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**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:16 AM

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (701) CLEVELAND@ (702) GOLDEN STATE | 06/04/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play ON CLEVELAND using the money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 26 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+16.75 units)

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (701) CLEVELAND@ (702) GOLDEN STATE | 06/04/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play ON CLEVELAND in the first half in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 25 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+15.1 units)

NBA TOP POWERLINE

NBA > (701) CLEVELAND @ (702) GOLDEN STATE | 06/04/2015 - 09:05 PM
Line: GOLDEN STATE -6 BTB PowerLine: GOLDEN STATE -3
Edge On: GOLDEN STATE (3)

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:17 AM

Game 1 - Cavaliers at Warriors

June 3, 2015

For the fifth consecutive season, LeBron James is playing for an NBA title. The past four years were with the Heat, winning twice, but the King of Cleveland wants to bring the city its first professional championship since 1964 when the Cavaliers face off with the Warriors for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Oracle Arena.

Cleveland (65-31 SU, 47-49 ATS) endured an overhauled roster, a first-time NBA head coach, and in-season controversy, but still found a way to make its first NBA Finals appearance since 2007. James led the Cavs to an incredible 12-2 SU and 8-6 ATS record in the postseason, with both losses coming to the Bulls in the second round. Cleveland finished off a four-game sweep of East top seed Atlanta in the conference finals, even though Kyrie Irving was sidelined for a pair of games and Kevin Love has been out since the end of the opening round with a shoulder injury.

What about the Warriors? Golden State (79-18 SU, 54-42-1 ATS) pretty much showcased the same roster as the team that fell in seven games of the opening round of last season’s playoffs to the Clippers, but hired Steve Kerr for his first coaching job. The move paid off as the Warriors are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1975, while owning a ridiculous 46-3 record at Oracle Arena. Golden State played one more game than Cleveland in the playoffs, posting a 12-3 SU and 7-8 ATS record. However, five of those ATS losses came as a double-digit favorite.

Even though the Warriors showcase MVP Stephen Curry and All-Star Klay Thompson in its explosive backcourt, Golden State is one of the top defensive teams in the league. The Warriors cashed the ‘under’ in 11 of 15 postseason contests, while limiting Houston to 98 points or less in three of five games. At home, Golden State hasn’t seen the ‘over’ hit yet, going 6-0-1 to the ‘under’ at Oracle Arena.

There are plenty of fast facts to get caught up on for this series, but one of the most interesting nuggets heading into Game 1 involves James. In his playoff career with the Cavaliers and Heat, the former MVP has lost Game 1 on the road seven of eight times, with the lone victory coming over the Hawks in the last round. However, James has won four straight Game 2’s after dropping the series opener on the road, so that can be something to keep in your pocket heading into Sunday’s action.

In the two meetings this season between the conference champions, the home team won each time. However, James missed the first matchup in Oakland back in January, part of the eight-game stretch in which he rested a sore knee. The Warriors held the Cavaliers to 40 second half points in a 112-94 blowout as 13-point favorites, one of 14 home victories against Eastern Conference foes this season. J.R. Smith led the Cavs with 27 points, while Irving chipped in 23, as Cleveland was held to 40% shooting. Curry and Thompson lit up Cleveland with a combined 47 points, while Draymond Green dropped in 10-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist effort.

James suited up in the second go-around against the Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena in late February and the result was drastically different. The Cavaliers took care of Golden State as three-point favorites, 110-99, as James scored 42 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, while Irving overcame a poor shooting night (6-of-17) to put up 24 points. The Warriors didn’t receive the same production from the Splash Brothers, as Curry and Thompson combined for just 31 points on 10-of-30 shooting.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Tony Mejia details how Cleveland’s star hasn’t been himself in series openers, “LeBron James has an average of five turnovers per game in series openers this postseason and registered series-lows in field goal attempts in two of three Game 1’s. His preferred approach of pulling back some in order to better decipher how teams are attempting to play him will be a major factor here and may play into the Warriors hands. Golden State will aggressively ensure it makes the most of its early homecourt advantage, so expect Kerr to challenge his team to take some risks in blitzing LeBron with double-teams and jumping passing lanes wherever possible, looking to speed up the pace and keep this from becoming the slower halfcourt-style game the Eastern Conference champs prefer. As important as it will be to see where Irving and Thompson are health-wise, it will be equally vital to see who is able to manipulate pace.”

As far as both Irving and Thompson go, both All-Stars will be ready for Game 1 even though each will not likely by at 100%. Irving’s knee tendinitis limited him against Atlanta as David Blatt was cautious with the point guard during the week of rest. Thompson suffered a concussion in the Game 5 clincher against Houston when Trevor Ariza’s knee hit the Warriors’ guard in the head on a pump-fake. Even though there were concerns Thompson was going to sit out the opener, Kerr says the guard has been cleared to play.

From a props perspective, Sportsbook.ag has put out an incredible list of Game 1 props to bet on, including how many points James and Curry will score in the opener. James (29) and Curry (29 ½) are obviously at the top of that list, as James eclipsed the 29-point mark in seven of 14 playoff games (three on road), while Curry posted eight games of 30 points or more in the postseason.

Nine of the last 10 NBA Finals has seen the home team claim the opener, including San Antonio blowing out James’ Heat squad, 110-95 in “Crampgate” last June. Going through the historical database, Western Conference has won seven straight NBA Finals openers, while James is 0-3 in his career in road Game 1’s.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:19 AM

Game 1 Props - Best Bets

June 3, 2015

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off Thursday and bettors will have plenty of opportunities to cash tickets on the best-of-seven series between the Warriors and Cavaliers.

Along with your basic side and total wagers, all sportsbooks are offering up “Proposition Wagers” or “Props” for each game of the series.

Similar to our predictions for each round, our trio of NBA experts will be offering up their Best Prop Bets for each game.

Based on a five-unit bankroll for each game, their top plays are listed below.

Odds & Props provided by Sportsbook.ag

Chris David

3 Units – Over Tristan Thompson Total Rebounds 10.5 (-120)

A lot of bettors look at averages for prop wagers but I would advise to look at current form and then the particular numbers posted by the oddsmakers. Thompson is averaging 9.9 rebounds per game in the playoffs, which is up from his regular season numbers (8 RPG). However, his minutes and numbers have both gone up since Kevin Love went out with an injury. In the last 10 games for Cavs, he’s posted 10 or more boards in seven games and 11-plus five times. What I like about Thompson is that he’s been fearless on the road, especially in the last two series. During the five games versus the Bulls and Hawks, he posted 37 and 26 rebounds respectively for an average of 12.6 PPG. Lastly, I believe the layoff for Game 1 will hurt both teams offensively, which will lead to more rebounds and hopefully a winning ticket.

1 Unit – Under Timofey Mozgov Total Points & Rebounds 17.5 (-115)

This wager is practically tied into my Thompson investment since both players will be roaming the Cavaliers frontcourt. In 14 playoff games, Mozgov has surpassed this total five times and just three times since Love went out. His numbers are much better at home than on the road and I don’t see him getting as many minutes in this series unless center Andrew Bogut gets more time for Golden State and that hasn’t been the case lately.

1 Unit – Under Klay Thompson Total Made 3 Point Field Goals 2.5 (+130)

Despite the concussion issue, I expect Thompson to be fine for Game 1. With that being said, this wager is based strictly on tendencies for him at home in the playoffs rather than the injury. In eight games at Oracle Arena in the playoffs, he’s hit at least three 3-pointers in four games (3, 3, 3, 4) and a few barely got there. For whatever reason, his percentages have been down at home and grabbing the plus money is an added kicker.

