I don't believe for a second that the refs in ANY league are 100% unbiased, and especially in a sport like the NBA where so many fouls could go either way. The league wants the Cavs in the finals. I know it. You know it. The refs know it.
In the past we would see RIDICULOUS displays of favoritism in series like this, where the Refs did everything they could to help the Lakers get to the finals. Fast forward to 2015, and while that level of bias will never be seen again, we will see a subtle amount of Cavs bias, likely resulting in 10 50/50 calls going the Cavs way 7 times.
Why am I so certain of this? If I was a ref, I KNOW who my boss wantS to win. I also know they want me to get the calls right. I know this. My wife knows this. Everyone knows this. The LAST thing my wife does when she kisses me goodbye at the airport is to say "WHATEVER you do, DO NOT even bother coming home if you make a bad call that costs Cleveland the game".
Type I vs. Type 2 errors. I can make a Type 1 error and make a bad call against the Hawks. However, I simply CANNOT make a very bad call against the Cavs. Given this, any very close call (especially in a tight game) will go the Cavs way. This factor will get more and more important if the Cavs get in trouble in the Series. If they are in an elimination close game, and LeBron drives at a pivotal time in the 4th quarter, and there is contact, I'm calling a foul. Period.
Keep this in mind when you see value on the Atlanta Hawks in this series (and the power ratings WILL see that value). It may all well be a brilliant Mirage you see.........
On the handicapping front, I have FIRED on a 2* MLB baseball favorite that I LOVE tonight. I will be adding more plays later today!
http://bit.ly/1dO56ZY