David Chan
4* LAKERS-CAVS TOTAL CRUSHER *6-0 NBA RUN*
Play on Los Angeles vs. Cleveland Over to win one unit
I don't think it's a stretch to predict that this will quickly turn into the Kobe vs. Lebron show. I don't see how that results in anything other than a high scoring Sunday afternoon affair.
Losing Andrew Bynum hurts the Lakers more defensively than offensively. That's been apparent during this road trip as they've been torched by the likes of the T'Wolves, Knicks, and Raptors, teams they would ordinarily have no trouble holding down. They've still been winning, but it's been on the strength of their offense.
The Cavs are on a nice roll offensively, having scored over 100 points in seven of their last nine games. They've been a much more dynamic team at that end of the floor than we've seen in recent years. No longer is Lebron forced to carry the entire load, he's distributing the ball better than he ever has, and the team is benefiting from it.
There's no question we'll see plenty of focus from Lebron and co. after they dropped a 105-88 decision at Staples Center a couple of weeks ago. That game was actually played at a rather quick pace with the Cavs attempting 79 shots to the Lakers 84. One low-scoring quarter (42 points in the third) cost the 'over' on that night as the other three quarters each produced at least 49 points.
It's important to consider that the Cavs were still without Zydrunas Ilgauskas at that time while the Lakers still had Andrew Bynum in the lineup.
We should see a relatively close game, and that of course opens the door for a late flurry of points, should we need them. In all honesty, I expect this game to get comfortably 'over' the number barring a blowout. Best of luck, DC.
STEVE CORSI
50* Dayton -2.5
40* Rhode Island @ Temple OVER 147
40* Washington @ Stanford OVER 154.5
40* San Antonio @ Boston OVER 186
40* Cleveland -4.5
Accupicks:
4-Penn St
4-Dayton
3-UMass
3-Boston College
3-Cleveland Cavs
Ron Raymond
Oilers/Wild Over
Opposite Action Plays
Cavaliers
JB Sports
Pistons
Bob Balfe
Jazz
Lenny Del Genio
LSU
INSIDER SPORTS REPORT
4* Richmond -5.5
4* Akron -12
3* Detroit -1.5
SCOTT RICKENBACH
LOUISVILLE
CREIGHTON
Teddy Covers
20* Big Ticket Cavs
Alatex
15* Penn St. -2
Illinois -2
Tenn Valley Sports
N. Iowa -2
FRED CALLAHAN
20* Louisville -10
15* Dayton -2.5
15* Rutgers Pk
15* Spurs over 186
Yankee Capper
NBA GUARANTEED BLOWOUT
BOSTON CELTICS -7
NHL POWER PLAY
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS -140
NCAA DIRTY DOGG DELITE
NC STATE +7.5
NCAA HOOPS GUARANTEED BLOWOUT
LSU -12.5
NCAA DIRTY DOGG DELITE
CREIGHTON +2