I thought about it for a little bit. Then I thought some more (as I often do).... and then, I thought even more! After all of that thinking, I came to a decision! I think the Lakers route the Suns tonight!
My reasoning is as follows...
When it comes to the L.A. Lakers, most casual bettors don't need much convincing when it comes to placing a wager on the purple and gold.
That was my reasoning for betting AGAINST the Lakers last night. They had just come off of a nationally televised victory against the mighty Thunder, and there was an increased hype that things might finally be turning around for a Lakers team that has underperformed greatly this season!
After Sunday's victory, many bettors thought that if the Lakers could handle OKC, then maybe, just maybe this team has finally figure it out! If they can handle one of the top teams in the Western Conference, then they could make short work of New Orleans and thus, cover a fairly reasonable -7.5 spread! The problem was that the Lakers short work was just that, short. They let New Orleans back in the game in the 4th quarter and failed to cover the spread to the dismay of many.
All that being said, spreads and sports betting aside, the Lakeshow are now riding a 3 game winning streak heading into tonight's game against the lowly Suns. The optimism has returned! Things are starting to make sense again! This team IS good!
But wait a second!? Why in the hell are the now streaking Lakers, a team that is now sharing and caring, only a -2.5 favorite against the lowly Suns?! What gives?!?!
I look at tonight's game from this viewpoint. As I said earlier, it doesn't take much to convince bettors to back the Lakers. Losing. Winning Crippled. it doesn't really matter. Bettors will bet on L.A. nearly all the time! So that being said, a three game winning streak only helps to add fuel to the flame! The books could make tonight's spread 5 or 6 points and people would STILL pound the Lakers.
However, when you make the spread -2.5 points, that's when the caution flags go up. Why? Huh? Wait a minute! Trap game?! You're not going to fool me bookies!
I think this is an effective tactic from the books to sway bettors away from taking the the Lakers tonight. Put the line to 5 or 6 points and people would still bet on Kobe and company. But you make a softie line and bettors start to question exactly "what is going on?"
I think the Lakers pulverize the Suns tonight! -2.5 is a gift!
GL all!
P.S. I've been told I think too much!