Tony Mejia

2 Units – Over Stephen Curry Total made free throws 4.5 (+105)

His ability to get past Kyrie Irving and Matthew Dellavedova will be a huge factor here, since the Cavs are going to be looking to take away his perimeter looks and will over-play. He’ll get to the line within the flow of the game, is always a threat to be fouled on 3-pointers and may also have opportunities down the stretch in the fourth quarter to seal this one up. Curry would be 7-8 on this prop this postseason, but has topped seven free throws in games seven times. He’s shot double-figure free throws four times. Only Mike Conley and Tony Allen were able to stay in front of him effectively this postseason and there’s no one of that caliber in this series.

1 Unit – Under Kyrie Irving Total Made Points + Assists 26 (-120)

The Cavs would love to see him assert himself in this series opener to alleviate fears that he’s going to be a liability in this series, but they’re not going to fill his plate up with early responsibilities when the priority is to see how he handles moving around chasing Curry. If he’s off his game or less mobile than expected, he’s not going to get to these figures.

1 Unit – Over Tristan Thompson Total Rebounds 10.5 (-120)

What Chris David wrote. I’ll add that he’ll be able to float since it’s more likely that Mozgov is tying up Bogut, so he’ll lead the Cavs in rebounding in this series more often than not. Given the boundless energy he's displayed while averaging over 39 minutes per game in the Cavs last six wins (10.2 rpg), he's going to put up numbers on the glass.

1 Unit – Over Iman Shumpert 3-point field goals 1.5 (-130)

Expect him to be on the floor more than J.R. Smith in this Game 1. Unless he goes Game 7 John Starks on us, he’ll have a host of opportunities to knock this out and has been aggressive and effective over the past two series in taking his looks. He’s averaged six 3-pointers per game over the last 10 (EC Semis & ECF), hitting 23 (38 pct.) and would have won this wager six of 10 times. Look for him to knock down a couple.

Kevin Rogers

3 Units – Under Kyrie Irving Total Points & Assists 26 (-120)

It may seem too easy to take this prop, but until the Cavaliers' point guard proves he's healthy, there's no reason to think Irving is going to blow up in the opener. Irving scored 16 points and dished out five assists in just 22 minutes of the series clincher against Atlanta after missing two games. However, Irving never produced more than six assists in any of his 12 playoff games, as winning this prop would likely mean he would have to score at least 20 points. Since Game 3 of the conference semifinals against the Bulls, Irving put up over 16 points just once in his last six games.

1 Unit – Under Stephen Curry Total Made 3 Point Field Goals 5.5 (-200)

The league MVP had a strong series from behind the arc against the Rockets in the Western Conference Finals, but Curry is facing a much better defense in this round. Cleveland led all playoff teams with a .281 defensive three-point field goal percentage, while limiting Atlanta to 10-of-49 in two road victories in the East Finals. At home in the playoffs, Curry hit five three-pointers or less in six of eight contests at Oracle Arena.

1 Unit – Over LeBron James Total Made 3 Point Field Goals 1.5 (-115)

James has been dreadful from long distance in the playoffs, drilling just 12-of-68 three-point attempts. So why take the 'over' on this prop? The odds are -115 each way and James will definitely get looks, attempting at least five treys in nine playoff games. Asking James to hit just two at his price isn't asking a lot, as you have the entire game to cash this prop as opposing to limiting yourself early if James knocks down a pair of three-pointers.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:21 AM

Edge - NBA Finals

June 2, 2015

A segment-by-segment breakdown of the 2015 NBA Finals participants:

Backcourt starters

Kyrie Irving won’t be 100 percent, already admitting it publicly rather than pretending he’s expecting to be his normal self. He’ll be able to knock down shots whether he’s 60 percent or 90, but how well he’s moving really matters on the defensive end. Irving expects to start out on Stephen Curry, which means chasing the league’s MVP through screens lies in his future. If he’s a liability, Matthew Dellavedova will again become a better option for the Cavs. Curry is flammable and can’t be given opportunities to gain his rhythm with early open looks. He’s averaged just over 11 3-point attempts throughout the Warriors playoff run, shooting less than 30 percent just three times. GSW is 1-2 in those games and 11-1 when he tops that clip, which is low-hanging fruit for him. In that sense, Curry’s ability to stretch the floor from anywhere has remained Golden State’s driving force.

Iman Shumpert is available to give Curry different looks and will try to make Klay Thompson’s return to action as difficult as possible despite surrendering a few inches in height. Thompson was named Third Team All-NBA, but had a brutal start to the Western Conference finals, going 4-for-22 from 3-point range through the first three games before finishing strong. He was 4-for-6 in Game 5 before catching Trevor Ariza’s knee to the head, so he’ll look to pick up where he left off. Thompson reported that he had a great first practice in attempting to comfortably comply with the league’s concussion protocol prior to Thursday’s opener. If he looks like his normal self, you have to ride with the Splash Brothers.

Edge: Golden State

Frontcourt starters

LeBron James believes he’s never been better. Although no longer as explosive as he was last decade, he’s improved by elevating his already astronomical on-court IQ to new heights, really taking to this mentor role. Making sure everyone remains involved has always been a significant part of his game, but his 8.3 assists average thus far this postseason is a career-high. His previous high came during the ’07 Finals run, and there are clearly parallels between his first appearance and this one given his role as primary catalyst, especially with a compromised Irving and no Kevin Love.

Tristan Thompson has eased the burden and helped strengthen the Cavs new look with his defense and rebounding, certainly earning himself a significant raise this offseason with his contract conveniently up. It’s going to be up to Draymond Green, runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, to help counter both. Not at the same time, obviously, but you can expect to see him on James duty as well as pitching in at times against the larger Thompson since he’s exceptional at boxing out. Harrison Barnes will also make a massive difference and is right up there among the guys whose work with swing the series in one direction or the other. He’s got to be a factor on defense and as a threat that’s going to find himself open for great opportunities, must assert himself efficiently.

The center matchup between Andrew Bogut and Timofey Mozgov will also be an integral part of the series. Whoever can stay out of foul trouble the longest will give his team the best shot at putting its most effective defensive lineup on the floor. Bogut is far savvier and sounder defensively, but Mozgov is a far better athlete at this stage of their careers. This is a pretty even matchup, but LeBron does earn the Cavs the slightest of nods.

Edge: Cleveland

Bench

J.R. Smith, come on down, you’re the next contestant on Finals X-factor. If he can continue being the positive difference-maker he’s been over the past two series, the guy that rightfully often became a scapegoat for the misfortunes of the Nuggets and Knicks might swing the NBA Finals. The story is that Smith felt so repentant over getting himself suspended and leaving his team short-handed that he vowed to come back more focused. He’s been a plus defender, but the key to all his success is simply shots going down. His confidence is through the roof because he’s shot 24-for-63 (44 pct) from 3-point range since returning from swinging on Jae Crowder, so he’s playing better in every phase of the game. If his shot goes south, so will his level of play, which is always the danger.

The Warriors will most rely on Andre Iguodala among their arsenal of reserves. He’ll be tasked with LeBron duty whenever he’s on the floor, so if he can supply consistent offense, that’s gravy. After shooting just 31 percent against New Orleans, Iguodala is shooting just under 50 (35-for-71) the past two series, which makes him more of a threat as a passer, his ideal role and strength on that end of the floor.

The Cavs probably won’t go more than eight deep, utilizing Dellavedova as the stabilizing floor presence and James Jones as a shooter to spread the floor. The term dust off Shawn Marion Mike Miller or Kendrick Perkins can be used literally and will be used liberally if any finds their way into the regular rotation. In addition to Iggy, the Warriors will have versatile guard Shaun Livingston, 7-footer Festus Ezeli, situational vets David Lee and Leandro Barbosa, as well the now healthy Marreese Speights available as options to try and match up. That versatility could make a huge difference.

