Thanks fellas, it was fun!

I’m cashing in my chips, sort of. I put all my winnings on Brooklyn to win the East, which I will explain in a bit. The grind of the season was getting to me and it was just a matter of time before I imploded. I know myself well enough to know when that’s coming. I also really have to focus on family and stop with the capping, which is using up too much of my psychic and emotional energy. But I’m glad to go out on a winning note, with the Lakers and Warriors both coming through for us yesterday.

Why the Nets to win the East at -110? Despite the risks, mostly injuries, I’m not worried about this team gelling or not being able to play defense (the NBA, except for a brief, ugly period in the 90’s, is not a defensive league: it’s a superstar/offensive player league) or other issues that pop up. The Nets are all in. They have invested a lot in this team, from players to coaches, and behind it all is a powerful redemption story for guys who have won the championship and guys who have not. From Nash, to DeAntoni to Harden, Griffin, Aldridge you name it. Then there is Irving and Durant, who both, in their own way, won titles under the shadows of other superstars. Irving won on LBJ’s team and Durant on Curry’s. This is a chance for both of them to change that narrative, though how much credit they’ll ultimately get for putting this team together and getting it over the hump remains to be seen. 

My last reason for investing in the Nets is that the top teams in the East are highly flawed. The Heat lost to the Grizz?! And this Heat team has no real identity or leader. The Bucks, without the freak, lost to the pitiful Warriors?! In other words, they are a one-man or one superstar team, and even then this team has shown, again and again, it cannot close out close games. The Sixers are a solid team that plays both offense and defense, but can you really trust Rivers and that bunch come playoff time? Will Embid outshine Durant, Irving and Harden? I don’t think so. 

The West is a total crapshoot in my opinion, and I would not dream of investing in any of those teams. I also did not bet the Nets to win the title at +250 because that is a riskier proposition, since I don’t know who they’ll be playing or what form they’ll be in, whereas just winning the East, with the current crop of teams, in their current form, is easier to cap.

Good luck to everyone. And thanks for the support this season. I might stop in from time to time for some banter, but other than that I’ll just be a fan and enjoy the games. 

@begginerboy

 Bol BB it's really been an up and down season with the most variables we've had to face. The fact that you're cashing out (unfortunately not alot of people will be in a position to do that this season) and not chasing losses or even worse falling deeper in the Red. Love your insights and angles you bring to all your posts. Bol with your future pick bro 

@banksopenallday

@Mannutd

 Thanks, Mannutd. I had sworn off betting the NBA but couldn’t resist because I needed an outlet. I’m glad I jumped back in for a bit. It was fun. You are a good man. Guys like you are the reason I come back to this place. My one advice to you is the NBA, unlike some other sports, can be a real grind. Take days off. Then come back to it. Or change your unit size if you are grinding until you start to feel confident with your picks again. 

@begginerboy

 Appreciate you bro, hope to see you around 

damn bro... youre doing the right thing. family comes first. hope all stays well and wouldnt mind your insight here and there. 

i love the nets bet, i dont think anyones beating them in the east. ive never bet a long term bet before so i probably wont but this seems like a bet with a high chance of winning 

That’s a good way to go out.  

@begginerboy

 While I am highly appreciative of your capping insights, as what most of us are here for, I am more thankful for letting yourself be vulnerable by sharing your personal challenges and life situation. I think it humanize this community and in a way make us reflect as well of things which are more important than our own degenerative gambling lives(some). 

Wish the best 

(See you in the playoffs?)

yep i agree. forgo the grind. not worth it with these slackers and just take the Nets to win east. got them at +100 during all star break. enjoy your break 

@packersbackers

@mikebreezyy

 Thanks, buddy. I don’t know how you have the stomach to bet big bucks on these guys on a nightly basis, but more power to you. Keep killing it! 

@SuperSlapem

 Keep doing your thing, Slap. I love the fact that you offer writeups for all your selections. It’s helpful to the forum and yourself as a way of looking back and seeing what went right or wrong. 

@gomburzago

@Digitalkarma

They really are slackers. The NBA has become a giant fraternity. +100 is nice. As long as these guys don’t continue pulling hamstrings, that number should go up! 

Have already bet them and will add

my book has it at -170 currently, youre lucky to still get it at -110 

Bol BB on your vacation from Covers.....I bit and took the Nets to win it all.....we shall see.....Come back

invigorated....

see ya in 2 weeks!

Just saw on Bookmaker it’s -145. And I thought that was high, but -170?! I’m glad my book didn’t limit me. They allowed me to bet $3300. That was the max. I keep thinking with my luck, Durant will go out there tonight and break a leg. Something like this happened to me once. The day after I put a futures bet for the Thunder to get to the finals, Westbrook got hurt in a playoff game against the Rockets. That was it for the Thunder. They lost to the Grizz in the next round. Hoping that doesn’t repeat this time. 

You wanna bet? 

Nice job BB ..  The Nets should win the East as well.. 

I hope they do, just for Durant to stick it to Kerr, Draymond and the Warriors owner: Bobby Lightyears! 

cheers man,you are a breath of fresh air in amongst a fair bit of negativity and childishness at times......nets should absolutely,positively come through, health permitting...but thats a BIG "IF"..to me the odds are pretty much +100 that nobody of the main 3 are incapacitated for the playoff run and not so much odds that they will they get enough wins to make it through 3 series.and im with you,its a risk im willing to take.its been shocking how well they have coalesced and been able to withstand important guys being in and out constantly and still roll through the west and be one of the very best teams in the league.this just does not happen very often with a totally new group of guys as we have seen..i have never liked harden much at all but big kudos to that man,he has been the engine.

@begginerboy

 Thank you so much for insights and angles brother.  You been great help for rookie cappers like me. Gona miss it for sure. 

BB Will be back...This is the 3rd time this year he has said this......

@Mcmanus

@melossinglet

 I think they have a decent chance of getting to the finals if 2 out of the 3 are healthy. Doesn’t matter which 2. The Sixers and Bucks only have one star and neither is great at creating his own shot: they need someone to pass it to them. 

@Ildjarn

 Thanks buddy. I appreciate it. Check out the Wizards tonight. They gave away a 19 point lead in their last game. If they are up against Orlando, they should close the deal. Check out the Blazers tomorrow night at Utah. They are getting + 7 and they feel embarrassed about their performance against the Clippers. They want to prove they can compete against the big boys in the West. Clippers are also in a nice spot tomorrow to knock off the Suns and move up in the standings. These are all games I had already capped and decided not to play. 

@davemsh

 Then I guess third time is the charm. 

will miss your insights especially on the Warriors

GL BB