The King Drops by the Big Apple – Cleveland at New York
Two nights after Kobe Bryant took center stage by dropping a Madison Square Garden-record 61 points on the defenseless New York Knicks, (21-26 SU, 27-20 ATS, 20-27 O/U), the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-9 SU, 32-15 ATS, 21-26 O/U) and more importantly, superstar forward LeBron James, will get his chance to shine on the league’s biggest stage.
The Cavaliers have won three straight games, covering the spread each time out, including in their 101-83 rout of the disappointing Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
James went for 33 points and seven rebounds to help the Cavs cover the spread as 11-point home favorites while the game played under the 193-point O/U total.
Despite Bryant’s theatrics on Monday, James said he is only concerned with getting a victory over the Knicks.
“I just go out and play my game,” James said. “I’m not a video game where you can just expect me to go out there and score 60 or 70. I play the game to win the game. I’m not into individual accolades. Kobe Bryant’s performance was unbelievable. I watched every second of it. It’s not about individuals in this league.”
The Knicks were defeated 127-117 by the Lakers and Bryant just as Predicted on Monday in the BetUS Locker Room, failing to cover the spread as 6-point home underdogs while the game’s 243 combined points sailed OVER the posted O/U total of 223.5.
Forward Al Harrington scored a team-high 24 points with six rebounds for the Knicks, and David Lee added 22 points and 12 rebounds. Too bad the Knicks still don’t relish playing defense, whish is why they allowed Bryant to score 61 points while shooting a scorching 19-for-31 from the field.
“Kobe made a lot of tough shots,” said Lee. “I’m sure LeBron will probably do the same thing and we’re going to need to play our best ball.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key NBA betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick:
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 6 games when playing New York
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
New York is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York’s last 6 games when playing Cleveland
NBA Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers -5½ -110
New York Knicks +5½ -110
Over 209½ -110
Under 209½ -110
Analysis: I know the New York Knicks can score the ball with any team in the league, but just as I wrote on Monday, the fact that they play absolutely no defense at all, will cost them against James and the Cavaliers.
Simply put, take the Cavs and James to cover with the outright win.