Edge: Golden State

Coaching

Steve Kerr and David Blatt are in their first-year as NBA head coaches, so the term rookie can be applied. Hopefully you don’t associate that with being novices, since that wouldn’t be accurate. Kerr has tremendous experience as a five-time champion, serving as shooting specialist and reliable presence. He’s been a team president, general manager and analyst, gaining experience in varying vantage points. Blatt has played for championships and Olympic medals, from Euroleague to domestic leagues and Cups in Israel, Italy and Russia, not to mention his work with the latter’s national program.

The moment won’t be too big for either man. In terms of temperament, Kerr is more the calm counselor, while Blatt is a motivator/cheerleader. Their adjustments will come via lineup tweaks, while defense will be the top priority for both. Blatt has the better coach on the floor in James, while Kerr has more toys at his disposal, giving him the ability to see if he can effectively go small. The inclination here is to ride Kerr due to his 67 wins and more poised presence on the sideline, especially with more buttons to push.

Edge: Golden State

Intangibles

Although both teams enjoy a tremendous homecourt advantage, it wouldn’t be surprising to see each lose at least once in their own gym.

Rebounding and 3-point shooting will be the major points of contention. Can the Warriors manage to neutralize Cleveland’s size advantage through long boards and effective box-outs? Will James find a comfort level from beyond the arc that’s eluded him thus far? Can Smith and Shumpert stay hot? What will Irving’s presence add? The Cavs aren’t analytics freaks, but they’re aware of the basic math that suggests the only way to keep up with a team that shoots it as well and as often as Golden State does from the perimeter is to try and keep pace. You know Splash brothers stay wet.

The Warriors are certainly aware of Cleveland’s perfect postseason record when winning the war on the glass, so they’ll be looking to neutralize that part of the game, which may ultimately slow down their ability to get out quickly in transition if more bodies are committed to gang rebound. For the purposes of picking a winner in this category, the fact the Warriors have the extra home game and the more capable shooters are positive undeniable factors.

Edge: Golden State

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:23 AM

Fast Facts - NBA Finals

June 2, 2015

Be sure to follow us on Twitter for complete betting coverage of the NBA Finals!

NBA Finals Betting Angles

-- Home Teams are 14-3 in the last 17 Game 1’s of the NBA Finals

-- The Zig-Zag theory has worked for the first two games of the last six NBA Finals, meaning Game 1 winner loses in Game 2. The last time the NBA Finals started 2-0 was in 2007, when coincidentally LeBron James and the Cavaliers lost their first two games to the eventual champions San Antonio Spurs.

-- LeBron James hasn’t began many series in his playoff career on the road. Seven times with the Cavaliers and Heat, James has dropped Game 1 on the highway. However, his teams have responded well against the number in Game 2, covering six times, including five times in the underdog role. James lost the first three times in this situation, dating back to his first stint in Cleveland (2006 – Detroit, 2007 – Detroit, 2008 – Boston), but cashed twice against the Pistons in Game 2 following the series opening loss. Twice in the 2014 playoffs with the Heat, James dropped the road opener, but responded with outright wins over the Pacers and Spurs.

-- There has only been three sweeps the last 20 years. The most common outcome in the NBA Finals during this span is six games, which happened eight times then five (6) and seven (3) games.

East meets West

Golden State went 25-5 versus the Eastern Conference in the regular season, which includes a 14-1 record at home. The lone loss came to Chicago in overtime, 113-111.

On the road (see table below), the Warriors were favored in 14 of their 15 games against opponents from the East and they went 11-4 straight up and 7-8 against the spread. The 'under' went 8-7 in those games.

GOLDEN STATE VS. EAST ON THE ROAD
Date Matchup Spread SU-ATS Result Total Result
3/28/15 Golden State 108 at Milwaukee 95 Warriors -5 W-W Under 208
3/2/15 Golden State 108 at Brooklyn 110 Warriors -5.5 L-L Over 210
3/1/15 Golden State 106 at Boston 101 Warriors -8 W-L Under 218
2/27/15 Golden State 113 at Toronto 89 Warriors -2 W-W Under 213
2/26/15 Golden State 99 at Cleveland 110 Warriors +3 L-L Under 216.5
2/24/15 Golden State 114 at Washington 107 Warriors -6.5 W-W Over 204
2/22/15 Golden State 98 at Indiana 104 Warriors -4 L-L Under 204 (No Curry)
2/9/15 Golden State 89 at Philadelphia 84 Warriors -16 W-L Under 205.5
2/7/15 Golden State 106 at New York 92 Warriors -15.5 W-L Under 203
2/6/15 Golden State 116 at Atlanta 124 Warriors -2 L-L Over 213
12/6/14 Golden State 112 at Chicago 102 Warriors -2 W-W Over 204
11/30/14 Golden State 104 at Detroit 93 Warriors -8.5 W-W Under 202
11/28/14 Golden State 106 at Charlotte 101 Warriors -8.5 W-L Over 201
11/26/14 Golden State 111 at Orlando 96 Warriors -8 W-W Over 202.5
11/25/14 Golden State 114 at Miami 97 Warriors -7.5 W-W Over 202.5

Cleveland was 18-12 against the Western Conference this season. At home the Cavs were a respectable 11-4 and only six of those opponents scored more than 100 points, which helped the 'under' go 11-4.

On the road (see table below), the Cavs were a tepid 7-8 both SU and ATS but four of those losses came when LeBron James or Kyrie Irving weren't in the lineup.

In games played on the West Coast, the club was 2-4 both SU and ATS.

Despite a losing record versus the West on the road, bettors should note that Cleveland closed the season with a 6-1 record both SU and ATS in non-conference play as visitors and some of those victories were very impressive. The offense averaged an eye opening 115.7 points per game during this span, which helped the 'over' produce a 6-1 record.

CLEVELAND VS. WEST ON THE ROAD
Date Matchup Spread SU-ATS Result Total Result
3/25/15 Cleveland 111 at Memphis 89 Cavs -1 W-W Over 194
3/12/15 Cleveland 128 at San Antonio 125 Cavs -1.5 W-W Over 206.5
3/10/15 Cleveland 127 at Dallas 94 Cavs -4 W-W Over 201
3/1/15 Cleveland 103 at Houston 105 Cavs +1 L-L Over 206.5 (No Kyrie)
1/31/15 Cleveland 106 at Minnesota 90 Cavs -11 W-W Under 204
1/16/15 Cleveland 126 at L.A. Clippers 121 Cavs +8.5 W-W Over 206.5
1/15/15 Cleveland 109 at L.A. Lakers 102 Cavs -6.5 W-W Over 207
1/13/15 Cleveland 100 at Phoenix 107 Cavs +4.5 L-L Under 212.5
1/11/15 Cleveland 84 at Sacramento 103 Cavs +3.5 L-L Under 206 (No LeBron)
1/9/15 Cleveland 94 at Golden State 112 Cavs +13.5 L-L Under 210.5 (No LeBron)
12/12/14 Cleveland 114 at New Orleans 119 Cavs +1.5 L-L Over 200.5
12/11/14 Cleveland 94 at Oklahoma City 103 Cavs +7.5 L-L Under 202 (No LeBron)
11/7/14 Cleveland 110 at Denver 101 Cavs -6.5 W-W Push 211
11/5/14 Cleveland 100 at Utah 102 Cavs -5.5 L-L Under 207
11/4/14 Cleveland 82 at Portland 101 Cavs -2 L-L Under 207

Days of the Week

NBA players may not focus on days of the week necessarily when approaching games, but several numbers stick out when handicapping this angle heading into the NBA Finals. The schedule plays out with games on Sunday (twice), Tuesday (twice), Thursday (twice), and Friday (once), as three of those contests depend on the length of the series.

