It should be a great series; I still feel the "bleached out" and
dehydration factor comes into play (the NBA season is so damn long).
It would be interesting to know (accurately) what the players (opening season playing weight is compared to their weight at the beginning of the finals play-off).
dehydration factor comes into play (the NBA season is so damn long).
It would be interesting to know (accurately) what the players (opening season playing weight is compared to their weight at the beginning of the finals play-off).
Over valued @ -250? What for? Think about it, exactly what chance in hell would the Magic have in winning a game 7 in Staples if it came down to it?
The best chance the Magic have is stealilng "maybe" game 1 or 2. Other than that, there's zero chance the Magic pull of the upset.
Here's the way I see this. Orlando will have to depend so much on Howard on both sides of the court. Howard can't guard both bigs at the same time. And with the way the triangle designed, interior passing puts the Howard at a disadantage. The Lakers will have him in foul trouble so free throw shooting will be key. Also, I think too much is being made about Orlando's three point shooting. Granted they can make the shots. Let's say they made 12 3's for the game which is very doable for them, that's only 25 points, so Howard will have to make shot after shot and play defense. That's a lot of work and pressure. Orlando needs to play a near perfect game every night.
Now on the other hand I'm fully aware of the Lakers inconsistency. How could anyone not? However, as they were impressive in disposing of Denver (who is far better than Orlando) in closing the series, the Lakers are ready to complete their season long mission. My only concern is Dereck Fisher. I still don't know why Phil continues to start him all post season. He's been ICE COLD since the beggining of the playoffs and is getting torched nightly on defense. However i'm fully confident in Farmar Brown and even Vujacic's abilities to handle their entire backcourt. The front court goes to Orlando. No doubt about it. Honestly I see the Lakers conceding most of Howards jumpers and rotating their big 3's to work him down game by game. The Lakers bigs are far truer bangers than Illgauskas and Varejao would ever bring inside so although Howard will definitley get his, the Laker bigs will do their fair share of making him put in work this series.
Now getting back to consistency, the Lakers are fined tuned and battle tested. The final two games against Denver said it all when it shows what the Lakers are capable of when they play with all cylindars cranking. With Kobe's expectation from his teammates and flat out desire to win I honestly don't see how Orlando can steal any game in L.A. and therefor steal the series.
Now on the other hand I'm fully aware of the Lakers inconsistency. How could anyone not? However, as they were impressive in disposing of Denver (who is far better than Orlando) in closing the series, the Lakers are ready to complete their season long mission. My only concern is Dereck Fisher. I still don't know why Phil continues to start him all post season. He's been ICE COLD since the beggining of the playoffs and is getting torched nightly on defense. However i'm fully confident in Farmar Brown and even Vujacic's abilities to handle their entire backcourt. The front court goes to Orlando. No doubt about it. Honestly I see the Lakers conceding most of Howards jumpers and rotating their big 3's to work him down game by game. The Lakers bigs are far truer bangers than Illgauskas and Varejao would ever bring inside so although Howard will definitley get his, the Laker bigs will do their fair share of making him put in work this series.
Now getting back to consistency, the Lakers are fined tuned and battle tested. The final two games against Denver said it all when it shows what the Lakers are capable of when they play with all cylindars cranking. With Kobe's expectation from his teammates and flat out desire to win I honestly don't see how Orlando can steal any game in L.A. and therefor steal the series.
By all means Laker bakers, "all in" game 2.
25 point win game 1. Game 2 with a line only a half point higher, its so easy to make money gambling.
No I hear ya Jdub. As confident as I am about my Lakeshow tha 6.5 is fishier than a Hollywood Blvd whore. Lakers don't lose though. My $ would be on the Magic for a med size amt.
yeah game 2 looks well positioned as a sucker play. The laker backers got their easy game 1 money, so they will be back at the window doubling down on the same number for game 2. My feeling is game 2 will be a game that does not go as expected, & if the lakers really fuck up a game could get stolen.
