though, so this is Portland's one chance to steal the series. Or at least home court. Tonight is the franchise's first home playoff game in five years. Portlandia!