Hair-band poster boy Bret Michaels is haunting me. The chorus of Poison’s biggest hit keeps looping in my head,
“Every rose has its thorn….”
Yeah, I was on the Cavaliers in Game 3, getting two points. If you were on the same side, you know what I’m talking about.
Every “Rose” has its thorn
On to the Cavaliers vs. Bulls Game 4 Pick – the current line has Cleveland -1.5 (at Pinnacle Sports). I see it opened Chicago -1 (checking with the Everyedge Odds feature), but I wasn’t quick enough to jump in. By the time I stumbled over to my friendly sportsbook the line had swung 2.5 points, which, in a word, sucks.
The value that flew out the door while I was snoozing is hardly insignificant.
Game 3 was won on that last second three that Derrick Rose hucked up at the buzzer. The fact the Cavs were so close to winning, despite poor performances from Kyrie Irving and Lebron James is worth noting.
Over-stating the obvious, but when Irving and James struggle, Cleveland has a tough time winning. James missed a gimme layup very late that would have put them up and Kyrie missed a wide open look from the top of the key with three minutes left that would have given his team a one-point lead…both plays were representative of the kind of night these two had.
Don’t get seduced by LJ’s stat line (27 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds), it wasn’t a good night for him. It was frustrating watching him miss his shots. James and Irving ended up a combined 11-of-38 from the field. Ugly.
But again, they pushed the Bulls right to the final shot.
Throughout his career, particularly in the playoffs, James has been predictable after a weak showing – he rarely follows that up with another dud.
Irving looked hurt, so I’m not sure what to expect from him. But if he starts, I do expect more than a shot or two here and there and being a total non-factor.
Tristan Thompson has been a monster on the boards the last two games. Look for him to make it three games in a row.
I see something similar to the Game 2 storyline; Cleveland comes out with a high energy game that basically overwhelms the Bulls.
Cavaliers vs. Bulls Game 4 Pick
I’m predicting Sunday night I’ll be happily enjoying the music of Celebrity Apprentice season 3 winner and Pamela Anderson-ex (and her first sex tape partner, before Tommy went all A/V with her) – Bret Michaels.
But this time, the chorus will have a completely different meaning, “every rose has it thorn” Bulls’ backers.
Even if Rose has another heroic effort (no guarantees of that), I don’t see it being enough. His supporting cast are unreliable and struggling to consistently contribute.
If James, Irving and their mates dial it up, the Bulls will be in tough to match them.
Despite not jumping on the best line and letting that value fly away, I’m in on Cleveland for Game 4 (yes, to review I’m backing a playoff road favorite that has lost 2.5 points of value – go figure).
Now all that said, I have lost my last two NBA playoff picks, taking my record to 1-2 this spring…so you know, maybe proceed with caution.
Cleveland -1.5
I bet this at Pinnacle Sports, one of the top books out there. I’ve been a member for years, so if you are looking for a place to wager, check them out – Pinnacle Sports
Sports Betting Forum: Visit us in the Everyedge Sports Betting Forums to talk about this game and all the other sports action.