NBA Finals 2011
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat (-4) Over/Under 188
So here we are on the brink of the NBA Finals, and all I can think about is why the Lakers fell apart at the end of the season. My conclusion: the Lakers looked old and slow. Their inability to attack the rim Or hit 3-pointers left them unable to stretch the opponents' defense. Dallas has been superb at finding the open man around the three point line and hitting their shots. Miami's key to success has come from their dribble penetration and ability to get to the basket. The Heat and Mavs are also very similar.
Both teams have gone 12-3 in the playoffs.
Both teams played tough defense and controlled the boards despite being undersized.
Both teams dominated from the free throw line.
Both teams had the best player on the court in each playoff series (Dirk and Lebron).
Both teams Cannot win this series
Key Players: G Dwayne Wade vs G Jason Terry.
-Wade played terrible last round vs the Bulls and the Heat had no problem with the Bulls. That won't be the case in the Finals. This is definitely Lebron's team, but he will need 25+ a game (yes, that's a lot) from Wade for the Heat to win the crown.
-Terry has been the difference in the Mavs' playoff run. His ability to score off the bench with great efficiency has given Dallas a huge edge in bench play against each opponent. Reminds me of the difference that Lamar Odom gave the Lakers the last couple of years during their title runs. Terry can do it all just like Odom.
Prediction: The series will go six or seven games and the games will be close. I don't see a huge home court advantage, like we have seen in recent years. My initial reaction is to go with the Heat in seven games. The Heat are more talented and have the home court advantage. The Mavs have been shooting way too well from downtown and it will have to stop sometime soon. The Heat bench should continue to improve as their role players get more comfortable. Lebron will win his first Title and the Finals MVP.
Game 1 Action - The game line has dropped from 5 points to 4 in favor of the Heat, while the total has remained firm. Normally, I always prefer the Over but I am worried about the big layoff between rounds. Let's roll with the Under 188 and the Heat to win.
MLB Pick = Texas Rangers (-135) at TB Rays
Go with the Rangers and ace CJ Wilson (5-3, 3.25 ERA) against the struggling Rays rookie Alex Cobb. Cobb got pounded in his only start this season (4 runs in 4.33 innings) against the Angels. The Rays have lost seven of their last ten games, including last night to Texas 11-5. Go with the Rangers!!
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