Cleveland’s most productive day of the week this season came on Tuesdays, owning a 10-3 SU record, including a perfect 3-0 mark in the playoffs. However, the Cavaliers covered only five times on Tuesday nights, as Game 3 takes place at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday June 9.

Golden State’s best winning percentage occurred on Thursdays with a 7-2 mark (77%), but the Warriors put together a subpar 3-6 ATS record in these contests, as Game 1 at Oracle Arena tips off on Thursday. The most profitable day for Golden State came on Fridays with an 11-4 SU and 10-5 ATS ledger, even though a potential Game 7 in Oakland is the only time the Warriors can play on a Friday the rest of the way.

Below are the straight-up, against the spread, and totals numbers for each of day of the week related to the NBA Finals schedule.

2014-15 STRAIGHT UP RECORDS (PLAYOFFS)
Team Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday
Cleveland 12-5 (4-0) 10-3 (3-0) 8-4 (2-0) 13-9 (1-1)
Golden State 9-3 (1-0) 9-6 (1-1) 7-2 (2-0) 11-4 (1-0)

2014-15 ATS RECORDS (PLAYOFFS)
Team Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday
Cleveland 8-9 (2-2) 5-8 (1-2) 7-2 (2-0) 10-12 (1-1)
Golden State 4-8 (1-0) 7-8 (0-2) 3-6 (0-2) 10-5 (1-0)

2014-15 TOTAL (O/U) RECORDS (PLAYOFFS)
Team Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday
Cleveland 6-11 (2-2) 7-6 (2-1) 4-8 (0-2) 8-13-1 (1-1)
Golden State 3-9 (0-1) 8-7 (0-2) 4-5 (1-1) 9-6 (1-0)

Fatigue Factor

Both teams enter this series with at least a week off before Game 1.

Will they be rested or rusty?

There records throughout the season below. Make a note that LeBron James missed eight games when the Cavaliers had one day of rest and the team was 1-7 straight up in those matchups.

2014-15 RECORDS WITH REST
Team 1 Day 2 Day 3 Days or More
Cleveland 35-19 SU, 24-30 ATS 14-0 SU, 10-4 ATS 5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS
Golden State 45-12 SU, 26-31 ATS 12-1 SU, 10-3 ATS 7-1 SU, 6-2 ATS

The schedule break down for the best-of-seven series.

Game 1 - Cavs (8 days) Warriors (7 days)
Game 2 - Two Days of Rest
Game 3 - One Day of Rest
Game 4 - One Day of Rest
Game 5 - Two Days or Rest
Game 6 - One Day of Rest
Game 7 - Two days of Rest

Based on the above schedule, something is going to have to give in Game 2 and possibly Game 5 and 7 since the Cavaliers and Warriors have both been exceptional on exactly two days of rest.

Key Numbers to Note

6.6 – This is the rebounding margin by which the Cavs have been beating opponents on the glass, best these playoffs. They haven’t lost a game where they win the battle of the boards and have feasted on second chances. Golden State must neutralize Cleveland’s advantage here.

15.4 - That’s the shooting percentage Andre Iguodala has held opposing scorers to when tasked with guarding them as the primary isolation defender. LeBron has had success against him in the past, including burying a game-winning 3-pointer as a member of the Heat in February of last season, but he should expect a tough time of it against one of the best on-ball defenders in the game. Between his savvy, athleticism, length and anticipation, Iggy has the tools to play a critical role.

17.6 - LeBron James’ 3-point shooting percentage actually improved when he hit 25 percent of his looks from beyond the arc against the Hawks, boosting him to that ugly number you see to the left (12-for-68) so far this postseason. His 2-for-6 effort in Game 4 was his best these playoffs, so if he can continue that upward trend in Golden State, that could be immense. He’s stated this week that if he’s not able to get it going, he’ll simply stop shooting them.

25.1 - The Warriors are averaging this many dimes per game thus far during the playoffs, best in the league. They averaged 27.1 during the regular season, also tops. Steve Kerr will be reminding them often to move that ball and make sure it doesn’t stick.

30.0 – Even though this is a paltry 3-point percentage that would mean Stephen Curry would be struggling significantly, the Warriors are 11-1 this postseason when he surpasses this clip. They’re 1-2 when he fails. Considering he’s taken at least eight 3s in every playoff game thus far, getting him to knock down a couple so that the Cavs over-commit every time he stalks a shot will undoubtedly create breakdowns. Cleveland leads all playoff teams by surrendering a 3-point shooting clip of 28.1, coming off impressively clamping down on Atlanta to keep the Eastern Conference finals from being competitive.

Betcha Didn't Know!

-- The Warriors became the 17th team in NBA history to win at least 65 regular season games. This bodes well for winning a title, as 13 of the previous 16 clubs in this class hoisted the championship trophy. The most recent squad in this elite category to win a title was the 2012-13 Miami Heat team that finished the season with 66 victories. The only clubs that failed to produce a championship with at least 65 regular season victories were the 1972-73 Celtics, 2006-07 Mavericks, and the 2008-09 Cavaliers.

-- Eleven of the last 16 NBA champions have come from the Western Conference.

-- Since the NBA started awarding the Most Valuable Player award in the 1955-96 season, the league has had 30 of the MVP's play in the NBA Finals. In those 30 series, the team with the MVP went 22-8 (73%) in the finals. LeBron James was the last player to pull off the double in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Stephen Curry will look to join the list in this series for Golden State.

-- This finals matchup features a pair of rookie head coaches in David Blatt and Steve Kerr. The last rookie coach in the NBA Finals was Paul Westphal with Phoenix in 1993. The Suns lost to the Bulls in six games.

-- The last rookie coach to win the NBA Finals was Pat Riley, when he accomplished the feat with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:24 AM

Game 1 trends lean to Warriors

June 1, 2015

Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place Thursday June 4 from Oracle Arena as Golden State hosts Cleveland in the opener.

Based on betting percentages at Sportsbook.ag, the public is backing the Cavaliers in Game 1 as six-point road underdogs as of Monday morning.

It’s certainly not going to be easy to bet against Cleveland, who bring a seven-game winning streak into this series. Also, the Cavaliers have gone 2-1 both straight up and against the spread as underdogs in this year’s playoffs and the lone loss came in Game 3 of the conference semifinals to Chicago. In case you forgot that outcome, the Bulls won 99-96 on a buzzer beater from Derrick Rose.

If you like to use historical numbers in your handicapping, then you could easily change your mind and lay the points with the Warriors this Thursday.

In the last 17 openers of the NBA Finals, the home team has gone 14-3 SU and the majority of these victories haven’t been close with 12 of the 14 wins decided by eight points or more.

The last visitor to win Game 1 on the road came in the 2013 playoffs as San Antonio defeated Miami 92-88 as five-point road underdogs.

The Spurs quickly got the trend back on track last postseason as they cruised past Miami 110-95 in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals.

Can LeBron James and the Cavaliers steal the opener? According to VegasInsider.com NBA expert Kevin Rogers, it doesn’t seem likely.

“James has struggled in his career in playoff series openers on the road, going 1-8 with the Cavaliers and Heat as the lone victory came in the 2015 conference finals against Atlanta. Make a note that it was also the first time that LeBron led a series 2-0 with both victories on the road,” explained Rogers.

Golden State has gone 3-0 in Game 1’s at home in this year’s playoffs but only managed to cover one of those games, which came in the conference semifinals against the Grizzlies. In the non-covers, the Warriors were backdoored by the Pelicans in the first round and despite having a late chance, they couldn’t pull away from the Rockets in the conference finals opener.

