The NBA season could end tonight and if it does history will be made as Golden State will have completed a perfect 16-0 Playoffs run comprised of 4 straight 4 game sweeps (of Portland, Utan, San Antonio and Cleveland).  To me the key was Game 3 the other night and I sat that game out waiting for that result to determine tonight's play.  Had Cleveland been able to close  out the game with a win I would have been back on  the Cavs tonight as the Warriors' quest for 16-0 would have been denied and there might have been somewhat of a psychological letdown.  But with a win the Warriors are on the verge of history and that has been one of their goals once the got midway through the Spurs series remaining unbeaten.  The Warriors have won 30 0f their last 31 games dating back to March 14, a run that includes 16 in a row dating back to the final 2 games of the regular season.  They are 22-7-2 ATS in this run with only 4 of the 30 wins by less than 7 points (2, 6, 2 and 5 points with the 5 point win in Game3's comeback win).  Cleveland will try to avoid being swept but one of the keys to Golden State's Game 3 comeback on Wednesday was the recognition of Cleveland being fatigued.  There were 2 nights off between Games 2 and 3  but there  has been only one night off (last night) between Game 3 and 4.  Power Ratings might again make a case for taking the Cavs plus the points but I often ask my self if I would rather lose with the "due play" -- a play on the Cavs in this case --  or lose with a play on the better team in this situation (Golden State).  My answer tonight is that I would regret taking the Cavs if they end up not covering but would not be as upset if I lose with Golden State.  Should the Cavs extend the series with a win tonight I am almost assured of laying the big number with Golden State back home in Game 5 as, remembering last season  when they squandered a 3-1 lead, the will want to avoid being in a similar situation this season.

06/09/2017 2:47 PM