Bookie Chat
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Chat with the Vegas Insider Handicappers at 3:30pm EST
Q: Nimo Vegas wants to see Lakers-Cavs in the Finals this year for marketing purposes so the Cleveland on ML tonight is a LOCK right? R: briane Good afternoon ladies and gents! We've got a big weekend of sports gambling ahead of us, so let's get right to it. Nimo: There are no locks and both of these series' could still go either way in my opinion. After Tim Donaghy, the Kings-Lakers Games 4 and 6 in 2002 and the way the Suns got screwed against the Spurs three years ago, I'm way done trying to shoot down NBA conspiracy theories. However, people should realize that officiating NBA playoff games is a VERY difficult job. The play is extremely physical and a lot of the calls that get questioned so much can really go either way. Two MAJOR exceptions in Game 5 between the Nuggets and Lakers were: 1-Chauncey Billups second foul late in the first quarter for allegedly kicking Trevor Ariza, who was inside the circle for an automatic block. 2-Nene's sixth foul when he clearly beat Pau Gasol to the spot and took a charge. If we were watching a training video for refs, that play could be the classic example of how you define a charge, yet Nene was inexplicably whistled for the block. Back to Game 6 of Orlando-Cleveland, it should be a slugfest. All things equal, I like Orlando. If Mo Williams scores 20-plus and the rest of LeBron's supporting cast plays pretty decent, it can go either way. We shall see. A little breaking news from Las Vegas Sports Consultants -- Delonte West uncertain for Game 6 (hip pointer). If West can't go, Daniel "Booby" Gibson will get increased minutes. Q: Teddyman1972 Yo Brian, thanks for taking my question. You said you like Denver in 6 but obviously that is not going to be the case. Now what? Can they rebound in a big way tonight at home to cover that spread? I like the favorite to cash once again. Ted R: briane Ted: You are correct that I liked the Nugs to win in six. I still like Denver to win the series, but it will obviously have to happen in seven now. The question is whether Denver will cover the number tonight. I've got the answer in this pay-if-it-wins-only selection if you'd like to check it out. I've cashed 11 of my last 14 guaranteed picks in the NBA. Q: Fred from Philly Phillies tonight -- fade the ntaionals again right? R: briane Fred: Absolutely! I'd go the run-line route rather than risk the 'chalky' straight price. You should be able to get a decent 'plus' payout. I've been on a pretty solid run in MLB this month, posting a 22-16-1 record, leading "dime players" to $9,250 of profit. I've got the total for tonight's Phillies-Nats game in my pick pack along with the Phillies on the run line as mentioned. Check it out if you want. Q: Jeff (Vegas) Yo BE. Small lean on the Over Lakers-Nuggets game tonight. Thoughts? R: briane I just haven't been able to get a good read on the totals in this series. If I had to pick it (I don't and won't), I'd probably go with the 'over.' I've got the side in my pick pack. Good luck! Q: Bob What baseball game are you liking tonight? R: briane Like I said, Phillies run line looks tasty. Q: Larry (L'ville) Brian -- is Kentucky really in the clear if it knew about Memphis situation before it hired Calipari? What's the final verdict going to be? R: briane I touched on this topic the night the story broke in this column. Bottom line: John Calipari is and always has been the consumate representative of the shady underworld of college basketball. Nothing beats March Madness, but the entire AAU scene and one-and-done mentality of most players is ruining the sport. It's time to make some new rules. I think scholarships should be made into essentially a two-year minimum contract. If players out of high school don't want to commit to that, fine. C-ya-beat-it to Europe and have fun. Seriously, it's time for the NCAA to crack heads and clean up this outstanding sport. As for Cal/Kentucky, it appears he will escape unscathed once again (same as UMass), but he's Jim Harrick waiting to happen. Trust me, UK hoops will be top priority on the NCAA's radar in the coming weeks/months/years. On the day Cal was hired, I suggested that this was a risky situation for UK. The AD and school Prez were desperated to save their jobs, so they bought it. We'll see if they pay in the long run. More breaking news from LVSC -- Florida SS Hanley Ramirez will not be in the starting lineup. I already had Mets run line on my radar and may now pull the trigger on that play. Q: Tom (ATL) Fade the Braves again or does their ace Jurrjens play hte role of stopper tonight? R: briane Jurrjens has been sensational, but how can anyone trust the Braves right now with their bats slumping mightily? Frank Wren has got to make a trade to get this club at least another bat. I'll pass, don't want to fade Jurrjens but Atlanta still winless on this road trip and in a serious funk. Q: Terrence (Phoenix) ANy value on future NBA bets at this point? R: briane Sure, Nuggets at 9/1 are worth a flyer. Cavs are now plus-300 (risk $100 to win $300) if you're a believer (not sure that I am anymore). Allright, folks. Thanks for your questions. Enjoyed it as always. Best of luck on all your wagers this weekend!! -Brian Edwards |
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