Another solid trend to watch for Game 1 on Thursday focuses on the total. The last 17 openers have watched the 'under' go 11-5-1 and a few of the ‘over’ tickets were very fortunate to cash.

For Game 1, oddsmakers at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook sent out an ‘over/under’ of 204 and that number is sitting at 202 ½ as of Monday.

In the two regular season matchups that were split between the pair, the totals ranged from 211 to 216. You could argue that both numbers were fair considering the winner scored 112 and 110 points, but the loser didn’t do their part, failing to break the century mark in both defeats.

Golden State has been a great ‘under’ bet (11-3-1) in the playoffs, especially at home (7-0-1).

Cleveland has leaned slightly to the ‘under’ (8-6) in the postseason and most of the winning tickets have come away from home (6-1).

Listed below are the past 17 results for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

GAME 1 OF THE NBA FINALS (1998-2014)
Year Matchup Total
2014 San Antonio 110 vs. Miami 95 Over 198.5
2013 Miami 88 vs. San Antonio 92 Under 189.5
2012 Oklahoma City 105 vs. Miami 94 Over195
2011 Miami 92 vs. Dallas 84 Under 188
2010 L.A. Lakers 102 vs. Boston 89 Push 191
2009 L.A. Lakers 100 vs. Orlando 75 Under 205.5
2008 Boston 98 vs. L.A. Lakers 88 Under 191.5
2007 San Antonio 85 vs. Cleveland 76 Under 179.5
2006 Dallas 90 vs. Miami 80 Under 194
2005 San Antonio 84 vs. Detroit 69 Under 176
2004 L.A. Lakers 75 vs. Detroit 87 Under 171
2003 San Antonio 101 vs. New Jersey 89 Over187
2002 L.A. Lakers 99 vs. New Jersey 94 Over191
2001 L.A. Lakers 101 vs. Philadelphia 107 (OT) Over191
2000 L.A. Lakers 104 vs. Indiana 87 Under 194
1999 San Antonio 89 vs. New York 77 Under 172
1998 Utah 88 vs. Chicago 85 (OT) Under 186

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:25 AM

Game 1 - NBA Finals

June 3, 2015

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (65-31) at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (79-18)

NBA Playoffs
NBA Finals – Game 1
Tip-off: Thursday, 9:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Golden State -5.5, Total: 203

The Warriors look to take a 1-0 lead when they host the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

The Cavaliers and Warriors have both cruised to this point in the year and now things should get a lot tougher. Cleveland enters this series after sweeping the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Cavaliers outrebounded the Hawks in every single game they played and will need to continue to be effective on the glass in order to be in this series. The Warriors, meanwhile, defeated the Rockets in five games last round. They won two of the final three games by double digits and grabbed 72 rebounds in two of the final three games as well. They have done a good job on the glass and will need to keep that up against an aggressive Cleveland team.

These teams met twice during the regular season and both squads won by double digits when playing at home. Both games went Under the total as well. Over the past three seasons, the Warriors are 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS when facing the Cavaliers overall. Golden State has won three of its past four games against Cleveland at Oracle Arena.

The Cavaliers are 17-6 ATS after five straight games forcing their opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers over the past two seasons. The Warriors, however, are 9-0 ATS after two straight games where they were called for 25 or more fouls over the past two seasons.

PF Kevin Love (Shoulder) and C Anderson Varejao (Achilles) are out for the season for the Cavaliers. SG Klay Thompson (Concussion) is probable for Game 1 and PF Marreese Speights (Calf) is available to play as well.

SF LeBron James (27.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG in playoffs) is playing his best basketball entering the Finals. Even with PG Kyrie Irving (18.7 PPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG in playoffs) banged up and PF Kevin Love (16.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG in regular season) out for the remainder of the year, the Cavaliers swept the Atlanta Hawks last round. None of it would be possible without James though, as he averaged 30.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 9.3 APG and 1.5 SPG against the Hawks last round. He looks healthy and is using his size and strength better than ever in the postseason. James has not always been one to be aggressive as a post scorer, but he has done so often in this series. He’ll need to continue to use his size in this one and should really go after it on Wednesday.

PF Tristan Thompson (9.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.3 BPG in playoffs) is going to need to be on his game in Game 1. Draymond Green is one of the most versatile forwards in basketball and Thompson will need to match his energy on both ends of the floor. He has been the reason this Cavaliers team has been dominant on the glass and his activity as a rebounder will come a long way in determining who wins the series.

Many thought that the going would get tougher in the postseason, but the Warriors have dropped just three games in these playoffs. PG Stephen Curry (29.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG in playoffs) averaged 31.2 PPG and 5.6 APG in the Western Conference Finals. He shot 49% from the outside in that series and is playing the best basketball of his career. He will be going up against Kyrie Irving, who is dealing with a number of injuries. If Curry can continue to pour it on offensively then the Warriors will likely be going into Game 2 with a 1-0 lead.

SG Klay Thompson (19.7 PPG in playoffs) should be feeling good after recovering from a concussion in the time off before the finals. He has struggled with his shot at times in the postseason and must start the series off right.

SF Draymond Green (14.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG in playoffs) will be one of the most important players in this series. He’ll likely spend a lot of time guarding LeBron James and must hold his own if that is the case. Curry can do everything he wants offensively, but if the Warriors don’t find a way to stop LeBron then it will be tough to win the title.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:27 AM

Game 1 Player Props

June 2, 2015

Odds provided by Sportsbook.ag - Subject to Change

Odds to win NBA Finals MVP

Stephen Curry (Warriors) 1/2
LeBron James (Cavaliers) 9/5
Draymond Green (Warriors) 10/1
Klay Thompson (Warriors) 15/1
Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) 15/1
Harrison Barnes (Warriors) 50/1
JR Smith (Cavaliers) 75/1
Andre Iguodala (Warriors) 100/1
Iman Shumpert (Cavaliers) 100/1
Timofey Mozgov (Cavaliers) 100/1
Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers) 100/1
Andrew Bogut (Warriors) 200/1
James Jones (Cavaliers) 500/1
Matthew Dellavedova (Cavaliers) 500/1

Game 1 Player Props

LeBron James (Cavaliers) Total Points
Over 29.5 (-110)
Under 29.5(-120)

LeBron James (Cavaliers) Total Rebounds+Assists
Over 17.5 (-130)
Under 17.5 (Even)

LeBron James (Cavaliers) Total Made Free Throws
Over 7 (-125)
Under 7 (-105)

LeBron James (Cavaliers) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 1.5 (-115)
Under 1.5 (-115)

Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) Total Points+Assists
Over 26 (-110)
Under 26 (-120)

Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 2.5 (Even)
Under 2.5 (-140)

Timofey Mozgov (Cavaliers) Total Points+Rebounds
Over 17.5 (-115)
Under 17.5 (-115)

Timofey Mozgov (Cavaliers) Total Blocked Shots
Over 1.5 (Even)
Under 1.5 (-130)

Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers) Total Points
Over 11.5 (+105)
Under 11.5 (-135)

Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers) Total Rebounds
Over 10.5 (-120)
Under 10.5 (-110)

Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers) Total Made Free Throws
Over 2.5 (-140)
Under 2.5 (Even)

Iman Shumpert (Cavaliers) Total Points+Rebounds+Assists
Over 17.5 (-115)
Under 17.5 (-115)

Iman Shumpert (Cavaliers) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 1.5 (-130)
Under 1.5 (Even)

J.R. Smith (Cavaliers) Total Points
Over 14 (-110)
Under 14 (-120)

J.R. Smith (Cavaliers) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 2.5 (-145)
Under 2.5 (+110)

Matthew Dellavedova (Cavaliers) Total Points+Rebounds
Over 10.5 (Even)
Under 10.5 (-140)

