SPS Investors
Cleveland vs. Golden State
Pick: Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers have clawed their ways back from a 3-1 deficit to force what many would have considered an improbable Game 7 tonight. Down in a 3-1 hole, LeBron James has almost single handedly put his team on his shoulders and have rattled off two consecutive 40+ point performances to put his team in a position to not only bring home Cleveland's first championship in 52 years, but also hand the Warriors their first 3 game losing streak in nearly 3 years!
At the moment, the Golden State Warriors are reeling. The Cleveland defense has done a great job of not only containing two-time MVP Steph Curry, but have also done a good job at limiting the damage done by perimeter sharpshooter, Klay Thompson. The Warriors are arguably the most dangerous teaming the league with their outside shooting which is a big reason for their success this season, however the Cavs have managed to limit the damage by their shooters, forcing Golden State into contested shots. James has certainly turned up his defensive pressure and it has paid dividends for his team. In the last 4 games he has recorded 10 steals and 11 blocks. He has been a force in the paint, protecting the rim, and that has also helped in forcing Golden State into less than high percentage looks at the basket.
On the offensive side of the ball, Cleveland has basically been imposing their will on the Warriors defense. The loss of Andrew Bogut has certainly hurt Golden State's defensive presence as Bogut was a true rim protector. Not having that size on the floor has allowed both James and Kyrie Irving to put the ball on the floor and penetrate the lane on their way to the rim. After the first 4 games, Cleveland has adjusted their style of play and have used more of a "bum rush" attack on the rim, creating contact and getting to the line. Golden State has yet to find an answer for this. James is handling the ball on almost every possession and whether he takes the ball to the rim himself, or collapses the defense and kicks the ball to the open man on the wing, he is certainly making great decisions and arguably playing his best basketball of his career the last 2 games.
There is no question that either Golden State or Cleveland will simply roll over and allow the other team to run away with Game 7. We expect that both teams will leave everything on the court. We believe the oddsmakers have made a sharp line for this series ending finale. Oracle Arena is certainly a tough venue for an opponent to walk out with a win. The Warriors have also lost 7 postseason games this year which nearly matches the number of losses they suffered during the entire regular season. Both teams are capable of winning Game 7; there is certainly no question about that. Dating back to 1988, the last 5 Game 7's in the NBA Finals have been decided by an average of just 5.4 points. While the cards (and history) are certainly stacked against LeBron James in this contest, history and records are something that is meant to be broken. We'd like to believe that Cleveland has the ability to win this game outright, but even if they fall short of their first championship in half a century, we believe it will be by the slimmest of margins and they will keep it close enough to cover this number in what should be the most anticipated and exciting games of the season! The points have value in this one.
Jeff Benton
Your Sunday freebie is the Warriors over the Cavaliers.
0-32. 0-32. 0-32 is the record of teams that have played in the NBA Finals and have trailed 3 games to 1.
That is the mountain the Cleveland Cavaliers are nearly at the top of, and for the casual observer you would have to say hands-down that LeBron James right now is the series MVP. James and Kyrie Irving have become a two man wrecking crew, and if this game were being played at Quicken Loans Arena, I would not hesitate in back the Cavs.
BUT, BUT, BUT! This game is NOT being played in Cleveland, it is being played in Golden State, and the Warriors are 50 wins against just 4 straight up losses at Oracle Arena. That mark includes an 11-2 straight ledger in this year's playoffs, and a 10-3 against the spread mark in those 13 home playoff games.
Cleveland did win on this court on Monday night - Draymond Green suspended - and I guess it all boils down to whether or not you believe the Cavs can win two times in as many games on the Dubs home floor?
With that 32-0 straight up Finals stat on my side, and that 50-4 straight up home court mark side also on my side, I will take my chances that the whistles are a little more friendlier at Oracle then they were at Quicken Loans.
Lay it, as the Warriors finish the mission.
2* GOLDEN STATE
Jim Feist
Cavaliers at Warriors
Play: Cavaliers +5
The Cleveland Cavaliers are healthier and have taken charge in the series, winning the last two games. LeBron James is averaging 30.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the series and rose his play to even higher levels with Cleveland facing elimination. Point guard Kyrie Irving also has performed well in the series with three 30-point outings while averaging 27.3 points. Golden State is home but has had injury problems, with its starting center out, and Andre Iguodola banged up. The Cavaliers are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600, so grab the talented and confident dog. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr has said that he would want LeBron James playing for him in a game 7. Lets see if that comes back to bite him.
OC Dooley
Pirates +135 1st Half
Obviously it has already been a special season for the Chicago Cubs who are an amazing 30-4 overall when their dynamic offense scores the “first run” of a contest. With visiting Pittsburgh in a current 1-9 free fall I feel it is imperative that they take an EARLY lead which is possible since Chicago batters have never before faced Jamison Taillon who is one of baseball’s highest-rated pitching prospects. Taillon has a 1.93 ERA in a pair of major league starting assignments for the Pirates who I am wagering on the FIVE INNING line