Don’t Crown Them Yet
A couple of games into the second round and online sportsbooks still have the Cleveland Cavaliers listed as the odds-on favorites to win it all, at +120, but with apologies to Dennis Green, “Don’t crown their asses yet!”
With their star playing wounded, the Cavs got run out of the building in Game 2 vs. the Celtics. LeBron James’ right elbow injury is the focus, as the series is tied at 1-1.
While King James managed to drop 35-points on the Celtics in a 101-93 Game 1 victory, he scored 11-points less in Game 2 and the Cavs were roughed up 104-86, failing to cash in for their backers (as 6-point favorites) and making those who played Boston straight up on the moneyline very happy.
Sportsbooks now have the Cavs at -235 to win the series.
The day after the team’s Game 2 loss, James was absent from practice, according to an AP report, although the team did say he was receiving treatment on the said elbow and will reportedly have another MRI.
“Our doctors have not said anything to me,” Cavs head coach Mike Brown is quoted as saying by the USA Today.
“Our trainers haven’t said anything to me, and LeBron hasn’t said anything to me about it bothering him.”
Going into Game 3 on Friday, the Cavaliers head into Beantown favored by 1.5-points; the Total is set at 191.
The Cavs have been profitable vs. Boston in the last 20, posting an impressive 14-6 ATS mark.
When it comes to their last 10 games in Boston however, the Cleveland Cavaliers have pulled a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde act ― they are 1-9 straight up, but 7-3 ATS. On Friday however, losing straight up and covering isn’t an option as they are the small road favorite.
When it comes to their last 10 games when favored by 2-points or less, the Cavs are 7-3 SU and 6-3-1 ATS.
Over/Under Notes:
– The last 10 times Cleveland has been favored by 2-points or less, they have posted a mark of 8 Overs and 2 Unders.
– Their last 10 games facing the Celtics they have recorded a mark of 8 Overs and 2 Unders.
Will the rest heading into Game 3 be enough time for LeBron James to recover sufficiently to regain his MVP form?
“I have complete faith and trust in the players and our medical staff, and at any time if anyone is hurting, I’m in the loop,” coach Brown told the AP.
Check all the updated NBA Odds
Posted: 5/5/10 3:16PM ET