James Jones (Cavaliers) Total Points+Rebounds+Assists
Over 9.5 (Even)
Under 9.5 (-140)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Points
Over 29 (-110)
Under 29 (-120)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Assists
Over 7 (Even)
Under 7(-130)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Made Free Throws
Over 4.5 (+105)
Under 4.5 (-135)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 3.5 (-285)
Under 3.5 (+210)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 4.5 (+105)
Under 4.5 (-135)

Stephen Curry (Warriors) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 5.5 (+150)
Under 5.5 (-200)

Klay Thompson (Warriors) Total Points+Rebounds+Assists
Over 26 (-115)
Under 26 (-115)

Klay Thompson (Warriors) Total Made Free Throws
Over 2 (-145)
Under 2 (+110)

Klay Thompson (Warriors) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 2.5 (-165)
Under 2.5 (+130)

Draymond Green (Warriors) Total Points
Over 13.5 (-115)
Under 13.5 (-115)

Draymond Green (Warriors) Total Rebounds
Over 11 (-115)
Under 11 (-115)

Draymond Green (Warriors) Total Made 3 Point Field Goals
Over 1.5 (+140)
Under 1.5 (-185)

Harrison Barnes (Warriors) Total Points
Over 12.5 (Even)
Under 12.5 (-130)

Harrison Barnes (Warriors) Total Rebounds+Assists
Over 7.5 (+130)
Under 7.5 (-165)

Andrew Bogut (Warriors) Total Points+Rebounds+Blocked Shots
Over 16 (-115)
Under 16 (-115)

Andre Iguodala (Warriors) Total Points
Over 7.5 (Even)
Under 7.5 (-130)

Leandro Barbosa (Warriors) Total Points+Rebounds+Assists
Over 7.5 (Even)
Under 7.5 (-140)

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:30 AM

Ex-Warriors coach Mark Jackson calls team's games in finals

June 3, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - As awkward as it might appear, Mark Jackson believes his job analyzing his former Golden State Warriors team is really quite simple.

''To me, it's an assignment, and my job is to tell the story,'' Jackson said. ''Sometimes people don't like the stories, but it is what it is. So to me, I absolutely feel like no matter, if I'm calling a game between my brothers or my parents, the facts are the facts. The story dictates itself to me, and I relay the message to the viewers as good as I possibly can. That's going to be my job whether it's the Warriors or anybody else.''

Jackson has had plenty of practice in the year since the Warriors fired him and he returned to his old job as one of the lead analysts on NBA coverage for ABC and ESPN. He called a handful of Golden State games in the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs and then did the entire Western Conference finals.

Jackson will be sitting center court Thursday night calling Game 1 of the finals between the Warriors and Cleveland.

In a task some people have compared to being a videographer at an ex-spouse's wedding, Jackson's every word has been dissected for any signs of bias or bitterness.

''I read articles that I shouldn't be doing it,'' Jackson said. ''To me, it was laughable. I'm absolutely winning and having the time of my life calling games with incredible friends and incredible people and working for an incredible organization. So it's been a blast for me.''

Jackson had a mostly successful tenure at Golden State, posting a 121-109 record and the team's first back-to-back playoff appearances in more than two decades in his three seasons.

He was still fired after losing a seven-game first-round series to the Clippers last year with co-owner Joe Lacob saying he believed a different coach was needed to take the team to the next level.

Jackson's replacement, Steve Kerr, has done just that, earning universal praise, winning a team-record 67 games and finishing second in coach of the year balloting.

Jackson, who backed Kerr for that honor, has had a complicated relationship with his former team as his role as an analyst has caused him to take unpopular stances.

In his first game back in Oakland in January, Jackson memorably delivered the line ''You cannot disrespect the caterpillar and rave about the butterfly'' during a discussion about how praise for Kerr had unfairly turned into criticism of Jackson.

Jackson said later that game that a ''rim protector is overrated in this league'' in a discussion about the importance of Warriors center Andrew Bogut.

Bogut's feelings toward Jackson were evident last week when he answered a question about Kerr hiring experienced assistants for his staff with this zinger: ''Whenever you have a head coach that's not full of himself, it makes a huge difference,'' Bogut said.

Bogut isn't the only Warriors player who has been puzzled by Jackson's comments. After Jackson told a radio show in April that he believed Houston's James Harden should be MVP ahead of Stephen Curry, Curry said he was surprised to hear that. Curry later omitted Jackson in his lengthy acceptance for the MVP award that included thanks for countless others.

Curry said it was ''weird'' the first couple of times Jackson called Warriors games but that is no longer an issue.

''I don't really think about the connection to last year as much just because we're so wrapped up in the here and now,'' Curry said. ''We've obviously talked all year about how important he was to changing our identity as a team and organization and what he did for us those three years. Obviously, we still believe in that. But we're about this year and kind of moving forward.''

Jackson was complimentary of the Warriors fans, players and coaches in the closing moments of their clincher in the Western Conference finals last week against Houston.

When asked his emotions after Draymond Green came over to give him a hug and thanks during the trophy presentation, Jackson's voice cracked as he talked of his pride.

''To me, people blew out the emotional - a guy came over and said thank you,'' Jackson said. ''If you came to my church, you would say, Well, he cries every week. People say thank you. People show appreciation. I'm an emotional guy. That was all it was.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:31 AM

Curry set for Finals moment against Cavs

June 3, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Stephen Curry was early in his career, a long way from even thinking about the NBA Finals.

His Golden State Warriors were in Cleveland, where LeBron James powered one of the best teams in the league. Curry thinks the Warriors lost the game (they did, one of their 56 losses his rookie season) but certainly remembers the chat.

James, already the best player in the game, pulled Curry aside leaving the court and told him to focus on his own effort, ignore any distractions around him, make sure he was always prepared.

''There is going to be a time when it's all going to work out because you'll be ready for that moment,'' Curry said Wednesday of James' message.

And now, it might happen against James.

The next chat between the superstars could be Thursday night at center court, before Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Curry is now the NBA's MVP and the Warriors, no longer the lowly laughingstock from his rookie season, won a league-best 67 games during the regular season. They have lost three times at Oracle Arena all season, but that doesn't faze James as he tries to end Cleveland's 51-year pro sports title drought in his first season back there.

''I've been in so many loud arenas. This is going to be one of them,'' he said. ''I've played in OKC in the (2012) finals to start off the series. I've played in Boston. I've played in Detroit when they were in their heyday. I've played in Chicago in 2011 to open up the Eastern Conference finals. I've played in San Antonio.

''So I've been in some very loud buildings and this, obviously, I know tomorrow is going to be one of them. But I don't add too much pressure on it. You just go out and you just try to play.''

He has done that superbly in this postseason, averaging 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists in the Eastern Conference playoffs. He has played better basketball - he brought up the 2009 East finals loss against Orlando, a month before Curry was drafted - but the steady hand he has provided with Kevin Love out and Kyrie Irving hurting has made James as good as he's ever been.

''For me as leader of the team, it's my job to lead the guys and to perform well,'' James said. ''At the end of the day, win, lose or draw, that's all I can ask out of myself and ask out of my guys, and we'll do that.''

His finals experience - he's the first to play in five straight finals since Bill Russell's Celtics of the 1960s - is one advantage for the Cavs against a Warriors team with no players who have played for the championship. Warriors rookie coach Steve Kerr, who won five titles as a player, says he and assistant Luke Walton have talked to the team about what to expect now.

''But what I really found as a player was once you get out on the floor, you just start playing and everything returns to normal,'' Kerr said. ''It's still just a basketball game. But you've got to get to that point and the best way to do that is to try to ignore the chaos as much as you can.''

