#3 Posted: 2/8/2013 3:24:53 PM
You have to admit, though, that this game is a total crap shoot at this point. It's practically two unknown teams playing each other. Give the Heat a few points for home court; add another point or two for the star power of LeBron; you wind up with a line of (currently, at 5dimes) Heat-4.
However, I believe that this overlooks the obvious superiority of the Clips' bench. Also, I expect Paul and/or Billups to play the whole game. Wade and Allen are both just entering into the worst symptoms of flu, so they will almost certainly not play. Backcourt advantage: Clippers
The wildcard in my mind is Griffin & Bosh. My guess is that both will suit up and probably play some, but who knows. Crawford is out.
Finally, there's the emotional element that I believe favors the Clippers. Though not truly 100%, the Clippers morale is rising fast. They don't want to go into the break with the negative momentum of this road trip. The Heat, who have pulled away from the field in the East, can cruise here, and most of them will. Unless LeBron can dominate whatever team the Clippers end up fielding all by himself, it could be a long, hot night for the Heat.
Given the uncertainty, though, I would prefer the moneyline over the points here. Unfortunately, 5dimes apparently felt the same way; they aren't taking moneyline bets yet. |