Posted on 5/2/2008 1:30:15 PM

NBA Furious Playoff Picks 2008 – Cleveland to Close out Wizards

By Tim Furious

Cleveland Cavaliers (45-37) vs. Washington Wizards (43-39)

Friday, May 2nd --- Verizon Center, Washington --- 7:00pm EST

Series: Cle 3-2

NBA Betting Line: Washington -4 (187.5)

The Wizards are turning in to online betting Barbarians with their harassment of LeBron James. The King scored 34 points, but was just 8-for-21 from the field. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and chipped in 7 helpers. The consistent harassment is getting slightly out of hand, but the refs are allowing it, so I guess it’s game on tonight again.

What’s surprising to me is that Cleveland, as a team, isn’t responding to these cheap shots. Isn’t that one of the main reasons they traded for Big Ben Wallace? In 24 minutes, Wallace achieved a “blistering” 2 points, 6 boards and 1 block. Why exactly is he on this team right now? Unless he uppercuts DeShawn Stevenson, or powerbombs Brendan Haywood, he’s pretty much one of the most useless acquisitions of all time.

And that’s the main problems with the Cavs – it’s a two man team out there. The only other player who’s even playing worth a damn is Zydrunas Iglauskas who, in thirty-five minutes, added 19 points and 6 boards. Still, why hasn’t he high-fived Caron Butler in the face as Tough Juice drives the lane? Where is the response from Cleveland? What the hell is wrong with Mike Brown?

I suppose it’s on the scoreboard, and with a conformable lead on Washington heading in to Game 6, there’s no reason to seriously panic. The Wizards are playing the Cavaliers brilliantly, and are still within reason. They also have a nice betting trend on their side, with Cleveland being 3-8 SU in their last 11 road games.

But the Wizards are still 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games, and while they are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home, the last time LeBron came in to Verizon Center with a purpose, the Wizards were embarrassed off the hardwood. Expect this game to push the OVER, just as it has in 7-of-10 when Cleveland visits our nation’s capital.

Do not anticipate a Game 7, betting investor. LeBron will not let that happen, and he will certainly not let a team lacking their most lethal scorer edge his team once again. Gilbert Arenas is out for the season with a knee injury, leaving the responsibility of dethroning The King to Tough Juice, Haywood and Stevenson. Not a likely bet, by any stretch of the imagination.

NBA Betting Free Pick: Cleveland +4 (OVER)

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