For Curry, keeping things normal Wednesday meant a haircut and some sun by his pool. And he knows James will be prepared, just as he once instructed Curry.

''He's a gamer,'' Curry said. ''You know he's going to ready for big moments.''

Other things to watch in the NBA Finals:

KYRIE'S CONDITION: Irving, who missed two games in the East finals with knee and foot injuries, plans to play, while realizing he won't be at his best.

''It's an adjustment, but it's what it is at this point,'' he said. ''But I'm just going to go out there and will myself to play.''

CLEVELAND CONNECTION: Kerr played 3 1/2 seasons in Cleveland and will try to join Phil Jackson, whose Lakers beat the Nets in 2002, as the only coaches to beat a team they played for in the finals. He understands why it hasn't been a desired destination for players, saying ''let's face it, it's cold,'' but said he enjoyed the experience.

''I used to go to Indians games and Browns games, and you felt the passion of the sports community there,'' he said. ''The fans loved all their teams. So I'm really happy for the city of Cleveland, for them to be in the finals.''

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: Though also in his first year as an NBA coach, David Blatt has reminded reporters all season that he's no rookie after his long, successful career overseas. The coach of 2014 Euroleague champion Maccabi Tel Aviv repeated that message Wednesday, saying he didn't ''find this at all imposing.''

''So it's thrilling and it's exciting, and it's joyful to be in this situation,'' he added. ''Is it all unusual or uncomfortable for me? No. I've been in situations like this before many times.''

KLAY'S OK: Klay Thompson wasn't cleared to play until Tuesday after suffering a concussion in Game 5 of the West finals, but never feared missing the opener.

''I had some nagging headaches that night, but when I got some good sleep and some good rest I was all right,'' he said. ''So I really knew that Game 1 was never in jeopardy.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:33 AM

Warriors rely on depth to defend James

June 2, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - LeBron James believes there's nobody in the world that can stop him. He's too strong, too fast, too skilled.

A bully with a basketball and beast above the rim.

If the Golden Warriors want to win the title, they'll need to get past James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals starting Thursday night. And not just once - but four times in seven games.

''Some have been successful. Many have failed,'' said Warriors forward Draymond Green, the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year and among at least four players who will get their shot at James in the series.

Defending the four-time MVP is a challenge the Warriors think they're as well equipped as anybody to face.

They had the top-rated defense during the regular season and held opponents to a league-low 42.8 percent shooting. They're loaded with length and versatility on the perimeter, and they lean on 7-footer Andrew Bogut to back them up around the basket.

Call it the Irresistible Force Paradox: an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Someone, or something, will surely have to give in this matchup.

''Our defense is the best in the league, but we're looking forward to the challenge,'' Bogut said.

James had little trouble slicing through Golden State's smothering pressure in the lone game he played against the Warriors this season. He scored a season-high 42 points in the Cavs' 110-99 win in Cleveland on Feb. 26, shot 15 of 25 from the floor and made 8 of 11 free throws.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr called it ''one of those games where he was making everything.'' He said the key to avoiding a repeat performance is clogging the paint and avoiding turnovers that lead to transition baskets.

''Sometimes your best defense is your offense,'' Kerr said. ''You can't get crazy with the ball. A live-ball turnover with LeBron is just a dunk at the other end.''

James, who is in his fifth straight finals, has been brilliant in the playoffs. He averaged 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 42.8 percent against Boston, Chicago and Atlanta and often looked flawless.

The Warriors have been tight-lipped about how they'll go about defending James. But, like anybody, they believe there are ways to disrupt his rhythm.

''We're all human, I would like to think,'' said Warriors swingman Andre Iguodala, who spent more time defending James than any other player on the team in the previous matchup, according to the SportVU tracking system.

The Warriors are no strangers to stopping stars in these playoffs.

James will be the fourth straight All-NBA First-Team player they face after Houston's James Harden, Memphis' Marc Gasol and New Orleans' Anthony Davis. The fifth member of that team is newly minted MVP Stephen Curry, whom James compared himself to last week when asked how to defend the Warriors point guard.

''The same way you slow me down,'' he said, pausing for effect. ''You can't.''

The Warriors will likely do what they did against each team's best player the previous three rounds: mix and match defenders and defensive looks.

Green, Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson will take turns guarding James. And because the Warriors switch on pick-and-rolls at just about every position, it's not nearly as important who starts on him as it is who finishes on him.

Kerr and assistant coach Ron Adams, the de facto defensive coordinator, will likely shift schemes - such as going under screens and over screens, trapping or backing off - several times each game to give James different looks.

James, in his 12th year in the league, has seen just about everything. He said it's always a luxury for a team to have a variety of defensive players, and the Warriors are no different in that regard.

''They have multiple bodies that they can kind of put on me,'' James said, ''but it doesn't affect what I need to do.''

The Warriors also want to limit the opportunities James creates for his teammates.

The number of assists he has might be just as important as how points he scores. Collapsing around him and leaving another player open for a 3-pointer can be costly, which is why the Warriors are looking at the defensive plan as a ''team challenge.''

''It's not one person's job to stop LeBron,'' Green said. ''If we're going to send any one person on our team to stop LeBron, we'll probably lose. It'll be a complete team effort. And as long as we approach it that way, I think we can do it.''

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:35 AM

LeBron on his game: 'This is probably the best I've been'

June 3, 2015

CLEVELAND (AP) - LeBron James listened to a question he's been asked in the past and began processing.

On the eve of his fifth consecutive NBA Finals, the four-time league MVP who has carried the Cavaliers within four wins of a championship in his homecoming season, James appears to be playing the best ball of his life.

Others have said so, some insisting they've never seen anyone - at least no one this side of Michael Jordan - perform at such a high level.

James has been magnificent in these playoffs. Clutch. Focused. Confident.

But does the 30-year-old believe he's at the pinnacle of his 12-year career.

''I think if you put it all together, yeah,'' he said. ''If you put everything together as far as my mind, my body, my game. If you put everything in one bottle, this is probably the best I've been.''

King James has spoken.

Although he has jumped higher, scored more, shot for a higher percentage and had bigger statistical games in nine previous postseasons, James has taken his game to new boundaries, the outer limits as he prepares to take on the Golden State Warriors. He's still doing what few can physically match on the floor, but he's also lifting his teammates, inspiring them, making them believe they can end Cleveland's 51-year title drought.

He can still take over a game, and he can get inside it.

Through words and actions, James has pushed the Cavs past postseason injuries to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the other members of Cleveland's Big 3, who haven't pulled their weight in the postseason. James has picked up the slack with more rebounds, and by playing point guard.

He's brought out the best in sharpshooter J.R. Smith and made reserves like Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova embrace their roles. He's even caused David Blatt's critics to pause and reconsider what kind of job Cleveland's first-year coach has done.

James has never been better.

With dedication and hard work, James is exhibiting what he wrote in his letter to Cleveland fans last summer when he said: ''In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.''

Irving didn't fully understand James' genius until they became teammates. Over the past few months, the All-Star point guard has grown to appreciate No. 23's effect on those around him. Irving marvels at James' photographic memory and uncanny knack for seeing plays unfold before others.

''I became a fan to be honest with you,'' Irving said. ''I told him that. It's a different feeling when you're on a team with someone you've watched for so long. When you get to see him up close and the work that he puts in, the dedication that he has, the drive and the will that he has. The true testament of him is that he embodies a leader and the true testament and the word `team' is embodied with the guys we have. We have so many different personalities, so many different guys, and when you have a leader like that it lifts you up in every situation.''

Miami changed him.

During four seasons in South Florida, a period he refers to as his ''college years,'' James learned to be a champion. Playing alongside All-Star Dwyane Wade, James gained a better understanding of the trust necessary to win it all. He had Wade's back and vice versa. They grew into one.

The blistering spotlight, too, hardened James, who mastered the ability to block out external noise.

Before he went to Miami, injuries like the ones to Irving and Love might have unraveled him. These days, they're just more obstacles.

''Even in the past, mentally I just wasn't who I am today,'' he said. ''My mind, my hard drive, wasn't as big. I'm able to handle a lot of situations that I wasn't able to handle at 24 and 25 years old. I just tried to do it by just going out and just playing.''

Warriors swingman Shaun Livingston said there's an obvious difference in James (version 2015) and the one he played against in past years.

''He's definitely better,'' said Livingston. ''His time in Miami helped sharpen his mental fortitude. They faced a lot of adversity in Miami with all the scrutiny. I think that's helped him on the court, being more calm and not really playing to the outside but just between the lines.''

James has pieced together an amazing body of work in this postseason already. He nearly averaged a triple-double in the Eastern Conference finals, posting 30.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in the series, the first player to average at least 30 points, 10 boards, and nine assists in a series.

In the previous round, he made a buzzer-beating shot to win Game 4 and followed that with a 38-point, zero-turnover masterpiece in Game 5.

He hasn't been perfect. James missed his first 10 shots in Game 3 against Atlanta before getting a triple-double, and he's been sloppy with the ball. But he's on a mission, and within reach of winning a title that would top any of his many accomplishments.

''I've been watching a lot of playoffs the last six years,'' Love said, ''and I don't know if I've seen him play better than this.''

Nobody has.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:36 AM

LeBron a favorite in Vegas even if Cavaliers are not

June 3, 2015

LAS VEGAS (AP) - LeBron James will do more than just make a lot of people in Cleveland happy if he can find a way to lead the Cavaliers over Golden State in the NBA Finals.

He'll also make a lot of people a pretty good return on their investment.

Bettors in this gambling city are taking a chance on the Cavaliers to win the NBA title, lured by odds that are roughly 2-1 against that happening. They're counting on the best player of his generation and his teammates to overcome the odds and beat the heavily favored Warriors.

''There's a lot worse things to do with your cash than betting on this kid and getting 2-1 for your money,'' said Jimmy Vaccaro of the South Point sports book. ''Everybody knows the East is worse than the West and Cleveland is hurt by injuries, but you're still getting the big locomotive.''

At the South Point, bettors can win $225 for every $100 bet on the Cavs, enticing both Cleveland fans and those looking for betting value to put money on the underdogs. To the casual fan the bet looks even better when it costs $200 to win $100 on the favored Warriors.

Add in the LeBron factor, and Cleveland is getting a lot of action around town, especially among smaller bettors.

''They're betting Cleveland like it's going out of style,'' said Nick Bogdanovich, oddsmaker for the William Hill chain of sports books. ''LeBron is a live underdog and with future tickets on both sides, people are hedging their bets.''

Any team coming out of the East was going to be an underdog in the finals to begin with after a season dominated by the best teams in the West. Cleveland might have gotten shorter odds than any other team, but not with Kevin Love out with an injury and guard Kyrie Irving's status game-to-game.

That means Golden State is a 6-point favorite to win Game 1, and a prohibitive favorite to win the best-of-7 series.

''You punch out the numbers and Cleveland should be the dog,'' Vaccaro said. ''If they played this series 100 times, Golden State wins probably 75 or more. But for bettors it all goes back to the rational that they're getting LeBron James.''

Bogdanovich said his books opened Golden State an even larger favorite, at minus-260, but have adjusted the line to make it minus-220 for the Warriors because of the money being bet in the Cavaliers. That line is still proving attractive to those who think James might somehow will his team to a win.

''Golden State has been the best team all year and is a monster on the court,'' he said. ''But I can understand the line. Anytime you've got LeBron and are getting 2-1 for your money there are probably worse investments.''

For those who just want to bet on James himself, there are other options. At the Westgate LV Superbook, bettors can wager $110 to win $100 on whether James will score more than 29.5 points in Thursday's Game 1.

The same bet can be made on the total number of rebounds and assists James has in the opener (17.5 is the over/under) and whether he'll make more than seven free throws (even money).

One thing bettors really seem to like would be one of the worst outcomes for both James and the Cavs. At William Hill, almost three in every 10 bets on what game the series will end in has been made on Golden State to win in six games.

If so, the deciding game would be in long-suffering Cleveland.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-04-2015, 02:40 AM

NBA Finals: Irving and Thompson both ready for Game 1

OAKLAND -- Kyrie Irving is not hiding the severity of his lingering knee injury (tendonitis). At media availability Wednesday, Irving again asserted that he will play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday but said that to do so, he will have to "will" himself to play.

"It's definitely tough," Irving told reporters at the podium in Oracle Arena. "Because obviously mentally and physically you want to be in line. It's just like some of the things I'm thinking about doing mentally, you know, your body just kind of stops and you can catch yourself a little bit sometimes. You've got to get off the ball. But for me, it's just about finding my spots and seeing where i could be more effective out there for my teammates."

Andrew Bogut, meanwhile, told that everyone's hurt at this point, and he's not really sure why the Cavs are talking about it so much.

"It's made it difficult," Cavaliers coach David Blatt said about the impact of Irving's injury. "But that is the situation. You know, as we have in every other case this year, faced that with the same resolve and the same no-quit attitude and have made it our model for no excuses. We play and we play to win regardless of the situation."

LeBron James gave his partner in crime props, meanwhile.

"Whatever he can give us, it's going to be great for our team," James said. "Kyrie at 50, Kyrie at 60 Kyrie at 70 [percent] is better than Kyrie at zero. His presence on the floor. When that No. 2 Irving steps onto the court, he's a presence. And the defense has to be aware of him, has to account for him just because of his abilities to make plays. Any guy that is playing through injuries, I mean we all are at this point, but he's dealing with something that's even more challenging, so you definitely commend him."

On the other side, the Warriors' Klay Thompson said Wednesday that he felt from very early on in his recovery from the concussion sustained in Game 5 vs. the Rockets that he would be available in Game 1.

"I was confident I was going to play," Thompson said. "I knew I had to pass protocol, but I've been hit in the head before, and, honestly, I felt really good the second day. I had some nagging headaches that night, but when I got some good sleep and some good rest I was all right. So really knew that Game 1 was never in jeopardy."

If you want proof of the unavoidable problem of self-reporting with the NBA's concussion protocol, Thompson's answer gave pretty good insight. In order to clear tests, on top of some basic cognitive tests performed by medical personnel, a player is asked to self-report any symptoms. It seems like Thompson didn't have any and was fine. But consider this response from Thompson, emphasis mine:

"At the same time, it's not cool seeing your name in the headlines saying is he unsure or whatnot, just because I wanted to play so bad. You know, it's the NBA Finals. There is something wrong with you if you don't want to get out there and work everything to get back on the court.

"So for me, and it was almost like not playing wasn't an option. I just can't wait. I know I was going to be alright though. I'd taken hits to the head before and that one looked kind of rough, but after a few days, I felt back to normal."

Again, I'm not disputing Thompson's self-assessment, it certainly seems as though he really did clear all symptoms in the abnormally long gap between the Western Conference Finals and when he was cleared Monday. However, when you have an assessment protocol that hinges on self-reporting, and players who have competed their whole lives to be available in these moments, the conflict is self-evident. There's not much the league can do at this point because current imaging tests don't reveal changes to the brain following a concussion to provide comparison, and there are no distinct physiological changes beyond symptoms to identify the lingering effects of a concussion.

With Thompson ready to suit up in Game 1, however, those that questioned his availability due to how long concussions take to recover from may have missed a key element: ultimately Thompson has the most say in whether he returned or not.

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